Green building strategies, including energy efficiency, are a cornerstone of the plan to revitalize our economy. Funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) offers a tremendous opportunity for state and local governments to jump-start green building efforts, create green jobs, and save energy and money. USGBC is committed to helping our communities make the most of this historic opportunity. The following resources and best practices are intended to support state and local leadership and assist governments in these critical efforts.
NEW! Top 10 Ways to Use Recovery Funds for Green Building
For the most current information on the allocation and distribution of ARRA funds please visit the following websites:
Recovery.gov: www.recovery.gov
Department of Education: www.ed.gov/recovery
Department of Energy: www.energy.gov/recovery
Department of Housing and Urban Development: www.hud.gov/recovery
Department of Labor: www.dol.gov/recovery
Department of Transportation: www.dot.gov/recovery
U.S. General Services Administration: www.gsa.gov/recovery
USGBC has also compiled resources for individuals and employers seeking to be involved with green building and the new green economy. For these resources, please visit Green Building Creates Green Jobs for a Green Economy.
» Highlights for the Green Building Community (PDF): American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Overview
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17, 2009, includes a number of provisions that present opportunities for green building and green job creation. This summary provides a snapshot of several relevant highlights.
» Matrix of Key Provisions and Resources Related to Green Building (XLS)
This chart gives a brief overview of several provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that are relevant to green building. In support of state and local governments that wish to invest in greener buildings for the green economy, the chart highlights best practices that may be referenced and resources that can be used to ensure that green choices are embraced throughout projects funded by the Act.
Resources & Opportunities for Interactive, Peer-to-Peer Learning
Stimulus Plan Implementation Webcast Series - Join USGBC and the Clinton Climate Initiative for this free webcast series introducing resources, best practices, and case studies for implementing green building and energy efficiency projects using stimulus funding.
USGBC Government Community Strategy Sessions - The USGBC Government Committee and Codes Committee each host quarterly conference calls during which participants can discuss challenges and share resources related to green building issues. View the most recent strategy sessions here on archive, the most recent of which is entitled “Greening Existing Buildings with Funds from the Economic Stimulus.”
Guidance and Best Practices on Government Green Building Programs and Green Building Policy
Roadmap to Sustainable Government Buildings - A collection of resources developed by state government agencies with established and emerging green building programs. The Roadmap draws on these resources to suggest strategies for developing a green building program within a typical government entity framework.
The Playbook for Buildings + Neighborhoods: Strategic Local Climate Solutions - Local governments can use this playbook to find the tools and resources to rapidly advance green buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure. Strategic action in these sectors promotes economic development, builds healthier communities, strengthens energy independence, and supports climate protection.
LEED Initiatives in Governments and Schools - View a full list of LEED initiatives in federal, state and local governments, as well as initiatives in the K-12 and higher education sectors. For each initiative, the list includes a summary, link and contact information.
Greening Your Government Webinar Series - On Demand
Green Guidance on any Government Project – the LEED Way
LEED as a Tool for Performance Strategies - Using LEED credits to guide the implementation of limited-scope building modernization projects or to add green elements to new construction projects ensures that these elements align with nationally recognized green benchmarks and provide a stepping stone to future LEED certification.
For more information about how USGBC is working to rebuild America and advance the green economy, please visit Green Building Creates Green Jobs for a Green Economy.