Minnesota ranks in Top 10 for LEED-certified new

Minnesota made the top 10 list for new LEED-certified space in 2014, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's annual ranking.

Last year, Minnesota certified 39 projects totaling more 9.5 million square feet of real estate to LEED standards, the most recognized and widely used green building rating system.

The rankings are based on a per-capita square footage using 2010 U.S. Census data, with Minnesota certifying 1.79 square feet of LEED space per resident in 2014. This helped lift the state from its No. 10 position in 2013 to No. 9 last year.

Only commercial and institutional green buildings were calculated into the rankings.

"It is gratifying to see that Minnesota continues to be among the nation's leaders in green building. This is a great celebration of the state's leadership in advancing green building and of the hard work and dedication of USGBC Minnesota's members and supporters," said Sheri Brezinka, executive director of USGBC Minnesota Chapter, in a prepared statement.

Illinois claimed the No. 1 spot again with a per-capita ratio of 3.31. Colorado was close behind with 3.15 square feet per resident in 2014. Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Hawaii, California and Georgia filled the next six spots before Minnesota, with Arizona and New York tying for No. 10.

The ranking entity says that LEED-certified buildings use less energy and water resources, save people and companies money and reduce carbon emissions.

Some notable projects mentioned in the Minnesota announcement: