Regional Green Building Statistics

How does Western Pennsylvania measure up against other regions in terms of green building?

While many buildings may include sustainable design features, green building certifications provide a framework for best practices, keeping project teams accountable, and measuring performance.

After the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) green building rating system in 1998, three of the first 13 buildings to receive LEED certification were in Greater Pittsburgh.

Since then, the city has consistently ranked high for its number of LEED and other certified green buildings. Pittsburgh is also home to the largest of the 2030 Districts, a network of buildings that have committed to 50% reductions in energy, water, and transportation emissions by 2030.

Here’s where Western Pennsylvania stands (as of September 2024):

In addition, buildings with Passive House, WELL Building, Living Building Challenge, and Green Globes certifications are all represented regionally. One of the most ground-breaking projects Western PA claims is the Center for Sustainable Landscapes at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which is one of the most decorated green buildings in the world, boasting four certifications: LEED Platinum, Living Building certification, Sustainable Sites (4 stars), and WELL Building certification.

Pittsburgh is home to many green firsts, including:

• First LEED Food Bank – Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank
• First LEED Financial Institution – PNC Firstside Center
• First LEED Convention Center – David L. Lawrence Convention Center, now DOUBLE LEED certified
• First LEED University Dormitory – Carnegie Mellon University Stever House
• First LEED Public Arts Facility – Pittsburgh Glass Center
• First LEED Welcome Center in a Public Garden – Phipps Conservatory Welcome Center
• First LEED Smithsonian Property – Senator John Heinz History Center
• First LEED Radio Station – WYEP Radio Station
• First LEED University Dance Studio – Point Park University Dance Complex

GBA is dedicated to supporting the building owners, operators, project teams, and developers involved in many types of high-performance building projects. Together, we can ensure that Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania continue to shine as leaders in sustainable building design, construction, renovation and operations.