January 31, 2025
Top 10 U.S. States for LEED-Certified Green Building in 2024
Number 8 will shock you. (Not really, but you should still check out the list.)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released its annual ranking of the Top 10 States for LEED-certified buildings, highlighting continued nationwide investment in sustainable construction. The Top 10 States for LEED rankings are determined based on 2024 Gross Square Feet Per Capita, which measures the total LEED-certified building space divided by the state's population.
Although not included in the official state rankings, the District of Columbia continues to lead the nation in green building, achieving 33.35 square feet of LEED-certified space per capita across 111 projects in 2024.
Rank | State | Projects | Gross Area (Square Feet) |
2024 Gross Square Feet Per Capita |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Massachusetts | 132 | 34,821,100 | 4.95 |
2 | Illinois | 102 | 51,471,672 | 4.02 |
3 | New York | 170 | 69,443,439.93 | 3.44 |
4 | Washington | 90 | 23,310,976.6 | 3.03 |
5 | Maryland | 100 | 17,143,359.52 | 2.78 |
6 | California | 437 | 101,894,046 | 2.58 |
7 | Texas | 205 | 75,052,176.11 | 2.58 |
8 | Nevada | 29 | 7,677,907.81 | 2.47 |
9 | Colorado | 64 | 13,884,040.35 | 2.40 |
10 | Virginia | 108 | 20,023,606 | 2.32 |
* | District of Columbia | 111 | 22,996,048 | 33.35 |
Growth in Sustainable Building
In 2024, the top 10 states collectively certified 1,437 LEED projects, representing more than 414 million square feet of sustainable building space. Several key trends emerged in this year’s rankings:
- Massachusetts took the top spot after climbing two positions from 2023.
- Maryland saw the largest improvement, jumping five spots with a 61% increase in certified projects.
- Texas and Nevada re-entered the Top 10, with Texas last ranking in 2022 and Nevada in 2021.
Green building continues to expand across the country, with LEED certification serving as a benchmark for sustainability in commercial, institutional, and residential construction.
Spotlight on the Top 3 States
Massachusetts: Leading the Nation in LEED
Massachusetts ranked first in 2024, achieving 4.95 square feet of LEED-certified space per capita with 132 certified projects totaling 34.8 million square feet. The state’s commitment to green building is evident in its LEED Plus standard, which requires state-owned new construction and major renovations to meet stringent sustainability guidelines.
Among the notable projects, Gillette Stadium — home to the 6-time world champion New England Patriots — achieved LEED Gold certification under LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance (O+M). The Commonwealth’s policy-driven approach has positioned it as a leader in sustainable construction.
Illinois: A Consistent Green Building Leader
Illinois has appeared in every USGBC Top 10 ranking since the list was first introduced 15 years ago. In 2024, it remained in second place with 4.02 square feet of LEED-certified space per capita across 102 projects, totaling 51.4 million square feet.
The state's green building momentum is supported by federal incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state-level programs such as the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which are driving further sustainability investments in infrastructure.
New York: A Hub for Sustainable Development
New York ranked third, with 3.44 square feet of LEED-certified space per capita across 170 projects totaling 69.4 million square feet. Among the notable certified projects:
- Hudson Commons, a major commercial redevelopment in Manhattan, achieved LEED Gold certification.
- The City of Ithaca received LEED Gold under the LEED for Cities and Communities program, a sign that significant sustainability practices are also happening outside of NYC.
With statewide policies and local incentives encouraging sustainable development, New York continues to be a leader in green building initiatives.
Future of LEED and Green Building
The USGBC is preparing to introduce the next version of its rating system, LEED v5, in 2025. Following two public comment periods in 2024 that gathered over 6,000 stakeholder responses, the final version will incorporate stronger climate-focused policies and updated sustainability metrics.
With increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, decarbonization, and resilience, the momentum behind green building is expected to grow. The continued expansion of LEED certification reflects an ongoing commitment to sustainable development across the U.S., with states prioritizing environmental performance, energy efficiency, and healthier communities.