DEVELOPING GREEN SUSTAINABLE CITIES
Local Economic Development Opportunities Promotion And Implementation Of Green Buildings Green building practices within a community can generate new economic development opportunities. These opportunities can take a variety of forms, including new business development to meet the demand for green products and services; resource efficiency improvement programs that enable existing businesses to lower operating costs; development of environmentally oriented business districts; and job training related to new green businesses and products. In Austin, Texas, the long-term existence of the city’s Green Builder Program has contributed to the growth of green building trades, including, companies to meet the demand for rainwater-harvesting systems and services. The city had also begun working with a non-profit organization to offer at-risk youths an opportunity to learn job skills while they build affordable green homes. On a national level, the EPA cites the potential creation of ov...