Federal Government Can Do More For Green Building, Says USGBC

A report commissioned by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) argues that the Obama administration has the legal authority to use 30 existing federal programs worth over $72 billion to improve energy efficiency in U.S. building stock.

The report recommends reforming appraisal and underwriting practices at lenders Freddie Mae and Freddie Mac, incorporating energy efficiency criteria into competitive grants, strengthening standards for federal housing programs and leases, supporting small business energy-efficiency investments, and other actions.

– Allyson Wendt