Sustainable Design Blog

Local Leaders in Sustainability: Green Incentive Trends is a joint effort with the National Association of Counties (NACo) to help local government officials incentivize green construction in their communities. State and local government green building incentives range from options that are virtually cost-free to those that involve more investment. The most attractive incentives are tax incentives, density/floor area ratio bonuses, and expedited permitting. The findings show that communities should select incentives based on their financial situation and desired impact on the construction industry. The simpler the policy, the more likely it is to be implemented successfully.

This Local Leaders report focuses on five key areas of green incentives: financial costs, oversight structure, local political and cultural environment, limits to power, and industry engagement. Green Incentive Trends analyzes initiatives instituted by localities across the country in recent years to provide in-depth best practice examples and a focused analysis on strategies that work well for different communities. The report also highlights innovative green architecture and interviews with the architects and local officials that are making it possible. Green building market transformation is accelerating, and these incentives are useful tools to help communities shift toward a sustainable future.
 

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