14 DAY TRIAL // Just yesterday, news brought to us by representatives of the Obama administration informed us about the fact that 36 states, local governments and school districts agreed to enter the Better Buildings Challenge launched by the American president.
The decision was made public in Denver, Colorado, where nearly 300 local and national leaders were gathered to discuss sustainable development policies.
Apparently, said challenge is a direct result of the national administration's wish to save some much-needed money by cutting down on the energy bills for public buildings and schools.
Should things go as planned, a total of $2 billion (approximately €1,6 billion / ₤1,3 billion) will be invested in energy efficiency and in renewable energy projects.
Some speculate that this might easily lead to some very good news for the job market, seeing how buildings do not just become energy-efficient all by themselves. EERE reports that most of these funds will be turned into Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, which basically give state and local governments an almost free-pass in terms of going green.
As the country's Energy Secretary explains, “Making our public buildings and schools more energy efficient is one of the easiest ways to save taxpayer dollars.”
He also adds, “Our partners joining the Better Buildings Challenge today are paving the way to long-term benefits in their communities. These projects will reduce energy costs for local governments, support jobs across a range of industries, and help build an American economy that lasts.”
The same source informs us that this new project is part and parcel of president Obama's plan to boost the national economy by investing in these newly developing and environmentally friendly industries.
As far as we are concerned, it is a good thing that the Obama administration strikes the general public as being highly involved in taking care both of the American citizens, and of the environment.