The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) this week commended the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) for passing a slate of sustainability resolutions that renew its commitment to local green building and clean energy efforts that help spur economic savings and protect the environment. 

“Once again, mayors are showing courage and leadership by embracing a strong sustainability and green building policy agenda that helps communities save money, save energy and create jobs,” said Jason Hartke, vice president of national policy at USGBC. “As the first responders on the front lines in the battle to combat climate change, they are seeking out effective solutions and smart public policy that will help strengthen their local economies.”

The 10 measures passed include the support of resilient communities, stronger building energy codes, Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants and improving infrastructure. The resolutions represent a powerful endorsement of support for implementing a sound sustainability agenda and were strongly supported and encouraged by AIA and USGBC, which are working together to advance local green building policy as part of their six-year strategic alliance.

“The passage of these resolutions reflects the ardent dedication of all our mayors who are working to revitalize the economy through infrastructure investment and clean energy programs as well as green building and smart transportation improvements,” said Paul Mendelsohn, AIA’s vice president of government and community relations. “They are taking a smart, integrated approach across all sectors of the economy to drive sustainability, improve health and advance the triple bottom line.”