Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of our industry. Obviously, we’ve all suffered some major setbacks and disappointments in light of the economic downturn, and we know that change is coming. So I came to the conclusion a few weeks back that the future of our industry might be a lot greener, and I don’t just mean more money.

It seems to me that the future might see a need and a desire for enhanced energy efficiency and buildings that are friendlier to the environment. It won’t apply just to new construction, but to existing buildings and structures as well.

This week, I came across an interesting report that gave credence to this idea.

According to Van Ness Feldman’s legal analysis, “Using Executive Authority to Achieve Greener Buildings: A Guide for Policymakers to Enhance Sustainability and Efficiency in Multifamily Housing and Commercial Buildings,” the Obama administration apparently has a current store of $72 billion that could be used to increase energy efficiency in commercial buildings and multifamily housing.

What’s more amazing to me is that this $72 billion is available right this minute, without going through Congress or the long process of approval. And it’s earmarked for energy efficiency, which could very well mark the future of our industry, and the start of its comeback.

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