Oregon’s green-building prowess continues to pack a mighty punch.
So says the U.S. Green Building Council, which reported Tuesday that the state ranks sixth in terms of per-capita Leadership in Environment and Energy Design projects. The list recognizes states with myriad projects that use less energy and water and emit less carbon than other types of building endeavors.
“In the face of the extraordinary global challenge of climate change, our national imperative to create resource-efficient and cost-effective green buildings has never been greater,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the Council, in a release. “Oregon has a strong base of dedicated individuals who are using LEED to transform its built infrastructure into high-performing spaces that promote the health of our planet and the people who use these buildings each and every day.”
The list is based on 2010 U.S. Census data and includes commercial and institutional green building projects that were certified throughout 2013. All told, Oregon hosts 47 projects that comprise nearly 7 million square feet of real estate.
That equates to 1.83 of LEED-certified square-footage per resident.
The LEED system isn’t the only green-building measurement system. The Portland-based Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes certification program received a General Services Administration endorsement last fall.
Oregon’s notable LEED projects include the Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland, the Raven & Rose restaurant in Portland and the Stafford Hills tennis and fitness facility.
Oregon counts more than 2,800 LEED credentialed professionals throughout the state.
Illinois ranks first, with 2.28 square feet of LEED-certified properties per resident.
By Andy Giegerich | Sustainable Business Oregon editor | Read the post at Energy Trust of Oregon
Renaissance Homes is an award winning Street of Dreams custom home builder specializing in green building for the Portland market. Visit our Design Studio to personalize your next home.