On Feb. 4, USGBC announced the Top 10 States for LEED, which highlights states across the U.S. that made significant strides in sustainable building design, construction and performance over the past year. The annual ranking assesses the total square feet of LEED-certified space per resident in 2018.

USGBC is committed to ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future and a higher standard of living for the next generation, because we believe that changing one life, one neighborhood or one city can change the world. And that future would not be possible without the extraordinary work being done in this year’s Top 10 States.

By using LEED, real estate leaders, governments, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, companies and individuals across the Top 10 States are strategically addressing some of the most critical social and environmental concerns of our time. Buildings that are LEED-certified create healthier spaces for people; use less energy and water; reduce carbon emissions; and save money for families, businesses and taxpayers. In all of these ways and more, LEED-certified projects help to raise the quality of life itself.

This year, we applaud and celebrate both the projects and the people who are working to create lasting, measurable change in their communities.

Creating change in Illinois

• Top 10 States for LEED rank: 1
• Number of projects certified in 2018: 172
• Certified gross square feet: 68,133,942
• Gross square feet per resident: 5.31

According to David Chiesa, Senior Director of Global Development at S&C Electric Company, “S&C has always taken a strong position that we need to protect our environment, we need to protect our planet. It’s the right thing to do for both the people here and also for the communities that we support.”

Has LEED made an impact on your quality of life? Have you noticed LEED improving your community? We want to hear from you. Share your stories with us by signing up for the Living Standard campaign at livingstandard.org.