Sustainability performance is driving a new dialogue about housing policy and practice. This trend can be witnessed in the planning for and implementation of sustainable projects and programs by the public and private sectors. As part of the Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities (which also includes the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation), HUD has been looking for ways to coordinate investments and align policies in order to help communities become more livable, affordable and economically competitive.

This forum will highlight key research needs and opportunities facing policy makers, businesses, and advocates as we pursue a more sustainable future. The winning proposals for HUD's recent Sustainable Communities Research Grant competition will be presented. Two panels will then discuss the opportunities and challenges for retrofitting multifamily housing and the current state and future directions of sustainability performance metrics, which allow governments, business and other organizations to define and measure their own visions of sustainability.

Mariia Zimmerman, Deputy Director for HUD's Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, speaking at a forum presented by HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research.  
Erika Poethig, Deputy Assistant Secretary for HUD's Office of Policy Development, speaking at a forum presented by HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research.  
Raphael Bostic, Assistant Secretary for HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) speaking at a forum presented by PD&R, Advancing Sustainability Performance.  
Conference attendees gather materials and information after attending Advancing Sustainability Performance — a forum presented by HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research.