DENVER — This week, The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its annual list of the Top 10 States for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the world’s most widely used green building rating system. The list ranks states in terms of certified square feet per resident in 2017. Colorado is ranked No.10 on the list, with 2.27 square feet per capita.
Colorado and Illinois are the only states to have made the list every year since 2010. However, Colorado actually ranked No.2 on the list in 2016 with 92 LEED-certified buildings, totaling more than 15.9 million square feet and representing 3.17 square feet of certified space per capita.
Colorado developments that achieved LEED status include:
- Colorado University Sustainability, Energy and Environmental Complex, a 140,000-square-foot multi-purpose education facility in Boulder, achieved LEED Gold.
- Byron Rogers Federal Building, a 494,100-square-foot office building in Denver, achieved LEED Gold;
- PearlWest, a 172,700-square-foot multi-functional office building in Boulder, achieved LEED Platinum;
- Denver International Airport Station, a 17,900-square-foot transportation facility in Denver, achieved LEED Gold;
- Aspen Community School, a 20,100-square-foot K-12 school in Woody Creek, achieved LEED Gold.
“As the U.S. Green Building Council celebrates 25 years of market leadership and growth, we know how important green building practices and certifications are to ensuring a more sustainable future for all,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. “These states showcase exceptional leadership and by using LEED, businesses, property owners and policy makers in these states are strategically addressing some of the most critical social and environmental concerns of our time. LEED is a proven economic development tool and method of meeting carbon reduction targets, reducing waste, energy and water consumption, and more. By measuring success on a per capita level each year, this list reflects the personal and individual impact of these states’ efforts. We commend the community leaders, businesses and government bodies in all ten of these states for their ongoing efforts and dedication to a better quality of life for everyone.”