KWA

HUD Set to Launch Sustainable Housing Office

Posted on 15. Feb, 2010 by admin in Building Green

HUD will fund local projects, green homes and unveils a new “affordability index”

As President Obama is making a strong push towards a cleaner, more energy-efficient economy, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stands behind him with a plan to help. Specifically, HUD is boosting efforts to stimulate the growth of sustainable communities in which people will have easy access to jobs, stores and transportation.

On top of unveiling a new “affordability index” based on how close a home is to jobs and other necessities, HUD will also fund local projects and offer financing for energy-efficient homes. “We will begin to tie the quality and location of housing to broader opportunities such as access to good jobs, quality schools and safe streets” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

In order to accomplish their goals, HUD is opening the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities which will be headed up by Deputy Secretary Ron Sims. Sims has received national recognition for his transformation of Seattle and King County, Washington, into ideal sustainable communities.

HUD’s specific tactics are part of a much bigger attempt to make it easier for people to live, work and shop in a central location and significantly reduce the amount of necessary driving.

The push for sustainable communities appears in the private sector as well, with the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system to be released this year.

Related Article:
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2010/02/hud-promotes-obamas-pitch-for-sustainable-communities/1