Top 10 States for LEED Green Building Certifications

The U.S. is witnessing a surge in green building initiatives, with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification being a major benchmark. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) annually ranks states based on LEED-certified gross square footage per capita.

This metric reflects a state’s commitment to sustainable construction relative to its population size. With the growing importance of sustainability, more than 400 million square feet of LEED Certified space is added every year.

LEED is a green building rating system. Used worldwide, projects earn points toward across several categories by implementing green building strategies. The top U.S. States ranked in order from 1-10 were New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington, Georgia, Virginia, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Maryland.

This trend towards LEED certification reflects a growing national awareness of environmental concerns. LEED buildings are designed to be energy and water efficient, reduce waste, and promote occupant health. By incorporating these elements, states are not only contributing to a greener future but potentially reducing energy costs and creating healthier work and living environments.

The USGBC’s annual ranking serves as a valuable tool for tracking progress and identifying leaders in sustainable construction. As the demand for eco-conscious spaces rises, we can expect even more states to ramp up their LEED initiatives in the years to come.

Washington DC Leads in Green Buildings Per Capita

** While not a state, Washington D.C. consistently takes top honors for the most green buildings per capita. With over 43 GSF Per Capita of LEED Certified space, Washington DC is the “greenest” city in America.

Michael Reible

Mike Reible is a Commercial Mortgage Broker and licensed Real Estate Broker with 25 years of experience ∙ Member: USGBC | LEED Green Associate ∙ Licenses: (DRE 01909623) (MD 17097) (DC BR600242) (FL BK3535437)