Making buildings more energy efficient doesn't come cheap.

The economic stimulus bill Obama signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009, includes at least $4.5 billion to turn federal buildings into "high-performance green buildings." That money could go to big-ticket items like new heating and cooling systems, or lesser items like improved insulation and more energy-efficient lighting.

Obama's budget outline for 2010 mentions additional funding for green buildings, though it doesn't specify an amount. More money will be allocated to help federal buildings meet a "25 percent energy efficiency improvement goal by 2013." More details on the budget are expected to be released in the coming months.

The money in the stimulus and the budget outline indicate to us that this promise is on Obama's radar. It will take years to see if the efficiency goals will be met, but for now there is enough action to rate it In the Works.