California Ranks 9th on USGBC's List of 2012 Top LEED States

Washington, D.C. — (Jan. 23, 2013) — Today, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its annual list of the top 10 states for new LEED certifications in 2012, on which California ranks No. 9.

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 309,116,796 total square feet of LEED-certified space through 2012, California certified 1.46 square feet per resident last year, standing behind Washington, with 1.56 square feet, and in front of Texas, with 1.43 square feet. 

“Across California, architects, designers, chapter leaders and everyday citizens are coming together to create the healthiest possible environments for working, living and playing,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “Making this list is a testament to their collective efforts to make sustainable building design and use a major part of the state’s discussion on the environment, and I applaud their tireless dedication to the mission of the green building movement.”

"Passion, education and dedication are the foundation of the volunteer efforts of USGBC chapters in California,” said Lorraine Alexander, Chair, USGBC Redwood Empire Chapter. “We are pleased and encouraged by the news of our ranking in the top 10. Chapter efforts matter — and bring light to our critical mission. We look forward to continuing to raise awareness about green building in our communities as we influence, inspire and inform."

"It has been a pleasure to be a part of the change that is coming about due to the green building movement,” said Michelle Bracewell-Musson, President, USGBC Central California Chapter. “The evolution of peoples’ mindsets about what green building actually entails is evidenced by the number of certified and registered LEED projects throughout our communities. There are no limitations as to who can benefit from these sustainable buildings, as they affect our air, energy, water, work, and personal and play environments. The USGBC Central California Chapter is honored to represent California on the list of the top 10 states for LEED.”

Notable projects that certified in 2012 in California include:

·         Levi Strauss headquarters in San Francisco, LEED Gold

·         Wounded Warrior headquarters and Hope and Care Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, LEED Platinum

·         Siena Youth Center in Redwood City, LEED Platinum

·         Mojave Water Agency headquarters in Apple Valley, LEED Gold

·         The eight-building Knight Management Center at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, LEED Platinum

·         Adobe Systems headquarters in San Jose, Platinum in LEED for Commercial Interiors

     
The full list of the top states and Washington, D.C., is as follows:

Rank	State	Projects certified in 2012	Square feet of LEED space certified in 2012	Per-capita square footage
1	District of Columbia	110	22,246,445	36.97
2	Virginia	170	29,709,574	3.71
3	Colorado	99	10,553,881	2.10
4	Massachusetts	106	13,395,597	2.05
5	Illinois	156	24,949,997	1.94
6	Maryland	127	10,954,324	1.90
7	New York	214	34,378,286	1.77
8	Washington	133	10,521,177	1.56
9	California	540	54,252,993	1.46
10	Texas	224	36,017,979	1.43
11	Nevada	29	3,741,941	1.39

Worldwide, more than 15,000 commercial projects have certified under LEED, with more than 35,000 additional projects in the pipeline, totaling more than 10.3 billion square feet of space.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (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 and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

LEED
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 square feet 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. Learn more at usgbc.org/leed.