Issues & AdvocacyIssue Briefs

After years of economic turmoil and natural calamities, America’s communities are ready to rebuild. Homeowners and businesses are demanding the next generation of buildings that save energy, revitalize traditional main streets and reflect the new ways that Americans live, work and play. As Hurricane Sandy showed, we need to do far more to protect our communities from disaster. And with buildings accounting for more than 70 percent of the nation’s electricity use, we can do so much more to make our homes, offices, and schools use less energy. Congress and the White House need to reform outdated laws that hold back innovative development, encourage congestion and leave neighborhoods vulnerable to disaster and decay.

Policies include:

• Help communities rebuild their main streets

• Promote safe and sustainable communities

• Encourage energy efficient design

• Promote the preservation of historic neighborhoods

• Help architects serve their communities

• Support energy efficient public buildings

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