HUD Isn’t Just Focusing On Availability – They Are Also Focusing on SustainabilityThe Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) was founded in 1965 as an agency that would initiate a leased housing program to make privately owned housing available to low-income families. As the department grew, it became more and more successful. It pulled in other agencies that would support HUD’s goals and create more opportunities for families and individuals to obtain lower cost, affordable housing.For example, the Community Re-Investment Act (CRA) requires all lending institutions to allocate a portion of their marketing plan to lower income areas. This allows lower income residents to access the dream of home ownership, which builds a broader base of homeowners in every community… and it does so to the mutual success of both HUD and the lending institutions.Obviously, we are a long way from 1965 when HUD was created, and today’s focus has changed. The importance now is on sustainability and maintaining a green environment in every livable structure. From solar design to high-performance windows and energy efficient appliances, the key is to make homes livable – not just today but into the future as well.In keeping with the spirit of sustainability, the 2023 HUD Event was titled “Innovative Housing Showcase” and the agency partnered with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for this year’s event. By reaching out to the NAHB, HUD easily accessed manufacturers who are already creating and distributing sustainable products for home usage.LEDCONN Corp is a premier manufacturer of LED lighting and custom lighting systems. As a leader in this field, LEDCONN was able to install energy-saving LED lighting in several model homes at the event to provide attendees with a first-hand look at custom LED lighting and the difference it can make in a contemporary home.HUD’s Showcase event raises awareness of innovative housing designs and technologies that have the potential to increase the housing supply, lower the cost of construction, and/or reduce housing expenses for owners and renters. Builders across the country are especially interested in innovative housing designs and technologies that, in addition to reducing costs and expenses for builders, owners and renters, can expand affordable, accessible, and healthy housing options for low- and moderate-income households; support aging in place; improve climate mitigation and resilience and disaster recovery; and/or increase energy efficiency and support decarbonization in the housing sector.Sustainability is certainly nothing new to someone looking for a home. But it is exciting to see how energy efficiency isn’t only a retrofitted process – it has become an industry standard.