USGBC Lists Ways to Use Recovery Dollars
The "Top 10 Ways to Use Recovery Funds for Green Building" can be used by governments from small towns to metropolitan cities and counties as well as state governments looking to make the best use of federal economic recovery funding.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, 40 percent of energy consumption, 13 percent of water consumption and 15 percent of gross domestic product per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85 percent of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.
"A strong economy and a healthy environment go hand-in-hand. Governments and business alike have recognized that the triple bottom line of economic, environmental and social sustainability is the key to thriving and prospering today and into the future," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, chief executive officer, and founding chair, USGBC. "Smart use of federal economic stimulus funding by improving the efficiency of our existing building stock as well as our new buildings and communities will create green jobs that save energy, water and taxpayer money."