The District of Columbia topped the list of U.S. markets for new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications in 2012, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The per-capita list is based on 2010 U.S. Census data and includes commercial and institutional buildings certified under LEED, through which approximately 2.2 billion square feet of space has been certified worldwide through 2012.
The District of Columbia scored the highest ranking, with 36.97 square feet of LEED space certified per resident in 2012. Virginia moved into the position as the top state, with 3.71 square feet certified per resident in 2012, overtaking Colorado, with 2.10 square feet certified per person.
Other top states include Massachusetts, which moved up three positions from 2011, with 2.05 square feet per person; Illinois, with 1.94 square feet; and Maryland, with 1.90 square feet of LEED space certified per resident in 2012.
‘Securing a spot on this list is a remarkable achievement for everyone involved in the green building movement in these states,’ says Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chairman of the USGBC. ‘From architects and designers to local chapter advocates, their collective efforts have brought sustainable building design and use to the forefront of the national discussion on the environment, and I applaud their efforts to create a healthier present and future for the people of their states.’
Among the significant projects that were LEED certified in 2012 were Atlantic Wharf, the first LEED Platinum skyscraper in Boston; Cooper Vineyards in Louisa, Va., the first winery on the East Coast to achieve LEED Platinum certification; National Football League corporate headquarters in New York City and Levi Strauss headquarters in San Francisco, which both received LEED Gold certifications; and Dallas Convention Center Hotel, the first LEED Gold hotel in Texas.
