District of Columbia tops 2012 ranking of new LEED certifications

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released its annual list of the top 10 states for new LEED certifications in 2012.

The per-capita list is based on 2010 U.S. Census data and includes commercial and institutional buildings certified under LEED. About 2.2 billion sq. ft. of space has been certified worldwide through 2012.

“Securing a spot on this list is a remarkable achievement for everyone involved in the green building movement in these states,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the USGBC. “From architects and designers to local chapter advocates, their collective efforts have brought sustainable building design and use to the forefront of the national discussion on the environment, and I applaud their efforts to create a healthier present and future for the people of their states.”

The District of Columbia tops the ranking, with 36.97 sq. ft. of LEED space certified per resident in 2012.

Virginia moved into the position as the top state, with 3.71 sq. ft. certified per resident in 2012. Virginia overtook Colorado, with 2.10 sq. ft. certified per person.

Other top states include Massachusetts, Illinois and Maryland.

The full ranking, which includes 10 states plus Washington, D.C., is as follows:

"Buildings are a primary focus of our Mayor's Sustainable DC initiative," said Keith Anderson, interim director, District of Columbia Department of the Environment. "We are indeed thrilled to be leading the nation in per-capita LEED certified space. Our private and public building sectors are boldly leading with the development of high performing green buildings, and we have aligned governmental policies to support such innovation."

Projects that certified in 2012 include:

• Atlantic Wharf, the first LEED Platinum skyscraper in Boston


• Cooper Vineyards in Louisa, Va., the first winery on the East Coast to achieve LEED Platinum


• National Football League (NFL) corporate headquarters in New York City, LEED Gold


• Levi Strauss headquarters in San Francisco, LEED Gold


• The Chicago Center for Green Technology, a LEED Platinum existing building


• Dallas Convention Center Hotel, the first LEED Gold hotel in Texas


• The U.S. Mint Building in Washington, D.C., LEED Gold


• Denver Police Crime Lab, LEED Gold


• Montgomery College Science Center in Rockville, Md., LEED Gold


• The Center for Urban Waters in Tacoma, Wash., LEED Platinum


• Bonneville Transit Center in Las Vegas, LEED Platinum