Document Type

White Paper

Publication Date

12-2021

Comments

The United States (U.S.) accounts for around 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).4 Of this share of emissions, 20% can be traced back to American home energy consumption. With 142 million homes in the U.S., there exists both a daunting challenge and an enormous opportunity to transform the U.S. housing stock toward an era of green living. Through favorable home mortgage loans, clear federal regulatory criteria for ‘green mortgage’ investments, and greater investments from mortgage lenders for sustainability-focused retrofits, the U.S. can build a stronger path towards meeting its net-zero emissions target by 2050. The path for the U.S. to meet the ambitious goals set out under the Paris Climate Agreement will not be easy.

Massive investments will be needed in-home retrofits and energy-efficient renovations. The Federal Government, however, has the power to set clear and substantial market signals, as well as the necessary capital investment required to catalyze the greening of the home mortgage market. This paper recommends four key areas where the Federal Government can take strong action within the home mortgage market.

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