Gov. Pat Quinn announced Wednesday that Illinois has ranked fourth in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications.

“Since the day I took office I have been committed to making sure Illinois is the most environmentally-friendly state in the country,” Governor Quinn said. “I’m proud to have the U.S. Green Building Council recognize the success of our efforts to make sure sustainable practices are implemented in homes, schools and businesses throughout Illinois.”

The United States Green Building Council conducted the study, according to a press release. States are ranked on the amount of LEED-certified space per capita, with Illinois having 1.94 square feet per resident. Illinois rank behind Virginia, Colorado and Massachusetts.

“We are so proud of our state’s achievements in green building,” Katie Kaluzny, interim executive director, USGBC Illinois Chapter said in a release. “We look forward to continued partnerships with state and local leaders to advance sustainable building and communities across Illinois.”

Additionally, Illinois certified 156 LEED projects last year and has nearly 50 projects that are slated to meet LEED certification