• Green Neighborhoods
  • Learn
  • Plan
    • Commit to Action
    • Start Fast
    • Assess the Situation
    • Set Goals
    • Plan
    • Implement
    • Measure Success
  • Act
  • Leading Actions
Implement
Successfully implementing a climate change plan for a community or neighborhood is based on a set of key factors.
High Point, a Built Green™ neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, features a natural drainage system, native plantings, porous pavement and homes that meet a minimum of Built Green 3-Star standards, with many achieving 4-Star level and ENERGY STAR® certification. Courtesy of: City of Seattle

The following advice highlights successful approaches to each of the key factors.

  • Responsibility:  Make implementation the responsibility of a person or team whose role includes an overall picture of the project and engagement with a wide range of involved stakeholders.
  • Team:  Establish an implementation team with members representing all key areas.
  • Mandate:  Make sure decision makers communicate a clear mandate to pursue and achieve the climate-change targets. Widespread communication of this message is important to build buy-in among stakeholders and to create enthusiasm for innovations. 
  • Resources: Secure sufficient financial and technical resources for necessary research, education and leadership.
  • Partnerships: Build partnerships with a range of stakeholders, such as industry associations and interest groups.
  • Communications: A communications strategy to accompany the plan to provide education, motivation and celebration of innovation and successes.

These and other issues are discussed in more detail as they apply to green, climate- friendly actions in general in Building Government Capacity.  Examples of successful implementation plans are found in the Leading Actions section.