Massachusetts reclaimed its top spot in USGBC’s ranking of the Top 10 States for LEED certifications in 2024, continuing to lead the charge for greening the built environment. In 2024, Massachusetts certified 34 million square feet of building space with LEED, with a total of 132 projects and LEED gross square footage per capita of 4.95.
Massachusetts has been a leader in pushing for building codes that help the decarbonization of the built environment. As early as 2009, the state introduced the first energy stretch code and later adopted the specialized stretch code in 2023 to reduce fossil fuel use and improve energy efficiency. Ultimately, Massachusetts has made significant strides in hopes of achieving our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
As USGBC quoted Meredith Elbaum, BE+ Executive Director, “We’re thrilled to see Massachusetts back on top of the list of states for LEED certifications because it’s a real measure of leadership toward a sustainable and regenerative built environment.”
State and federal level investments have helped support the state’s net zero efforts. Studies and reports, such as Massachusetts is Going Net Zero, outline the state’s climate objectives. As USGBC mentioned, “BE+ found that, in the past three years, Massachusetts has seen a sixfold increase in the number of net zero and net zero ready buildings.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has prioritized combating climate change. Compared to other states, Massachusetts has a large clean energy workforce. However, an expansion of the climate workforce is still needed to actualize the infrastructure, according to a 2023 report from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.
Recently, Mayor Wu’s Net Zero Carbon Zoning Initiative was approved, taking effect in July 2025. Boston is now the first U.S. city to require new large buildings to meet net zero carbon emissions standards from day one of their operations. The code also requires reporting on embodied carbon, with Large Projects requiring an embodied C02e emissions life cycle assessment analysis.
As Massachusetts continues to set standards for sustainability, various projects showcase the state’s dedication to green building: Gillette Stadium, One Boston Wharf (home to the 2024 Green Building Showcase), and 300 3rd Avenue Waltham.
From legislative efforts to municipal projects, Massachusetts’ leadership is clear. The Commonwealth is committed to achieving a more sustainable environment and aims to lead as an example for other states to follow.
Global Head of Sustainability, Superior Essex
Sustainability Director, Steven Winter Associates
PE | Associate, LeMessurier
Vice President, AEW’s Architecture & Engineering group
Interior Designer, Jacobs, Boston
Senior Vice President, Market Transformation and Development U.S. Green Building Council
AIA LEED AP BD+C | Senior Associate, Gensler Boston 
LEED Fellow, WELL AP | Founder and Principal, Ecoworks Studio
AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP
LEED AP BD+C | Environmental Sustainability Manager, Armstrong World Industries
Assistant Professor of Exposure Science | Director of the Healthy Buildings program
Managing Director, Harvard University Office for Sustainability
Principal & Director of Certifications and Consulting, Epsten Group, Inc.
Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility, Jamestown
Director of Sustainability Programs, DASNY | LEED AP BD+C
Associate Principal, BuroHappold Engineering
Senior Vice President, Sustainability at Kilroy Realty Corporation
Co-Founder, Facilitator at The Laurentia Project | LEED AP BD+C, LFA
Vice President of Sustainable Development, Shaw
Founder and President, Board of the Healthy Building Network
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