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.

    

 

SPRING INTO LEED with USGBC! LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!

USGBC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA 

cordially invites you to 

Spring into LEED 

 on February 28, 2013! 

  

Don't miss out !   Join us in celebrating sustainable transformation of Central Valley buildings! We look forward to recognizing those in our community who are shaping green building in Central  California through the achievement of LEED certification. 

We will learn about:

• Sustainable building design 
• LEED certification 
• Sustainable practices for new construction, commercial interiors, existing buildings, neighborhoods, and homes
• Local LEED projects
• Educational opportunities to look forward to in 2013

A networking reception will precede the project showcase and dinner/drinks will be served!
To Register, go HERE now!

We look forward to seeing you at this first annual event and at many of the upcoming exciting events planned for 2013!

Mix it Up, October!

What's that you say? Fun, socializing, and talking about all things GREEN? 

(Including Sequoia's award winning fried pickles!) 

 Join us for good beers, good food, good conversation and a chance to network with other environmentally minded people at our October Green Mixer! 

Follow the link below for more information: 

October Event! Biotechnology: A Formula for our Future

USGBC-CC is proud to announce the upcoming annual EDC Biotechnology event on October 2, 2012! Follow the link below for additional information.

Registration and Sponsorship information can be found HERE!

Biotechnology (sometimes shortened to "biotech") is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products, and it is usually seen in agriculture, food production and medicine production. The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity defines biotechnology as: "Any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use."  In other terms: "Application of scientific and technical advances in life science to develop commercial products" is biotechnology.

Fresno's newest LEED Gold Building!

Lance-Kashian & Company Awarded 

Prominent LEED Green Building Certification

Fresno, CA –Lance – Kashian & Company announced today that the Park View Plaza Office Building has been awarded LEED Gold Certification. The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most respected certification program for commercial buildings and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human performance.

"The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health", said Rick Fredrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "The work of innovative building projects such as Park View Plaza is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement."

This Fresno Office building achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at high building performance in: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, green building material selection and indoor environmental quality.  "Lance – Kashian & Company has always been concerned about the environment and its tenants, including the newest at Park View Plaza… Plan Financial, so it only made sense to pursue Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification for our office building and reduce our overall impact", said Tracy Kashian, Vice-President of Marketing & Public Relations and Member of the Board of Directors of Lance-Kashian & Company.

“We are honored to have been part of the certification efforts for one of Fresno’s greenest buildings”, said Edward Cornejo, President of consulting firm PTL. “Lance-Kashian is truly dedicated to sustainability, and this landmark award is proof of that resolve.”

The Park View Plaza office building, over 175,000 square feet, achieved this prestigious rating by implementing many different best management practices aimed at energy savings including achieving an impressive 89 Energy Star score on a scale 1-100 compared to other office buildings. Water conserving fixture installation resulting in a dramatic reduction in water use in our office which also reduces the burden placed on the local water treatment facility. By purchasing sustainable power from a wind farm, the building is carbon-neutral, and this green workplace uses green cleaning methods that are less harmful to the environment as well as building occupants.

To learn more about Lance-Kashian & Company, visit www.lance-kashian.com

EDC Clean Energy Cluster Event!

USGBC-CC is pleased to promote the EDC Clean Energy Cluster's September 28th program! Learn how water reclamation can save water and energy costs. Attend this event and get the answers you are looking for,seating is limited!

Follow the link below for additional information. 

September Program!

We are pleased to present SAGE as our September presenter, who will be showcasing an Electronically Tintable Glass project. Join us to learn about dynamic glazing, electochromic glass, and their role in sustainability and LEED. Don't miss another great USGBC-CC program!