Report: U.S. has power to turn housing 'green'
In
a report, the USGBC said more than 30 federal programs could tapped to provide
$72 billion for energy efficiency without writing new legislation.
The Obama administration has the power to jump-start the sustainability of America’s apartments and commercial buildings, the U.S. Green Building Council said today.
In a report, the USGBC said more than 30 federal programs could tapped to provide $72 billion for energy efficiency without writing new legislation.
“As an early adopter of green buildings and the LEED green building certification system, the federal government has been a leader in bringing green buildings to cities and towns across America,” said Roger Platt, the USGBC’s senior vice president for global policy and law. “This new report unveils an even larger opportunity for the Obama Administration to increase our nation’s energy efficiency, while creating thousands of jobs and saving taxpayers money.”
Among the options the report recommends:
Strengthening minimum property standards for federal housing and economic development programs to reflect energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
Improving performance standards applicable to federal buildings and leases.
“Greening” federal banking regulation.
The report was prepared by Van Ness Feldman and sponsored by the Real Estate Roundtable, UDR, Johnson Controls Inc., Energy Foundation, Building Owners and Managers Association International, the American Institute of Architects, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), International Facility Management Association, Energy Future Coalition and C3.
The report can be read here .
The Obama administration has the power to jump-start the sustainability of America’s apartments and commercial buildings, the U.S. Green Building Council said today.
In a report, the USGBC said more than 30 federal programs could tapped to provide $72 billion for energy efficiency without writing new legislation.
“As an early adopter of green buildings and the LEED green building certification system, the federal government has been a leader in bringing green buildings to cities and towns across America,” said Roger Platt, the USGBC’s senior vice president for global policy and law. “This new report unveils an even larger opportunity for the Obama Administration to increase our nation’s energy efficiency, while creating thousands of jobs and saving taxpayers money.”
Among the options the report recommends:
Strengthening minimum property standards for federal housing and economic development programs to reflect energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
Improving performance standards applicable to federal buildings and leases.
“Greening” federal banking regulation.
The report was prepared by Van Ness Feldman and sponsored by the Real Estate Roundtable, UDR, Johnson Controls Inc., Energy Foundation, Building Owners and Managers Association International, the American Institute of Architects, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), International Facility Management Association, Energy Future Coalition and C3.
The report can be read here .
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