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An Efficient Future

The zeitgeist is saying the way to a sustainable future begins with making property more efficient.

By Ryan Clark | Updated on March 05, 2010

Despite the nation’s focus on healthcare, consumer protection and job-creation programs, the government has a renewed vigor for sustainable practices, particularly funneling funds to help green existing structures. Recently in Savannah, GA President Obama introduced an energy efficiency program called HOMESTAR, which will offer rebates that “encourage homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes.” Meanwhile, commercial property is getting its own push vis a vis legislation.

The US Green Buildings Council recently assembled a top 10 list of bills, enacted or pending, which advance sustainable building practices. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is top on their list, but nine other bills are pending in the House and 10 in the Senate that will help drive energy efficiency and, hopefully, help create jobs in the process. The bills combine tax credits and incentives, as well as regulation in order to “spark innovation.” The American Recover and Reinvestment Act, signed into law last February, assigns over $22 billion for energy efficiency projects, which singles-out $346 million for energy building technologies.

Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) says in a statement: “With our crippled economy, continuing energy crisis, and changing climate, Americans need timely and effective solutions to set a new course for how we use and think about energy. Energy efficiency has emerged as one of the most effective and expeditious actions that can be taken to preserve valuable resources for producers and consumers.”

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