A new report by the USGBC documents all of the existing legal authorities that federal agencies can implement to improve a sustainable, green buildings agenda. Titled “Using Executive Authority to Achieve Greener Buildings: A Guide for Policymakers to Enhance Sustainability and Efficiency in Multifamily Housing and Commercial Buildings,” the report found there exists over 30 federal programs totaling $72 billion to enhance green buildings.
These funds require no new legislation or authority from Congress and are immediately available to the Obama administration. Some of the highlights include:
· “Greening” federal banking regulation
· Integrating energy efficiency and sustainability criteria into competitive grants and funding formulas
· Refining guidance applicable to the energy efficient commercial buildings tax deduction and the national historic preservation tax credit
According to the document, “Even a small fraction of this funding would, if directed to high-performing energy efficient and sustainable buildings, stimulate significant new ‘green’ investments and job creation. At the same time, these actions would save taxpayer dollars, increase energy security, reduce greenhouse gas reductions, and create healthier living and working environments.”