What is your state's LEED state of affairs? The USGBC recently announced the top 10 states for new LEED certifications in 2012.
Once again, the District of Columbia tops the ranking, with 110 projects and 36.97 square feet of LEED space certified per resident in 2012. The Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG) tool, which makes sustainability initiatives transparent the world over, reveals that 1,310 buildings in Washington, D.C. are practicing green activities with 367 LEED-certified and 272 ENERGY STAR-labeled.
Colorado ranks third with 99 projects certified in 2012, with Denver alone boasting 130 LEED-certified activities and 123 ENERGY STAR-labeled buildings. USGBC recognizes the LEED Gold certification of the Denver Police Crime Lab as one of 2012's significant projects.
Massachusetts moved up three positions into fourth place, earning certification for 106 projects in 2012. To date, in Boston only, there are 143 LEED-certified projects and 110 ENERGY STAR-labeled buildings, according to GBIG. Atlantic Wharf became Boston's first LEED Platinum skyscraper.
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.
| Rank | State | Projects Certified in 2012 |
Square Feet Certified in 2012 |
Per Capita |
| 1 | District of Columbia | 110 | 22,246,445 | 36.97 |
| 2 | Virginia | 170 | 29,709,574 | 3.71 |
| 3 | Colorado | 99 | 10,553,881 | 2.1 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 106 | 13,395,597 | 2.05 |
| 5 | Illinois | 156 | 24,949,997 | 1.94 |
| 6 | Maryland | 127 | 10,954,324 | 1.9 |
| 7 | New York | 214 | 34,378,286 | 1.77 |
| 8 | Washington | 133 | 10,521,177 | 1.56 |
| 9 | California | 540 | 54,252,993 | 1.46 |
| 10 | Texas | 224 | 36,017,979 | 1.43 |
