The responses to the BuildingAction 2020 Congressional candidates questionnaire show there is hope for bipartisan action on legislation to make buildings more sustainable – and that elected officials want to be engaged with the building sector.

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More than 115 candidates for the House and Senate responded to the first-ever questionnaire, which asked candidates their views on various proposals to make buildings more sustainable, resilient and healthier.

 

Here are some of the topline results:

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• Of the respondents, 45% were Democrats, 21% were Republicans, and 34% were Independents or other parties.

 

• Among respondents, 82% were candidates for the House, while 18% were running for the Senate. Incumbents made up 13% of respondents.

 

• Responses came from 35 states, representing 88% of the U.S. population

 

• When asked if they would work with the building sector to transform buildings, including joining caucuses, if elected, 89% said they would.

 

• Support for specific building-related policies was strong among candidates regardless of party:

  • 85% support expanding tax incentives for energy efficient buildings

  • 84% support homeowner rebates for energy efficiency

  • 80% support making buildings more resilient from disasters

  • 79% support retrofitting schools, community centers, and libraries

  • 72% support helping states, localities adopt up-to-date energy building codes

 

• A majority of both republican and Democratic candidates, as well as Independent/Other candidates, supported most policy proposals, although support was higher among Democrats.

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Click here for detailed results.