BOA launches Green housing program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation have announced the Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant Program. The program awards financial and educational resources to help remove barriers towards the pursuit of LEED for Neighborhood Development projects that include affordable green housing components in their neighborhood plans.

The grant program is open to developers and related public agencies that choose to pursue LEED for Neighborhood Development certification and demonstrate a commitment toward strengthening existing communities by providing affordable green housing to citizens with a range of income levels.

USGBC's LEED for Neighborhood Development program recognizes development projects that successfully protect and enhance the overall health, natural environment and quality of life in its community. The program encourages smart growth by promoting the creation of neighborhoods where jobs and services are accessible by foot or public transit, reducing driving miles as well as an array of green building and infrastructure practices such as energy efficiency, resource conservation and reduced water use-especially important in areas where infrastructure is often overtaxed.

The application period for the Affordable Green Homes Grant Program is open until Sept. 9, 2010. Applicants will be notified of their status in October and will receive their awards throughout late fall and early winter.