Colorado ranked fifth in nation for LEED-certified green building

DENVER — Gov. John Hickenlooper on Tuesday announced Colorado ranks fifth in the nation for LEED green building in 2015, as released by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED-certified spaces use less energy and water resources, save money for families, businesses and taxpayers, reduce carbon emissions and create a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

“As an early adopter of green building and LEED certification, Colorado continues to see the positive impact to the health of our state,” said Hickenlooper. “Colorado is increasing the number of state government buildings with LEED-certification, and it is an early adopter of the LEED Dynamic Plaque certification. Colorado is certifying the Colorado State Capitol under this new performance-based system, with only five buildings certified worldwide to date.”

The annual ranking is developed by analyzing each state in terms of square feet of LEED certified space per state resident. Now in its sixth year, the list highlights states throughout the country that made significant strides in sustainable building design, construction and transformation throughout 2015. Colorado certified 95 projects representing 12,218,992 square feet of real estate, or 2.43 square feet per resident, in 2015.

“Colorado is a nationwide leader in green building and LEED certification. LEED creates jobs and increases opportunities for Colorado’s workers and businesses while contributing billions of dollars to the state’s economy,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair of USGBC. “LEED has become an essential standard for the transformation of building design and construction. LEED certified buildings drive economic growth, creates jobs and makes communities healthier.”

In addition, data from USGBC’s 2015 Green Building Economic Impact Study show LEED construction is expected to support 103,000 total jobs in Colorado and have a total impact on GDP of $9.05 billion from 2015-2018.

A few notable projects that certified in Colorado in 2015 include:

• Republic Plaza in Denver, LEED Gold

• Granite Tower in Denver, LEED Gold

• Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility in Denver, LEED Gold

• North Colorado Springs Readiness Center, Colorado Springs, LEED Platinum

• Laurel Village Residence Halls (LEED Gold) and Laurel Village Pavilion (LEED Platinum), Colorado State University

• Pueblo County Judicial Center, LEED Silver

• City of Boulder Fire Station 8, LEED Silver