White House Announces Better Buildings Initiative

In his Weekly Address on Feb. 5, 2011, President Barack Obama announced the Better Buildings Initiative, which would make commercial buildings 20 percent more energy efficient over the next decade. The address, which was held at Pennsylvania State University, focused on American innovation and explained that Obama's plan to dramatically improve the energy efficiency of U.S. businesses could save businesses nearly $40 billion yearly in their utility bills across the next ten years.

"What we’re saying to people is if you’re willing to make your buildings more energy efficient, we’ll provide new tax credits and financing opportunities for you to do so," Obama said, noting that the Better Buildings Initiative would give the private sector "cash upfront" to invest in energy efficient improvements – incentives that could boost the economy, as well as increase manufacturing and private sector jobs.

For more info

To hear more about the Better Buildings Initiative, watch the four-minute video of Obama announcing the program.  

For even more information, read the White House's fact sheet on the Better Buildings Initiative, as well as the Alliance's statement on how Obama's plan strengthens his commitment to energy efficiency.