New Center to Support Green Development

March 7, 2008
The Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC) announced it will support green design, construction and management principles in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods by launching the Green Development Center. Through the new center, LISC aims to develop sustainable communities that provide good places to work, live and do business.

"It's clear that embedding green principles into all facets of neighborhood revitalization leads directly to results consistent with LISC's mission of helping to build sustainable communities that are better places to live and work," said Greg Maher, LISC's senior vice president for lending. "Lowered operating costs, increased household income, and the improved health of children – these are direct results of green-focused development."

LISC has encouraged its community development partners to design and build energy- and resource-efficient buildings since 2004. According to LISC, these designs help connect neighborhoods to green job opportunities in design and building trades; support healthier lifestyles by exposing residents to fewer toxic substances; provide schools with better learning environments; increase property values; and reduce utility costs.

Green Initiatives

The San Francisco Bay area LISC launched Green Connection, a program designed to educate new housing developers about green building principles. The program also sets out to incorporate green capital improvements and maintenance practices into existing properties.

In addition, a Boston LISC branch partnered with New Ecology Inc. to create a "green screen" assessment tool to help developers take advantage of greening opportunities in their projects. And in Duluth, LISC is involved in a number of green building projects, including a solar demonstration model home and a 70-unit supportive housing building serving the homeless population.

LISC also supports similar efforts in a number of other cities and rural areas.

Madeline Fraser Cook, a national expert on green and sustainable design techniques, will head the new LISC development center. Cook has managed the greening of affordable housing developments and guided developers through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

Sponsored Recommendations

Ensuring a Safer Workplace through a Comprehensive Contractor Qualification Framework

March 13, 2025
Avetta is a leader in contractor management, and with over 15 years of industry experience, we can help you establish a robust contractor pre-qualification program that aligns...

EQT Private Equity to Acquire Avetta from WCAS

March 13, 2025
EQT commits to supporting Avetta in its ongoing growth and innovation journey.

Guide to OSHA Workplace Lighting Requirements

March 13, 2025
Learn OSHA workplace lighting requirements to enhance safety, productivity, and quality. Discover standards, compliance benefits, and risks of non-compliance.

What is the difference between Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers and why do they matter?

March 13, 2025
From raw materials to final products, each supplier tier poses risks and liabilities that can impact your organization. Avetta's supply chain management software offers peace ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!