Toolkit
The U.S. Green Building Council now has a state and local government Toolkit online which outlines key steps in achieving policy changes. The Toolkit includes a section that explains why such policies should consider incorporating LEED requirements.
Stimulus Package
USGBC is in talks with the Obama team and Capitol Hill to accelerate a shift to a prosperous green building economy. The USGBC is recommending that the federal government provide funding for school construction and renovation projects that comply with energy efficiency and green building standards. They have also proposed forming a White House Green Schools Taskforce to bring together experts from federal, state and local governments, and other stakeholders to promote green schools.
In regard to the sluggish economy, the USGBC is recommending the creation of a revolving loan fund which would be available to state and local governments for retrofitting and green building projects that show energy savings and a positive ROI. Another part of the economic stimulus effort is in the area of job training. Here too, the USGBC is recommending full funding of the green job training as described in the Green Jobs Act of 2007. That is a federal law to prepare America’s workers are ready for the green economy.
At the federal level, the USGBC is recommending that Congress provides funding to support green building, retrofitting and energy efficiency projects at federal facilities. Similar investments for state and local public facilities are needed as well. Federal funding for green building and retrofitting in public housing facilities is also part of the USGBC advocacy program.
Greening of the White House
USGBC is suggesting that Pres. Obama use the White House as an example of how a green building or renovation program can be beneficial. A “Greening the White House 2009” initiative has been proposed for the President to implement in the first 100 days in office. The initiative would highlight energy efficiency and sustainability of the practices and products that are used.