More big news for sustainability in Illinois… for the 2nd year in a row, Illinois has been ranked #2 in the nation by the U.S. Green Building Council. This ranking reflects continued momentum in LEED-certified projects – of which Illinois had 79 in 2025 – with buildings designed to reduce energy use, minimize waste, improve occupant health, and drive long-term operational efficiency.
What’s especially exciting is how innovation sectors—like life sciences, data centers, and advanced manufacturing—are accelerating sustainable development across the state. Illinois has consistently been a top performer in green building for years, showing that the state has made a long-term commitment to smarter, healthier, and more resilient communities.