D.C. boasts most green building space per capita in U.S.

March 3 -- Washington, D.C., leads the country in having the most green building space per capita, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

The nation´s capital has 25 feet of space per person certified through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program operated by the USGBC.

Nevada was the leading state, with 10.92 square feet of LEED-certified space per person. Rounding out the top 10 locations, with their per capita square footage, are: New Mexico, 6.35; New Hampshire, 4.49; Oregon, 4.07; South Carolina, 3.19; Washington, 3.16; Illinois, 3.09; Arkansas, 2.9; Colorado, 2.85; and Minnesota, 2.77.

"Using per capita, versus the more traditional numbers of projects, or pure square footage, is a reminder to all of us that the people who live and work, learn and play in buildings should be what we care about most," said Scot Horst, senior vice president of LEED. "[Last year] was a difficult year for most of the building industry, but in many areas, the hunger for sustainable development kept the markets moving."

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Jim Johnson at 937-964-1289 or jpjohnson@crain.com

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