by Rebecca Walker — July 9, 2010—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation have launched a grant program to support the creation of healthy, green neighborhoods that integrate business districts and commercial buildings with residential areas, retail, services and public transit all within walkable distances.
The Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant Program is intended to help lift the barriers to pursuit of LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) projects, in which affordable green housing is a key component, says the USGBC.
The standards for LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) became official in spring after a three-year pilot. The standards are intended to foster the transformation of communities into green neighborhoods that embody smart growth and resource and energy efficiency.
The grant program, which is accepting 2010 applications until September 9, supports those efforts by awarding financial and educational resources to developers and public agencies that pursue LEED-ND certification. Grant seekers must demonstrate a commitment toward strengthening existing communities by providing affordable green housing within reach of a range of income levels, the foundation and the USGBC said.
Grant-winning projects, which will be selected by a review committee of industry leaders, will receive a cash reward of $20,000 that can be used toward LEED for Neighborhood Development certification, as well as a LEED for Neighborhood Development Reference Guide, discounted USGBC membership, and other resources.
