USGBC and Bank of America Announce Call for Applications for 2012 Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant Program

Program provides funding and resources to ten LEED for Neighborhood Development projects

Washington, DC – May 24, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation today announced the opening of the 2012 Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant Program. The program, made possible by a $500,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, awards $25,000 cash and educational resources to developers of affordable housing who are committed to building sustainable communities through the LEED for Neighborhood Development program. Applications will be accepted from now until Aug. 10, 2012.

LEED for Neighborhood Development integrates the principles of smart growth, new urbanism and green building, while benefitting communities by reducing urban sprawl, increasing transportation choices and decreasing automobile dependence, encouraging healthy living, and protecting threatened species.
“Everyone deserves access to housing that is healthy, affordable, and accessible to jobs and amenities,” said Scot Horst, Senior Vice President, Strategic Innovation & LEED, USGBC. “Bank of America’s commitment to the Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant Program makes them an important partner in helping neighborhoods across the country blossom into affordable, vibrant and walkable communities.”

“Together, Bank of America and USGBC are bringing to life the best plans in sustainable community development,” said Alex Liftman, Global Environmental Executive, Bank of America. “The continued growth of the LEED for Neighborhood Development and Affordable Green Neighborhoods programs showcases how communities can design and build in a way that protects our environment while enhancing economic vitality.”

A review committee of industry leaders will award ten affordable green neighborhood projects with the following support: Cash award of $25,000 to be used to pursue LEED for Neighborhood Development certification Complimentary LEED for Neighborhood Development Reference Guide Registration for an online LEED for Neighborhood Development webinar Registration for a LEED for Neighborhood Development workshop $300 discount on USGBC national membership Fully refunded LEED for Neighborhood Development project registration fee by the Green Building Certification Institute Access to USGBC technical assistance and monthly conference calls One registration for the National Affordable Green Homes & Sustainable Communities Summit during the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo in San Francisco, Calif.

This is the second round of funding Bank of America has provided for the Affordable Green Neighborhood Grant Program. Through initial funding, the USGBC provided assistance to ten affordable housing redevelopment projects across the country. Each of those projects feature the redevelopment and
revitalization of a previously income- and transit-separated neighborhood with badly outdated building stock and follow a process centered on strong community involvement. First-year grant recipient projects represent the creation of 4,741 rental units and 1,681 for-sale units to be built to the highest standards of environmental sustainability and indoor air quality with 84 percent and 48 percent, respectively, reserved for low-income residents. Applicants for the program will be notified of their status in mid-September, and recipients will be announced in November. To learn more about the Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant Program or to apply, visit usgbc.org/affordablegreenneighborhoods. For more information on LEED for Neighborhood Development, visit usgbc.org/ND.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) The U.S. Green Building Council (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 certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, 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.

Bank of America Corporate Social Responsibility
Bank of America’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic part of doing business globally. Our CSR efforts guide how we operate in a socially, economically, financially and environmentally responsible way across more than 100 markets around the world, to deliver for shareholders, customers, clients and employees. Our goal is to help create economically vibrant regions and communities through lending, investing and giving. By partnering with our stakeholders, we create shared value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive and contributes to the long-term success of our business. We have several core areas of focus for our CSR, including responsible business practices; environmental sustainability; strengthening local communities with a focus on housing, hunger and jobs; investing in global leadership development; and engaging through arts and culture. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/opportunity and follow us on Twitter at @BofA_Community.

Contact:
Ashley Katz
Communications Manager, USGBC
202.742.3738

Britney Sheehan
Media Relations Manger, Bank of America
206.358.7563