Massachusetts Ranks 5th in Nation for LEED Certified Buildings

Massachusetts Ranks 5th in Nation for LEED Certified Buildings

BOSTON– February 11, 2015 – Today, Secretary Beaton announced Massachusetts has been ranked 5th in the nation for 2014 sustainable building design, construction and transformation by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

“This recognition is another example of Massachusetts’ commitment to strengthening our economy, shaping our energy future and protecting our environment through clean energy jobs and technology,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Designing and constructing our buildings with an awareness towards energy and the environment protects our natural resources while saving money for businesses, institutions and residents.”

"Massachusetts is supporting advanced energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings through multiple initiatives including our zero net energy grant program,” said DOER Acting Commissioner Dan Burgess. “The benefits are diverse and include reduced operating expenses, healthier and more comfortable buildings, energy independence, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

Massachusetts added 99 new Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certified projects in 2014, ranking behind Illinois, Colorado, Maryland and Virginia. The rankings are calculated by dividing square footage certified in 2014 by state population. Massachusetts has ranked in the Top 5 for the past three years.

“LEED has become an important benchmark in the transformation of the nation’s built environment, said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “LEED certified buildings and the innovations they have driven contribute substantially to our national economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life in the communities where they are found. Massachusetts business and community leaders, policy makers and green building professionals understand how to create a healthier, more sustainable future."

The Commonwealth has been leading byexample by requiring all new construction and major renovations to meet its Massachusetts LEED Plus green building standard, which requires energy performance of 20% better than the Massachusetts Energy Code, reducing outdoor water consumption by 50% and indoor water consumption by 20%, and promoting smart growth / smart energy principles. There are currently 37 LEED buildings in the state’s portfolio, with 70 percent certified at Gold or Platinum.

Massachusetts remains a leader in energy efficiency, renewable energy and economic benefits from the clean energy industry. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has named Massachusetts number one in energy efficiency for four years in a row. Solar installations have grown from 3 megawatts in 2007 to 752 by February 2015. Clean energy is yielding significant economic benefits with 10.5 percent job growth in the last year and 47 percent growth since 2010. In Massachusetts, there are more than 88,000 clean energy workers and nearly 6,000 clean energy businesses