Bill Clinton: On Green Building In New Orleans

Former President Bill Clinton said energy efficient, green building can be a key part of New Orleans' comeback from Hurricane Katrina.

Clinton, here for a gathering of college students as part of his Clinton Global Initiative University, said the city's history and culture, combined with a commitment to a sustainable economic future, would allow for "the complete ascendancy, its return, as the most unique city in the country."

Mayor Ray Nagin said Clinton — who in 2006 named the New Orleans metro area as part of his Clinton Climate Initiative focused on addressing global warming — has been providing advice on how best to move forward from the August 2005 storm. He called Clinton a friend and "wonderful man."

The city has pledged to follow what Nagin in January called a "greening road map," a 10-year plan that he said would, among other things, incorporate so-called green technology and building techniques into the repairs of city buildings damaged by Katrina. Nagin also has said he has committed to green living in his personal life, taking steps including having solar panels installed at his home.