Massachusetts a leader in LEED-certified construction
The U.S. Green Building Council says in a new report that Massachusetts does the fifth-best job in the nation in sustainable building design, construction and transformation.
The organization rates states in terms of square feet of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) space per state resident. Illinois, Colorado, Maryland and Virginia were ranked first through fourth, respectively. It was the third year in a row Massachusetts has been in the top five.
“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,” Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton said in a statement.
“The commonwealth has been leading by example by requiring all new construction and major renovations to meet its Massachusetts LEED Plus green building standard,” Beaton said. That standard requires energy performance of 20 percent better than the Massachusetts Energy Code, reducing outdoor water consumption by 50 percent and indoor water consumption by 20 percent, and promoting smart growth/smart energy principles, he said.
The secretary’s statement added that the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy has named Massachusetts number one in energy efficiency for four years in a row.
“Clean energy is yielding significant economic benefits with 10.5 percent job growth in the last year and 47 percent growth since 2010,” Beaton said.
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