It seems like every new commercial building is LEED-certified these days, and a new ranking released last week by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) confirms it. Minnesota ranked 10th in the nation for LEED-certified buildings.
The council says the list highlights regions around the country that are "at the forefront of the movement for sustainable building design, construction and operation." This involves using less energy and water, which results in savings for businesses and taxpayers, a reduction in carbon emissions and a better environment overall, USGBC said.
USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi said, "Minnesota 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."
Some of the buildings cited include: Fifth Street Towers in downtown Minneapolis (LEED Gold); Carleton College's Weitz Center for Creativity in Northfield (LEED Gold and the college's third project to earn LEED certification); American Academy of Neurology Headquarters in Minneapolis, LEED Certification; Wadena-Deer Creek Middle School/High School in Wadena (LEED Gold); and Fifty South Sixth in Minneapolis (LEED Gold).
Interestingly, Kohl's retail stores in Eagan, Duluth, Shakopee, Lino Lakes, Mankato and Knollwood arel LEED-certified, as well.
"The Minnesota Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council is proud to celebrate the state's leadership in advancing green buildings in the state," said Sheri Brezinka, executive director, USGBC Minnesota Chapter, in a statement.
The per-capita list is based on 2010 U.S. Census data and includes commercial and institutional green building projects that were certified throughout 2013. Minnesota certified 51 projects representing 8.2 million square feet of real estate, or 1.55 square feet per resident, in 2013.
Here's the list:
