Policy Solution
Green building and energy efficiency standards
Incentive
Summary
Green building practices and energy efficiency standards improve building performance that reduce solar gains, energy consumption, and urban heat islands.
Implementation
Provide zoning relief, expedited processing, or density bonuses for new projects or rehabilitations that meet or exceed green building standards.
Considerations for Use
Resources associated with ratings and certifications can provide upgrade recommendations that are applicable to all buildings not only participating buildings.
Overview
Climate:
Cold, Hot/Dry, Hot/Humid, TemperatePolicy Levers:
IncentiveFinancial and non-financial incentives to encourage stakeholders to implement heat risk reduction and preparedness solutions, including rebates, tax credits, expedited permitting, development/zoning bonuses, and more.Trigger Points:
Introducing new or updated zoning/codesIncludes codes, zoning requirements or by-laws pertaining to urban planning and building construction activity.Intervention Types:
Buildings and Built FormSectors:
Buildings
Case Studies
Impact
Target Beneficiaries:
Heat-vulnerable communities, Property owners, ResidentsPhase of Impact:
Risk reduction and mitigationMetrics:
Number and scores or levels of certification for buildings that receive ratings
Implementation
Intervention Scale:
City, Nation, Region, State/ProvinceAuthority and Governance:
City government, National government, State/provincial governmentImplementation Timeline:
Medium-term (3-9 Years)Implementation Stakeholders:
City government, Private developersFunding Sources:
Private investment, Public investmentCapacity to Act:
HighBenefits
Cost-Benefit:
MediumPublic Good:
N/AGHG Reduction:
MediumCo-benefits (Climate/Environmental):
Reduce greenhouse gas emissionsCo-benefits (Social/Economic):
Increase property values, Save on utilities