One item that's dropped off the agenda is the Report and Third Reading stages of the Energy Bill - the "green deal" which will allow people to fund energy saving home improvements from the savings to their gas and electricity bills.

BBC: Viewing guide: The week ahead at Parliament

The agency also announced plans to test an additional dozen energy- and water-saving technologies this year as part of its Green Proving Ground program.

FORBES: GSA Tests Energy-Slashing Technologies To Deploy In 10,000 Federal Buildings

To get a LEED certification, for instance, homes collect points for green features, such as energy-efficient light bulbs and water-saving toilets.

WSJ: Green Goes Mainstream for New Homes��WSJ Mansion

The work you've done here is quite impressive, and the evolution of your work to include green building, something that we're talking more and more about as a nation, energy-saving practices, and environmental awareness, it demonstrates how YouthBuild has endured as a leading non-profit organization, keeping up with the times, making sure that the training and education that you get is current.

WHITEHOUSE: Related Rural Blog Posts