WASHINGTON — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) issued its ranking of the Top 10 states for the LEED green building rating system. The list is based on per-capita 2010 U.S. Census data and includes commercial and institutional green building projects certified throughout 2013.

“The list of the Top 10 States for LEED is a continuing indicator of the widespread recognition of our national imperative to create healthier, high-performing buildings that are better for the environment as well as the people who use them every day,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “As the economy recovers, green buildings continue to provide for jobs at every professional level and skill set from carpenters to architects. I congratulate everyone in these states whose contributions to resources saved, toxins eliminated, greenhouse gases avoided, and human health enhanced help guarantee a prosperous future for our planet and the people who call it home.”

Illinois moved into the top position for LEED, and new states to the Top 10 included Oregon, North Carolina, Hawaii, and Minnesota.

The list is calculated by USGBC using per-capita figures as a measure of the human element of green building, allowing for a fair comparison of the level of green building taking place among states with considerable differences in population and number of overall buildings.

The Top 10 LEED states:

1. Illinois
2. Maryland
3. Virginia
4. Massachusetts
5. New York
   California (Tie)
6. Oregon
7. North Carolina
8. Colorado
9. Hawaii
10. Minnesota