Recently I learned about a report by the U.S. Green Building Council detailing numerous programs the President can use to increase energy efficiency in commercial and multi-family buildings. According to the report, there are more than 30 existing federal programs the President can utilize to increase efficiency, without enacting any new legislation. The report is titled "Using Executive Authority to Achieve Greener Buildings: A Guide for Policymakers to Enhance Sustainability and Efficiency in Multifamily Housing and Commercial Buildings," and will hopefully serve as a roadmap towards greener buildings.

Some of the programs include integrating energy efficiency and sustainability criteria in competitive grants, improving performance standards applicable to federal buildings and leases, and SBA funding mechanisms for small businesses to invest in energy efficiency. I feel that the last item is very important, as I personally have spoken with small business owners that wish to increase the efficiency of their locations, but cannot afford to do so due to the debt they are already in with loans. By folding environmental performance measures into SBA funding we can ensure that these businesses can not only survive, but help reduce their footprint in the process.

At the moment the President has a lot on his plate, especially with the BP oil spill disaster. However, with this report in hand the administration can take action and continue to stand up for sustainability and efficiency across the board. The best part is that it can tap into existing resources and programs, without going through the long process of seeking approval for new legislation.