The Top 10 US States for LEED Certified Construction in 2019

via USGBC

via USGBC

The USGBC recently released their 2019 ranking of the Top 10 US States for LEED construction, which is sorted by Gross Square Footage per Capita.  That ranking system allows them to get a fair comparison of states, despite differences in population and number of buildings.

“As we embark on a new decade, the USGBC community is focused on helping more projects get on the path to LEED certification and a more sustainable future,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC, in a press release. “Over the last year, the Top 10 states have certified projects that serve as incredible examples of how green building can create more sustainable and resilient spaces that improve our living standard. There is still much work to be done, but the progress made across these states shows us that our work is having a tangible impact on people’s lives. As we enter our next chapter, we are committed to helping more buildings, cities and communities improve their sustainability performance through LEED.”

There was a noticeable decline overall for LEED projects in 2019 versus 2018. According to the USGBC, there were 501.08 million square feet across 2,209 total LEED projects in 2019 as compared to 615.27 million square feet and 2,886 LEED projects in 2018. That decline was also apparent in the top 10 rankings.

None of 2018’s Top 10 states stayed in the same position in the 2019 rankings. Illinois, last year’s top ranked state, fell to #2, after being overtaken by Colorado, who finished at #6 in 2018. Oregon and Minnesota were new to the list in 2019 and replaced Texas and Washington.

2019 Top 10 States for LEED

10. California

Certified Gross Square Footage (GSF): 80,669,066

Number of Projects: 400

GSF per Capita: 2.17

9. Oregon

Certified Gross Square Footage (GSF): 8,825,432

Number of Projects: 33

GSF per Capita: 2.30

8. Minnesota

Certified Gross Square Footage (GSF): 12,708,706

Number of Projects: 25

GSF per Capita: 2.40

7. Virginia

Certified Gross Square Footage (GSF): 19,981,112

Number of Projects: 98

GSF per Capita: 2.50

6. Maryland

Certified Gross Square Footage (GSF): 15,234,554

Number of Projects: 96

GSF per Capita: 2.64

5. Hawaii

Certified Gross Square Footage (GSF): 4,083,713

Number of Projects: 12

GSF per Capita: 3.00

4. Massachusetts

Certified Gross Square Footage (GSF): 24,505,512

Number of Projects: 101

GSF per Capita: 3.74

3. New York

Certified Gross Square Footage (GSF): 72,778,916

Number of Projects: 193

GSF per Capita: 3.76

2. Illinois

Certified Gross Square Footage (GSF): 49,363,822

Number of Projects: 121

GSF per Capita: 3.85

1. Colorado

Certified Gross Square Footage (GSF): 23,962,344

Number of Projects: 102

GSF per Capita: 4.76

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Shane Hedmond
Shane Hedmond

Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.

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