The stimulus bill signed by President Obama in February provides billions of dollars for energy efficiency programs.

That includes $4 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to fix up public housing and increase energy efficiency of units. Another half-billion will do the same for homes maintained by Native American housing programs.

These financial investments are expected to cut energy costs and CO2 emissions while also creating green-collar jobs .

The program helps landlords and property managers cut their heating and air conditioning costs by installing more efficient systems. It also pays for more modern faucets and toilets to help reduce water waste. According to HUD, utility costs make up nearly a quarter of public housing operating costs.

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan says every dollar of stimulus funds his agency spends can be reviewed and tracked at HUD's Recovery Act website.