Colorado ranks No. 5 in nation for LEED certification

Colorado ranks fifth in the nation for LEED certification with 12.2 million square feet of space in 95 projects certified in 2015.

That translates 2.43 square feet of LEED-certified space per capita. The U.S. Green Building Council calculates the list using per-capita figures as a measure of the human element of green building. The method allows for fair comparisons among states with significant differences in population and number of buildings.

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.

"Colorado is a nationwide leader in green building and LEED certification," says Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council. "LEED has become an essential standard for the transformation of building design and construction. LEED-certified buildings drive economic growth, create jobs and ma communities healthier."

Among the notable projects that were certified in Colorado in 2015 are: 
 
  • 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 in Colorado Springs, LEED Platinum
  • Laurel Village Residence Halls (LEED Gold and Laurel Village Pavilion (LEED Platinum) at Colorado State University
  • Pueblo County Judicial Center, LEED Silver
  • City of Boulder Fire Station 8, LEED Silver
The states topping Colorado on the list are Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts and Washington.

Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.
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Margaret is a veteran Denver real estate reporter and can be contacted here.
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