The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) has partnered with the Sustainable Facilities and Infrastructure Research Team of the Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech University to create green training for the U.S. construction industry. The primary purpose is to teach fundamental green construction principles and methodologies. NCCER has been recognized as a U.S. Green Building Council (USGCB) education provider. The center abides by USGCB-established operational and educational criteria and is subject to annual reviews and audits for quality assurance.

Within the last three years, more than 330,000 homes have been built in the United States featuring environmentally sustainable design, solar power, or other green technology, according to a joint study by McGraw-Hill Construction and the U.S. Green Building Council. The study estimated that green construction was now a $36 billion-a-year industry, up $5 billion from three years ago. Green home renovations had previously been seen as a luxury for people who can afford custom builders. But advances in technology, government subsidies and new construction practices have helped make green and efficient homes more affordable.

A Colorado-based real estate blogger details tips on avoiding "green washing" when purchasing real estate. He writes that "practically every real estate product being advertised these days is promoted as 'green' in one form or another", and that while there are some specific terms that are useful such as Built Green, LEED Certified, customers remain confused as to what makes a property 'green'. He advises customers to attend local community workshops, or to consider securing the help of an EcoBroker certified Realtor who can help reveal the truths behind the claims of 'green' homes for sale.

If all goes as planned, Dockside Green, a community located in Victoria, B.C., will become the world's first LEED Platinum community. The off-grid undertaking, now surpassing $80 million of construction, will take eight to 10 years to complete, according to the USGBC. The four-building phase one, now 100% LEED Platinum-ranked, has 200 residential units and nearly 8,611 square feet of street-level retail space.  85% of its mix of one- and two-bedroom units sold out three hours after marketing began.  Certification for the all-residential phase two, adding 220 for-sale units to the 15-acre waterfront block is "on target" to claim LEED Platinum too.

A new web site is designed to offer businesses advice on how to adapt to climate change.  The site provides a "one-stop-shop" for organizations seeking information. It will feature a range of resources, including climate  projections, best practices, technologies and design principles. Speaking at the launch of the site, UK's climate change minister Joan Ruddock said that alongside measures to cut emissions, the country needed to step up its climate adaptation efforts.

Pennsylvania's new law will save families and small businesses money on their energy bills by supporting investments in energy conservation and efficiency. As part of the $650 million package, residential consumers and small businesses will be eligible for $92.5 million in loans, grants, reimbursements and rebates to support energy conservation and weatherization projects with the intent to reduce energy bills. Another $40 million is available to provide financial assistance through the state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, and establish an energy efficiency loan fund through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.