As I embark on my new position running USGBC's residential development, there is no doubt in my mind that the timing could not be any better for homebuilding in general and green homebuilding in particular. Consider the following data points and trends:

• National: Annualized starts dipped below 1 million last month, a seemingly negative trend. However, experts note that in other housing downturns over the past 30 years, this magical number has served as the "low water" mark and has generally been followed by a steady recovery.

• Financial: Congress is deliberating a package to aid homeowners at risk of default. While the outcome is uncertain, it is high on all the candidates’ agendas and clearly there will be action before year-end. Meanwhile, Fannie Mae is planning to introduce an innovative refinance program for homeowners whose home value has sunk below their mortgage balance.

• Local: In the Las Vegas market, which was the epicenter of the downturn and where it all truly began three years ago (when a major homebuilder cut their prices 15% in a day), inventories actually fell year-over-year in April, a phenomenon not seen in that market in over a year. While the individual effect of these three things might be debatable, together we’re starting to build what is intensely needed to drive recovery: a reason for buyers to feel confident returning to the market.

As for the effect of "green," I share only my experiences from the National Association of Homebuilders’ annual Green Conference in New Orleans. The dialogue around green homebuilding has advanced well beyond "when?" and deep into "how, and how far?" I was floored by the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity I found in the small crowd of early adopters who have been involved in the movement for years. Meanwhile, the vast majority of the rest - builders who had been slow to evolve - have found this downturn an opportune time to formulate their green building strategies.

I came into the homebuilding industry five years ago believing there are few things more noble or important than the opportunity to help build a family’s home. Now as part of USGBC, I’ve found an enhancement to that belief: it is far greater and nobler to help build a family’s home that is healthier, more comfortable and durable, and less wasteful than an average home. And although it may take a bit of time, there is no doubt that this market is coming back in a huge way.

Join me in bringing LEED for Homes to the masses. Learn more at www.usgbc.org/LEED/Homes or www.thegreenhomeguide.org.

Best,