The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its annual list of the top 10 states for new LEED certifications in 2012, highlighting those regions that are transforming buildings and communities across the country.

The per-capita list is based on 2010 U.S. Census data and includes commercial and institutional buildings certified under LEED, through which approximately 2.2 billion square feet of space has been certified worldwide through 2012.

“Securing a spot on this list is a remarkable achievement for everyone involved in the green building movement in these states,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “From architects and designers to local chapter advocates, their collective efforts have brought sustainable building design and use to the forefront of the national discussion on the environment, and I applaud their efforts to create a healthier present and future for the people of their states.”

Once again, the District of Columbia tops the ranking, with 36.97 square feet of LEED space certified per resident in 2012.

Meanwhile, Virginia moved into the position as the top state, with 3.71 square feet certified per resident in 2012, overtaking Colorado, with 2.10 square feet certified per person.

Other top states include Massachusetts, which moved up three positions from 2011, with 2.05 square feet per person; Illinois, with 1.94 square feet; and Maryland, with 1.90 square feet of LEED space certified per resident in 2012.

Reflecting the ongoing trend of LEED existing buildings outpacing their newly built counterparts, in 2012 the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance rating system accounted for 53 percent of total square footage certified in these states, compared to 32 percent certified under LEED for New Construction.

Significant projects that certified in 2012 include:

• Atlantic Wharf, the first LEED Platinum skyscraper in Boston
• Cooper Vineyards in Louisa, Va., the first winery on the East Coast to achieve LEED Platinum
• National Football League (NFL) corporate headquarters in New York City, LEED Gold
• Levi Strauss headquarters in San Francisco, LEED Gold
• The Chicago Center for Green Technology, a LEED Platinum existing building
• Dallas Convention Center Hotel, the first LEED Gold hotel in Texas
• The U.S. Mint Building in Washington, D.C., LEED Gold
• Denver Police Crime Lab, LEED Gold
• Montgomery College Science Center in Rockville, Md., LEED Gold
• The Center for Urban Waters in Tacoma, Wash., LEED Platinum
• Bonneville Transit Center in Las Vegas, LEED Platinum

The full ranking, which includes 10 states plus Washington, D.C., is below: