USGBC Announces Top 10 States for LEED In 2014

Ridgewood High School Among Buildings Contributing to State of Illinois’ Top LEED Ranking

Today the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its annual ranking of the Top 10 States in the nation for LEED, the world’s most widely used and recognized green building rating system, with the state of Illinois placing first for the second year.

The per-capita list highlights states throughout the country that are making impactful strides in sustainable building design, construction and transformation. LEED-certified spaces use less energy and water resources, save money for families, businesses and taxpayers, reduce carbon emissions and create a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

“Every story about a green building is a story about people,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “USGBC’s annual recognition of the Top 10 States for LEED goes beyond gross square feet or number of projects and factors in LEED’s potential in a given state to be part of the daily life of the state’s residents. This per-capita approach tells a great story about how LEED has become an important benchmark in the transformation of the nation’s built environment. LEED certified buildings and the innovations they have driven contribute substantially to our national economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life in the communities where they are found. We commend the business and community leaders, policy makers and green building professionals in each of these states for making the commitment to create a healthier, more sustainable future.

Ridgewood High School in Norridge, which achieved LEED Silver, is noted on the USGBC Illinois Chapter’s announcement as a notable project that achieved certification in 2014.

Other DLA Architects Projects that have achieved LEED certification include: