Real LI

The owners of some 500 of the 65,000 single-family homes in Babylon soon will be eligible for low-interest loans to make green upgrades, such as to heating and cooling systems, Newsday reports. Borrowers will have up to 12 years to repay the loans, which will be awarded up to $12,000. The interest rate will be 3 percent. "This program is not only innovative and creative in allowing homeowners to retrofit their own homes and play a part in the solution, it also will be an example to communities across the country," said Vince Campogna of the U.S. Green Building Council. Read the full story here.

Starting tomorrow, all homes constructed in the towns of Babylon, Brookhaven or Riverhead "must meet federal Energy Star standards that require builders to use extra insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and power-saving appliances," reports Newsday's Jennifer Smith. Read more here.