The Obamas are trying to show that reducing energy use and leading a greener life really isn’t that hard. This certainly isn’t the first attempt to green the White House, but it’s definitely the most significant attempt to date.

The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) are leading the effort to upgrade to more energy efficient equipment, improve procurement, reduce waste and toxins and lower the overall carbon footprint of the complex.

Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and president of U.S. Green Building Council, offered up his expertise to help the White House achieve certification. Although such an important structure will definitely make a historic renovation more challenging than any other building.

“LEED certification of the White House is absolutely possible and viable,” Fedrizzi said. “A normal building is already a challenging assignment, and this is something that’s a historic structure, one of [the] nation’s most historic structures.”

The White House staff is looking into making improvements into the procurement policies, aiming to consider toxicity and life cycles when making purchases. They’ll buy biodegradable cleaners, recycled content products and low VOC paints.

Source: Inhabitat