Continuing its work to provide resources for local and state governments across the country that take advantage of green building and the economic recovery opportunities that coincide, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently released its “Top 10 Ways to Use Recovery Funds for Green Building.”

Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC, explained, “A strong economy and a healthy environment go hand-in hand. Governments and businesses alike have recognized the triple bottom line of economic, environmental and social sustainability is the key to thriving and prospering today and in the future. Smart use of stimulus funding by improving the efficiency of our existing buildings as well as new structures and communities will create green jobs that save energy, water and money.”

The Top 10 list includes:

• Invest in healthy schools and reinvest in our children and our future.

• Build or expand residential energy retrofit programs.

• Make housing more efficient and affordable.

• Demonstrate leadership by example—greening public sector buildings.

• Maximize efficiency in the business community.

• Build capacity through education and training.

• Leverage and extend recovery dollars with a revolving loan fund.

• Get buildings on the right track—retro-commission your buildings.

• Make informed energy resource management decisions through metering.

• Greening piece-by-piece—laying the groundwork for future holistic measures.

Fedrizzi also pointed to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) as “a tremendous and unprecedented opportunity for green building. Governments are taking steps to identify not simply shovel-ready, but shovel-worthy projects that will play a vital role in the strength of the economy.”

He noted his organization has been working closely with state and local governments to think holistically about using ARRA money to maximize sustainability in the built environment.

Further details and resources on the report can be found at USGBC’s Green Economic Recovery Resources page, greenplaybook.org, or call 202.742.3738.