The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its annual list of the top 10 states for new LEED certifications in 2012, on which Massachusetts ranks number 4.
The per-capita list, which recognizes those states that are leading the way in transforming their buildings and communities and includes Washington, D.C., is based on 2010 U.S. Census data and reflects certifications for commercial and institutional buildings.
With 69,312,748 total s/f of LEED-certified space through 2012, Mass. certified 2.05 s/f per resident last year, standing behind Colorado, with 2.10 s/f, and in front of Illinois, with 1.94 s/f.
"Across Massachusetts, architects, designers, local chapter advocates and everyday citizens are coming together to create the healthiest possible environments for working, living and playing," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC.
"Making this list is a testament to their collective efforts to make sustainable building design and use a major part of Massachusetts' discussion on the environment, and I applaud their tireless dedication to the mission of the green building movement."
"Massachusetts has been a longstanding leader in the green building field," said Grey Lee, executive director, USGBC Massachusetts chapter. "This latest distinction shows that our industry professionals are continuing to exemplify aggressive green building advocacy at the project level. I thank our members and LEED APs throughout Massachusetts for their hard work in helping us earn the distinction of being in the top five LEED-space-creating states in the country."
Notable projects that certified in 2012 in Massachusetts include:
* Atlantic Wharf, the first LEED-certified skyscraper in Boston, LEED Platinum
* Perkins Lower School in Watertown, which serves children ages 6 to 14 who are blind or visually impaired, LEED for Schools Gold
* Forrester Research headquarters in Cambridge, LEED Platinum
* Genzyme Biologic Support Center in Framingham, LEED Gold
* University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus Police Station, LEED Gold
USGBC is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org.
As the most widely recognized and widely used green building program across the globe, LEED is transforming buildings, homes and communities in all 50 states and 135 countries. LEED guides the design, construction, operations and maintenance of over 50,000 projects worldwide, comprising 10.3 billion s/f of commercial and institutional construction space, and over 123,000 additional residential units.
By using less energy, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.