Illinois Leads U.S. as Top State for LEED Green Building

lllinois tops the U.S. Green Building Council's ranking of states at the forefront of sustainable building design and transformation. The "Top 10 States for LEED"-the world's most widely used and recognized green building rating system-was released Tuesday and "is a continuing indicator of the widespread recognition of our national imperative to create healthier, high-performing buildings that are better for the environment as well as the people who use them every day," Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the USGBC, said in a statement. "As the economy recovers, green buildings continue to provide for jobs at every professional level and skill set, from carpenters to architects. I congratulate everyone in these states whose contributions to resources saved, toxins eliminated, greenhouse gases avoided and human health enhanced help guarantee a prosperous future for our planet and the people who call it home."

The per-capita list is based on 2010 U.S. Census data and includes commercial and institutional green building projects that were certified throughout 2013. Among states, Illinois certified 171 projects representing 2.29 square feet of LEED space per resident. Maryland and Virginia followed Illinois in the second and third positions, respectively, certifying 2.20 and 2.11 square feet of LEED space per resident in 2013.

To see the entire Top 10 list, click here.