TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY • June 1, 2021
Two of the biggest problems we face today — a shortage of decent, affordable housing and climate change — are connected. Fortunately, the solutions are connected as well. That’s why we must not only “build back better” in the wake of pandemic and recession, but build back greener. The good news is that we can address our housing crisis and our climate crisis with green affordable housing at no additional cost. The administration can “green” this investment by requiring these programs to use holistic green affordable housing criteria. These should go beyond energy efficiency to include the use of sustainably produced, non-toxic building materials. In this way, the infrastructure bill could help stabilize the climate and improve public health while expanding access to affordable housing. ~ Dana Bourland