Architects, USGBC Commend Mayors for Renewing Commitment to Green Building and Sustainability

Slate of sustainability resolutions at Mayor’s Annual Conference reflect work of mayors around the country to spur economic savings and create jobs through green building, clean energy and infrastructure investment

Las Vegas, NV – June 25, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) this week commended the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) for passing a slate of sustainability resolutions that renew its commitment to local green building and clean energy efforts that help spur economic savings and protect the environment.

The 10 measures passed include the support of resilient communities, stronger building energy codes, Tiger grants and improving infrastructure. The resolutions represent a powerful endorsement of support for implementing a sound sustainability agenda and were strongly supported and encouraged by AIA and USGBC, which are working together to advance local green building policy as part of their six-year strategic alliance.

“The passage of these resolutions reflect the ardent dedication of all our mayors who are working to revitalize the economy through infrastructure investment and clean energy programs as well as green building and smart transportation improvements,” said Paul Mendelsohn, AIA’s vice president of government and community relations. “They are taking a smart, integrated approach across all sectors of the economy to drive sustainability, improve health and advance the triple-bottom line.”

“Once again, mayors are showing courage and leadership by embracing a strong sustainability and green building policy agenda that helps communities save money, save energy and create jobs,” said Jason Hartke, vice president of national policy at USGBC. “As the first responders on the frontlines in the battle to combat climate change, they are seeking out effective solutions and smart public policy that will help strengthen their local economies.”

The resolutions that passed this week include:

• #9 Wellness in Real Estate, which commits to promoting buildings that “use a combination of criteria and features that will enhance the well-being of occupants and address growing preventable health concerns and costs.”

• #19 Transit-oriented Development as an Economic Growth and Economic Development Strategy;

• #29 Supporting and Advancing Resilient Communities, which commits to “support efforts by communities across the nation to advance sound resiliency policies and programs that (1) identify and plan for the risk and challenges posed by a changing climate, (2) deploy a skilled workforce to modernize critical infrastructure in the energy, communications, buildings, water, and transportation sectors, (3) strengthen the community as a whole to be a safer, healthier place to live.”

• #38 Support to Double the Nation’s Energy Productivity;

• #42 Endorsing the Maximum Achievable Building Energy Efficiency Improvements in the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code;

• #50 In Support of the renewal of the Federal Brownfields Tax Deduction;

• #82 In Support of the Federal Historic Tax Credit;

• #95 In Support of a Strong American Infrastructure, which commits to support “efforts by Congress, the Administration, and State governments to upgrade, expand, and strengthen American infrastructure by making the appropriate financial investments and by partnering and coordinating with local governments and stakeholders.”

• #97 In Support of Tiger Grants; and

• #98 A New Era for Urban Streets and Urban Infrastructure;

These 10 resolutions passed unanimously in Las Vegas this week at the 81st USCM Annual Meeting, which sets the national agenda for U.S. Mayors. Together, the resolutions reflect the ongoing mission of mayors to accelerate investment in green building, promote smart growth, and fortify critical city infrastructure.

About the American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

About U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

USGBC is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Contact:
John Schneidawind
202-626-7457

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