Homes, commercial buildings and other industrial facilities together cause 45 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. As homes and other development projects are constructed or remodeled on the East End, local governments can be proactive in lowering energy usage and shrinking carbon emissions. Efficiency measures should be required both within government facilities and in private homes and commercial buildings.

NYLCV has developed several policy recommendations for municipalities to move toward greater energy efficiency:

• Develop local action plans to reduce energy usage in buildings and other structures. Plans should include reasonable goals, deadlines and reporting metrics and a transparent process that allows residents to measure their village's progress.
• Amend local building codes to require all new buildings and renovations to comply with U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System standards.
• Incorporate a review of proposed projects' energy consumption into land use approval processes.
• Establish and fund local programs devoted to encouraging homeowners to make their homes environmentally friendly.
• Adopt comprehensive municipal energy codes to require energy efficient development.