BALTIMORE, MD — St. John Properties, Inc. has earned its 40th certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for satisfying Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) requirements in the development and construction of commercial office buildings situated throughout five separate counties in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan region. The Baltimore-based real estate development company has developed nearly 2.1 million square feet of Gold or Silver LEED-certified space since beginning its LEED corporate program in 2009. Of the total, twenty-eight buildings have achieved LEED Gold for core and shell. According to the United States Green Building Council, projects earn LEED ratings according to national standards that relate to the “performance, health, durability, affordability and creation of environmentally-sound buildings.” The system examines and rates key building areas including interior space layout, interior finishes, lighting and mechanical distribution. The process further encourages “future tenants to capitalize on green strategies implemented by the developer” to ensure the consistency of this LEED rating. Buildings earn USGBC certification in defined categories that include: Existing Building, Commercial Interior, Core & Shell and New Construction. “The importance of designing and constructing LEED-certified buildings continues to gain momentum as a growing number of companies recognize the extreme importance of conserving natural resources, saving energy and reducing operating costs,” said Richard Williamson, senior vice president of leasing St. John Properties. “Our clients are becoming increasingly educated about the LEED program and we depend on their valuable feedback and direction to remain a cutting-edge leader in this movement. We consider it our corporate responsibility to remain a pioneer in the sustainability industry and will continue to invest resources to uncover new green strategies that support this philosophy.” “Obtaining LEED certification is an achievement,” explained Sabrina Bachman, director, Community – Maryland, U.S. Green Building Council. “St. John Properties should not only be applauded for the accomplishment of reaching their 40th certification, but also for continually demonstrating their commitment to sustainability with the development of high performing buildings that benefit both occupants and the environment.”