The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) released a report that finds that the most attractive incentives for greening American communities are also the most basic: tax incentives, density/floor area ratio bonuses and expedited permitting.
The report also found that communities should select incentives based primarily on a local government's financial situation and desired impact on the construction industry. And, the simpler the policy, the more likely for it to be implemented successfully, the report concludes.
"This report should serve as a guidepost for many communities throughout the country that are looking for ways to implement green initiatives but fear the expense involved," said AIA President Jeff Potter, FAIA. "Local governments in recent years have already implemented numerous 'green incentives.' These programs have met with varying levels of success. This report seeks to analyze those initiatives and provide best practice examples."
Green Building Incentive Trends: Strengthening Communities, Building Green Economies focuses on five key areas of green incentives, which include the financial costs, oversight structure, local political and cultural environment, limits to power, and industry engagement. The report includes an in-depth case study section that explores communities across the country including:
- Bernalillo County, NM [Impact Fee Reduction]
- Cincinnati, OH [CRA Property Tax Abatement]
- King County, WA [Green Building Grants]
- Santa Barbara County, CA [Innovative Building Review and Financing]
- Arlington County, VA [Density Bonus]Chicago, IL [Expedited Permitting]
- San Diego County, CA [Fee Discounts and Expedited Review]
- Alameda County, CA [Critical Design Assistance]
- Sarasota County, FL [Broad Green Building Promotion]
This Local Leaders report analyzes many green incentive initiatives instituted by localities in recent years in order to provide best practice examples and a focused analysis on the green incentives that work for different communities. The report also highlights innovative green architecture and includes 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 shift toward a sustainable future.