One aspect of this involves estimating the greenhouse gases in your community and the role that local buildings play in that. The Playbook’s overview section contains advice about how to do this, in the context of developing a climate action plan.

There are several initiatives underway to develop carbon calculators, or emissions reporting protocols, for the building sector. The US Green Building Council is developing an emission reduction calculator that will measure LEED buildings against a baseline. The US EPA Energy Tracking Tool for commercial buildings has been updated to include greenhouse gas emission factors, enabling users to estimate the carbon footprint of their commercial buildings.

• Are there completed green buildings? How many by sector: municipal, commercial and residential? 
• What is the annual percentage of green building projects compared to conventional, and what is the rate of growth over the past few years?
• How are these buildings contributing to municipal goals, including climate protection, energy and water conservation, air quality, stormwater management and water quality, waste reduction and recycling, local economic development, transportation management, and human health?
• What are the growth projections for housing and jobs?
• What are potential cumulative benefits from green buildings? 
• Which organizations are will serve as strategic partners? 
• What market barriers exist?

Partner organizations may be able gather and provide specific data needed to complete an assessment. Once completed, the assessment can identify the opportunities and potential benefits that can be gained from green building, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions. San Francisco’s Task Force Report estimates expected results, including a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 60,000 tons.