Citing the leadership role that U.S. Mayors and municipalities have played in the efforts to reduce carbon emissions-and that buildings account for 38% of carbon emissions in the United States - the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Sierra Club's Cool Cities campaign (Cool Cities) have formed a strategic partnership to promote the development, advancement and implementation of meaningful green building policies in 2009.
The partnership will leverage Cool Cities' more than 400 local campaigns and USGBC's national network of 78 chapters to empower city residents, business owners, municipal employees and elected leadership to encourage their cities to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable and energy efficient buildings.
"In today's economy, giving municipalities the tools to become more energy efficient and sustainable is a win-win," said Carl Pope, Sierra Club's Executive Director.
"Not only does the community get the environmental benefits, but implementing these solutions can create jobs and save money."
In addition, the two organizations will collaborate on the development of grassroots resources including joint policy recommendations and best practice models to demonstrate the diversity and scope of policies and incentives that are currently in place across the nation.