**GAO-09-46**                      Published: Oct 07, 2008. Publicly Released: Oct 07, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

Rising energy prices and concerns about the environment have fueled interest in "green building"--resource-efficient construction and maintenance practices that reduce adverse impacts on the natural environment. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), spends an estimated $5 billion on energy costs annually in its affordable housing programs and has recently taken steps to reduce its energy costs. GAO was asked to review (1) HUD's efforts to promote energy efficiency in its programs and the use of performance measures, (2) potential costs and long-term benefits of green building in HUD's affordable housing programs, and (3) lessons learned elsewhere that HUD could use to promote green building. GAO reviewed HUD program documents and studies on green building, interviewed HUD officials and industry representatives, and made site visits to locations that use green building practices.

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## Topics

Energy

Cost analysisCost effectiveness analysisData collectionEnergy costsEnergy efficiencyEnvironmental impact statementsEnvironmental protectionFederal regulationsGreen technologyHousingHousing constructionHousing programsLessons learnedPerformance measuresProgram managementPropertyPublic housingPublic utilitiesStandardsStrategic planningCost estimatesHousing projects