Development of policy levers through a robust engagement process that considers the needs of internal and external stakeholders will help a green building program succeed. Cities and counties need to build capacity for planning and implementing these new types of programs and solutions.
The five stages of market adoption are: awareness, interest, evaluation, trial and adoption. Policy levers can address each of these stages. Policy levers that have proven successful in advancing green building fall under three broad categories:
Capacity Building
Capacity building begins with raising awareness and educating stakeholders to increase skills and knowledge. Engaging the right people and forging strategic partnerships are key strategies that can ensure success. Strategies for building capacity include:
- Engagement
- Education and outreach
- Municipal policy and pilot projects
- Rating systems
- Recognize leaders
Financial Solutions
Perception risk can be overcome by offering financial incentives that encourage investment in green building. Financial solutions include:
- Conservation program incentives
- Grants
- Income or sales tax credits
- Property tax abatement
- Reduced fees
- Expedited permitting
- Incentive zoning
- Technical assistance
Regulations Levers
Regulations can be applied to achieve market diffusion, and mainstream green building as standard practice. This can most easily be achieved when a broad constituency of support exists and the market has a critical mass of green building activity. Regulatory levers include measures that:
- Adopt and amend codes
- Require green building
- Update energy codes
- Call for retro commissioning (analyzing and updating) old facilities to improve energy efficiency
- Support point-of-sale efficiency upgrades
