Top 10 States for LEED in 2024
Press release Look ahead Member spotlight
The Top 10 States showcase the expansion of green building
The Top 10 States for LEED showcases important advancements in transforming the built environment and supporting healthy, equitable communities. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the LEED rating system, which has established the global standard for sustainable building practices and continues to drive the market toward a near-zero carbon future and promote the sustainable use of resources.
Select a state to look behind the numbers.
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| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 4.95 | 132 | |
| Illinois | 4.02 | 102 | |
| New York | 3.44 | 170 | |
| Washington | 3.03 | 90 | |
| Maryland | 2.78 | 100 | |
| California | 2.58 | 437 | |
| Texas | 2.58 | 205 | |
| Nevada | 2.47 | 29 | |
| Colorado | 2.40 | 64 | |
| Virginia | 2.32 | 108 | |
| District of Columbia | 33.3 | 111 |
| Rank | State | Credential holders |
|---|---|---|
| California | 26,195 | |
| New York | 12,156 | |
| Texas | 10,567 | |
| Florida | 9,911 | |
| Illinois | 8,283 | |
| Massachusetts | 6,920 | |
| Virginia | 6,543 | |
| Colorado | 6,450 | |
| Washington | 5,929 | |
| Pennsylvania | 5,827 |
| Rank | State | Projects | Square footage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 564 | 1,502,897 | |
| District of Columbia | 178 | 3,022,886 | |
| California | 174 | 7,800,696 | |
| Maryland | 153 | 680,776 | |
| Colorado | 144 | 2,369,819 | |
| Ohio | 129 | 1,931,097 | |
| Texas | 106 | 1,764,376 | |
| Hawaii | 68 | 654,414 | |
| Indiana | 60 | 70,631 | |
| New York | 58 | 1,632,240 |
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 33.3 | 111 |
Photo: MLK Gateway II | Credit: Aaron Taule, Sustainable AG真人百家乐官网入口 Partners
As a federal territory, Washington, D.C., does not appear in the official top 10 list of states, but it consistently leads the nation in LEED-certified square footage per capita. In 2024, the nation鈥檚 capital certified over 33.3 square feet of space per resident across 111 green building projects, far more than any state in the ranking.
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Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 4.95 | 132 |
Photo: Gillette Stadium | Credit: Kraft Sports + Entertainment
Massachusetts continues to be a leader in sustainability and LEED certifications, topping the list of the most LEED-certified space per capita last year. In 2024, Massachusetts saw 132 LEED-certified projects, surpassing 34 million square feet. Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots, was one of the more prominent projects that became LEED-certified, achieving Gold certification under LEED v4.1 O+M. The Commonwealth has led by example by requiring all state-owned new construction and major renovations to meet its Massachusetts "LEED Plus" green building standard.
Celebrate your state
Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 4.02 | 102 |
Photo: Penske Truck Leasing, Channahon SVC | Credit: Courtesy of Penske Transportation Solutions
Illinois has made the ranking every year since it was first introduced 15 years ago. In 2024, it remained in second place with 4.02 LEED-certified square feet per capita. A total of 102 projects in Illinois were certified last year, equaling more than 51 million gross square feet. Federal programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state initiatives like the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act support the growing green building industry in the state.
Celebrate your state
Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 3.44 | 170 |
Photo: Hudson Commons | Credit: CommonWealth Partners
New York continues to be recognized as a leader in sustainability, ranking third in the Top 10 States for LEED. In 2024, New York added over 69 million square feet of LEED-certified space and 170 certified projects or 3.44 square feet of LEED-certified building space per capita. Among the notable projects, Hudson Commons, in the heart of Manhattan's New West Side, achieved LEED Gold certification. The City of Ithaca also achieved Gold certification under the LEED for Cities and Communities program. Several factors, such as local and state laws, programs, and incentives, have helped New York lead the charge for greening the built environment.
Celebrate your state
Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 3.03 | 90 |
Photo: Northlake Commons | Credit: BUILT WORK PHOTOGRAPHY
Washington again secured its position among the Top 10 States for LEED, landing in fourth place in 2024. With 90 LEED projects encompassing 23.3 million square feet of gross square footage, Washington has proven itself a leader in green building practices. Washington's dedication to green building and the state's contributions to a broader national effort in creating sustainable and environmentally responsible communities have established the state as a leader in green building practices.
Celebrate your state
Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 2.78 | 100 |
Photo: College Park City Hall | credit: Tom Holdsworth
Maryland has earned a spot in the Top 10 States for LEED with 2.78 gross square feet per capita. In 2024, the state ranked fifth and added 100 LEED-certified projects, totaling over 17 million gross square feet of LEED-certified space. Maryland has a long history of prioritizing sustainability at the state and local levels. It is also the home to the first LEED Platinum project, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Phillip Merrill Environmental Center. The new College Park City Hall in College Park, Maryland, was one of the more notable projects in the state, earning LEED Gold certification.
Celebrate your state
Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2.58 | 437 |
Photo: May Lee State Office Complex prev. RBOC | Credit: Magda Biernat
California is a leader in green buildings, ranking sixth in the Top 10 States for LEED, reinforcing its continued commitment to sustainability and its ambitious climate goals. With 2.58 square feet per capita, California saw the most LEED-certified projects of any state, adding 437 projects that total over 101 million square feet. California has targeted a 40% statewide emissions reduction by 2023 from 1990 levels and an 80% reduction by 2050. The state has passed and implemented several laws and ordinances to help achieve these targets, including the statewide building code CALGreen.
Celebrate your state
Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 2.58 | 205 |
Photo: Renovation of Historic San Antonio City Hall | credit: Ford, Powell & Carson Architects
Texas has re-emerged in the Top 10 States for LEED, ranking seventh with 2.58 certified square feet per capita. Texas was ranked in 2022 but missed the last year. In 2024, Texas had the second-highest total of projects, with 205 LEED-certified projects equaling 75 million gross square feet. The renovation of San Antonio's Historic City Hall was one of the state's most notable projects. Built in 1892, the project underwent its first major renovation since 1927 and earned LEED Silver certification.
Celebrate your state
Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 2.47 | 29 |
Photo: Tower 300 | Credit: Henri Sagalow
Nevada returns to the Top 10 States for LEED with 2.47 square feet per capita, ranking eighth on the annual list. 800 Tower in downtown Las Vegas was among the 29 projects certified in 2024. The landmark, originally built in 1975, achieved LEED Gold certification for existing buildings.
Celebrate your state
Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 2.40 | 64 |
Photo: Aspen Distillers | Credit: Aspen Vodka
Colorado has consistently ranked in the top 10 states for LEED. In 2024, the Mountain state ranked ninth in the highest LEED squared space per capita. Among the 64 LEED projects certified in Colorado in 2024, Aspen Distillery stands out for its pioneering efforts to exceed current sustainability standards. The state has also moved efforts to improve energy efficiency, deploying green building strategies to reduce emissions from buildings and meet the state's pollution reduction targets.
Celebrate your state
Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
| Rank | State | per Capita square footage | Project count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 2.32 | 108 |
Photo: The Nature Conservancy Arlington | Credit: Tim Buchman
For 12 years running, Virginia has been one of the Top 10 States for LEED. This year, Virginia ranked 10th on the list with 2.32 LEED-certified square feet per capita. It added 108 projects totaling over 20 million gross square feet. The Nature Conservancy LEED Platinum project was one of the most notable projects in the state. It is a transformative 171,000-square-foot office renovation that serves as the national hub for the organization's global environmental conservation efforts.
Celebrate your state
Join us in celebrating this leadership鈥攗se the #Top10LEED hashtag to share your state鈥檚 ranking with your neighbors and colleagues on LinkedIn and Instagram.
The Pacific Verde | LEED Silver | San Carlos, California
New York continues to be recognized as a leader in sustainability, ranking first in the Top 10 States for LEED. In 2023, New York added over 93 million square feet of LEED-certified space, comprising 201 projects. With just over 20.2 million residents, this brings the state in at 4.63 square feet of LEED-certified building space per resident. USGBC is excited to see continued support for LEED and to invest more in the growth of green building in New York
* The list of U.S. states with certified GSF per capita includes commercial projects certified in 2024. The rankings are calculated by dividing the total commercial square footage certified in 2024 by the state's population, based on the 2020 U.S. Census records. Washington, D.C., is not included in the rankings, as it is a federal district.
Look ahead
Ascent MKE | LEED Silver | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Photo: 漏 CoStar
Ascent MKE | LEED Silver | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Photo: 漏 New Land Enterprises
Portobello Shop Jardim Social | LEED Platinum | Curitiba, Brazil | Photos: Petinelli
Torre Diana | LEED Platinum | Mexico City, Mexico | Photos: Torre Diana
LEED v5 is the next version of the globally recognized comprehensive framework for green building practices.
Embracing market demands for greater accountability, LEED v5 will champion solutions to align the built environment with critical imperatives, including decarbonization, quality of life and ecological conservation and restoration. Learn more about LEED v5.
Check out the Top 10 States for each year since 2010.
2023 / 2022 / 2021 / 2020 / 2019 / 2018 / 2017 / 2016 / 2015 / 2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010
Member spotlight
At USGBC, we are building a healthier, more resilient world by transforming the built environment. As a member, you join a community of professionals and organizations committed to sustainable development, working together to shape the future of green building.
Gensler
Gold since 1998 鈥� California 鈥� Professional Firms (Architects)
At Gensler, our commitment to sustainability is strong. Since 1998, we've been members USGBC, using the LEED framework to shape our designs. Our goal is to make all buildings in our portfolio net zero by 2030. We encourage our staff to become LEED accredited, integral to our evaluations. With 969 LEED APs, we utilize USGBC's OnDemand courses for continuing education. A dedicated account manager supports our staff and project needs, ensuring sustainability is central to our work.
HITT Contracting
Gold since 1999 鈥� Virginia 鈥� Contractors and Builders
HITT Contracting's USGBC membership has been a catalyst for our sustainability initiatives and helped position us as a leader in sustainable construction. The resources and connections provided through our membership have been invaluable in expanding our green building capabilities. With access to cutting-edge education and a network of industry leaders, we've been able to enhance our team's expertise, which now includes more than 100 LEED Accredited Professionals nationwide.
UL Solutions
Gold since 1999 鈥� Georgia 鈥� Corporate and Retail
UL Solutions mission is to promote safe, secure and sustainable living and working environments for people by the application of science, hazard-based safety engineering and data acumen. Our relationship with USGBC plays a big part in UL Solutions execution of this mission. UL Solutions utilizes USGBC's suite of certifications to support our clients benchmarking of building assets and implementation of sustainability initiatives. Additionally, UL Solutions takes advantage of and takes part in USGBC's tools, education, and networking. UL solutions truly value's its relationship with USGBC.
The Tower Companies
Silver member since 2022 鈥� Maryland 鈥� Real Estate Providers
The Tower Companies, developer of the first multifamily LEED-certified building (Blair Towns) and the first Platinum LEED-certified office building in the Mid-Atlantic (2000 Tower Oaks), has long partnered with USGBC. As we pursue our decarbonization plans, we aim to leverage LEED to educate our staff, guide development, and differentiate our buildings in the market, all while striving to meet our ambitious long-term sustainability goals.
BranchPattern
Silver since 2002 鈥� Missouri 鈥� Professional Firms (Engineers)
BranchPattern's membership with USGBC has been crucial for our sustainability and innovation efforts. This partnership has provided valuable resources and networking, resulting in over 600 LEED certifications across various countries. With contributions to the development of LEED from v2 to v5, we look forward to more milestones and initiatives like Performance at Scale.