While construction crews can help environmentally friendly structures rise across the country, there are certain states where green building is especially popular. Recently, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its list of the 10 states that had the most Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications over the course of 2012.
Landing in the list's top spot was the District of Columbia. Virginia, Colorado, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Washington, California, Texas and Nevada followed it, respectively.
"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, chief executive officer and founding chair of the USGBC, as quoted by the council's website. "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."
Here is a look at some of the states that appeared in the top 10, as well as reasons why they earned a spot:
District of Columbia
Although it is not a state, the District of Columbia bested all other regions of the country in terms of LEED space certified per resident. According to USGBC data, 36.97 square feet of space was LEED certified per resident in 2012. Overall, 110 projects were certified.
After learning of the District of Columbia's placement at the top of the list, Keith Anderson, interim director of the District of Columbia's Department of the Environment, said that buildings are one of the main focus areas of Mayor Vincent C. Gray's Sustainable DC Initiative.
"We are indeed thrilled to be leading the nation in per-capita LEED certified space," said Anderson, as quoted by the USGBC website. "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."
According to the District of Columbia's website, 24 District buildings have received LEED certification at the Silver level or higher. In addition, more than 150 projects are LEED registered.
Virginia
Landing in the list's second spot is Virginia, with 3.71 square feet of space LEED certified per resident. While Virginia's LEED space per capita was lower than the District of Columbia's, its number of projects certified was significantly higher at 170.
One man who was very pleased with the ranking was Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, who has a desire to make his state the energy capital of the U.S.
"Today's ranking is a validation of the tremendous effort of Virginia's architects and builders to design and renovate building spaces to be more energy-efficient," McDonnell said in a statement. "Last year, I signed into law the High Performance Building Act, which ensures that public building design, construction and renovation now meets the LEED green building standard as well. It is good for the environment, good for our bottom line and good for business."
Illinois
Illinois earned the fifth spot on the USGBC's list, with 1.94 square feet of LEED space certified per resident. For Governor Pat Quinn, this was welcome news, as he has worked to make Illinois the "most environmentally-friendly state" since he took office, according to a press release.
Quinn's advocacy for green building is one reason why Illinois ranked so high on the list. In 2009, the governor signed a capital construction plan that requires all state-funded projects to seek at least LEED Silver certification. Furthermore, any major renovation of an existing state-owned structure must pursue LEED certification as well.
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