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Resources
Resources Related to Green Building
The Brownfields Program in Region 9 works to clean up and redevelop potentially contaminated lands in the Pacific Southwest region, making it easier for such lands to become vital, functioning parts of their communities. Brownfield grants include sustainability and green building criteria.
Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials consist of the debris generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings, roads, and bridges.
Energy Star is a joint program of the EPA and the Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Indoor Air Plus Indoor Air Plus is a set of EPA specifications for newly constructed homes designed to help builders decrease the risk of poor indoor air quality. The builder must employ a variety of construction practices and technologies to earn the label. Those practices include: taking extra precautions to prevent rain from getting into the roofs, walls, and foundation; preventing radon in the soil below the home from entering into the home (in areas where radon is present in the native soils); bringing in fresh, filtered outside air on a periodic basis; sealing the home from pollutants in the garage; preventing combustion appliances from emitting combustion gases into the home; and using only low emitting building products like plywoods, fiberboard, particle board, carpet and paint. Buyers concerned about good indoor air quality should ask for the Indoor Air Plus label on their next home purchase. 
Lifecycle Building Challenge The Lifecycle Building Challenge is a national competition run by the EPA, American Institute of Architects, and Building Materials Reuse Association to promote building material reuse though disassembly and adaptability.
Organics: GreenScapes The GreenScapes Partnership program promotes safer, more sustainable landscaping practices that protect our environment and provide beautiful outdoor areas.
WaterSense seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs, and practices.
Tribal-Specific Resources
Building and Buying Green in Indian Country: A Practical Guide for California Tribes This comprehensive guide provides tribal project decision-makers and planners with an overview of "green" building practices to help them evaluate and choose sustainable options as they develop projects with architects, contractors, suppliers, or other building professionals.
Rural Information Center This Rural Information Center provides information about State, federal and nonprofit programs that assist Native Americans needing housing or loans.
Native American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) NAIHC is a national organization representing housing interests of tribes and housing entities across the United States. NAIHC does:
- Advocacy for housing opportunities and increased funding for Native American housing and community development programs,
- Training in many areas of Indian housing management,
- On-site technical assistance to Indian housing professionals,
- Research and information services on Indian housing issues and programs.
- NAIHC can assist with:
- The fundamentals of Indian housing management and financial accountability.
- Preparation of operating budgets, review of staffing and personnel policies, and organizational structure.
- Assessments of financial management and control functions including bookkeeping, computers, and computer software.
- Indian Housing Plans and Annual Performance Reports.