During these extraordinary times, it is important to remember that as we continue to expand area of land we inhabit, we should also consider the impact of development.  To reduce the further degradation of the environment, it may be prudent to utilize the various green technologies available in the market as well as the incentives available from the federal and state governments to ensure energy efficiency, resource conservation, and cost effectiveness.This information will assist your understanding of the resources available for home developments and renovation projects.

Federal Government

• United States Department of Energy
  • Programs
    • Building America
      • About the Program
      • Resources
        • Best Practices for the Seventh District of Pennsylvania
        • Helpful Links
        • Publications Database
    • Builders Challenge
      • Building Requirements
      • Quality Criteria
      • Technical Resources
        • Best Practices for the Seventh District of Pennsylvania
      • Marketing Resources
  • Energy Efficient Building Practices
  • Plan & Finance
  • Design and Build
  • Maintain and Renovate
  • On-Site Renewable Energy

• Financial Opportunities
  • Tax Incentives



• United States Environmental Protection Agency
  • Initiatives
    • Green Building
      • Basic Information
      • Components of Green Building
        • Energy Efficiency
          • Energy Efficiency for New Homes
          • Energy Efficiency for Home Improvements
        • Improving Air Quality
          • Improving Indoor Air Quality
        • Water Conservation
          • General Information
          • WasteSense for New Homes
        • Building Types
        • Funding Opportunities
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Contact Information
        • Green Roof Research
          • Highlights
      • Sustainable Management Approaches and Revitalization Tools

State Government

• Governor’s Green Government Council
  • Building Renovation and Retrofit Program
    • Performance Contracting Program
    • New Construction Commissioning Handbook
    • Commissioning Existing Buildings
    • Retrocommissioning Handbook for Facility Managers

• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

Special Note for Contractors: The Environmental Protection Agency has released a news release stating that they are on target to implement the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP) on April 22, 2010 to protect children from lead poisoning.  Certain contractors are required to become EPA certified on the new lead-safe work practices through a one-day course by April 22, 2010.  Please see the links below for more information:

EPA News Release, EPA Requires Contractors to Become Lead-Safe Certified:

http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/652729eee366af95852576fe0069c67c!OpenDocument

Information on firm certification: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm#contractors

For a list of EPA-accredited RRP training providers: http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/trainingproviders.htm

More information on EPA’s lead program: http://www.epa.gov/lead