USGBC lists states with most LEED®-certified projects per capita
Other top states include Illinois, Virginia, and Washington, with 2.69, 2.42, and 2.18 sq ft of LEED-certified space per person, respectively. The top LEED states per capita, including the District of Columbia:
“Looking past the bricks and mortar, people are at the heart of what buildings are all about,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO, and founding chair, USGBC. “Examining the per capita value of LEED square footage in these states allows us to focus on what matters most — the human element of green buildings.”
LEED counts more than 44,000 projects commercial projects participating internationally, comprising over 8 billion sq ft of construction space in all 50 states and 120 countries. In addition, more than 16,000 homes have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with more than 67,000 more homes registered.
“Our local green building chapters from around the country have been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of green building policies and initiatives that drive construction locally,” continued Fedrizzi. “These states should be recognized for working to reinvent their local building landscapes with buildings that enliven and bolster the health of our environment, communities, and local economies.”
“This is a great accomplishment for the D.C. metropolitan region and a testament to the drive, commitment, and leadership of all those who live, work, and play in our community,” said Mike Babcock, board chair of the National Capital Region Chapter of USGBC. “We also realize there is still more to do and hope to effectively guide the effort by engaging, educating, and encouraging the dialogue around the value of sustainability.”
“Being in the top three is a testament to the diversity of stakeholders from across Illinois who understand the significant environmental, economic, and social benefits related to LEED certification,” said Doug Widener, executive director of the Illinois Chapter of USGBC. “I applaud Illinois’ diverse green building community on this outstanding achievement.”
Notable newly certified projects in 2011 include the Treasury Building in Washington, which is distinguished as the oldest LEED-certified project in the world; the LEED-Platinum Casey Middle School in Boulder, CO; the iconic Wrigley Building in Chicago; Frito-Lay in Lynchburg, VA, which earned LEED Gold for the operations and maintenance of an existing building; the LEED Silver Hard Rock Café in Seattle; Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD; Yawkey Distribution Center of The Greater Boston Food Bank in MA; the LEED Gold Austin Convention Center in TX; SFO’s LEED Gold Terminal 2 in San Francisco; the LEED-Platinum Hotel Skylar in Syracuse, NY; and the LEED Platinum Marquette Plaza in Minneapolis.
In December 2011, USGBC announced that LEED-certified existing buildings outpaced their newly built counterparts by 15 million sq ft on a cumulative basis. A focus on heightened building performance through green operations and maintenance is essential to cost-effectively driving improvements in the economy and the environment.
For the full list of LEED-certified projects visit: usgbc.org/press.
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