Illinois Tops Nation for LEED Green Building Per Capita

For the third consecutive year, Illinois has been named the top state for LEED green building per capita, according to new data from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The ranking considers the total square feet of LEED-certified space per resident and factors in includes commercial and institutional green building projects certified throughout 2015.

Illinois snagged the top spot 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. Illinois outpaced second place Maryland, which had 127 LEED certifications representing 3.06 square feet of certified space per resident. Maryland, Washington and Colorado rounded out the top five; Washington, D.C., was not included in the rankings due its non-state status, but the USGBC noted that it actually lead the nation with 19.3 square feet of LEED space per resident certified in 2015.

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