Green building

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington, has released its annual list of the Top 10 States for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), its green building rating system, ranking states in terms of square feet of LEED space per state resident.

“Green construction is quickly outpacing conventional construction in the U.S.,” says Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair of USGBC. “LEED has become an essential tool for the transformation of building design and construction.

He continues, “By recognizing these states excelling in the use of LEED, we are celebrating the green building professionals, architects, business, policy and community leaders who work tirelessly to design and develop innovative solutions toward a healthier, more sustainable future. LEED construction drives economic growth, creates jobs and makes communities greener.”

Now in its sixth year, the ranking looks at total square feet of LEED-certified space per resident, based on U.S. Census data, and includes commercial and institutional green building projects certified throughout 2015. Illinois retained its top national position for the third year in a row, with 161 LEED certifications representing 3.43 square feet of certified space per resident. Illinois and Colorado are the only two states to have made the list every year since 2010.