Do Economic Or Political Forces Shape Green Building Trends?

August 28, 2013- Two recent studies aim to highlight the underlying factors behind green building trends in different regions of the world. A report from May 2013 by Darren Prum and Tetsuo Kobayashi looks at the relationship between tax-incentive programs and green building construction in six states. Financial incentives are designed to promote sustainability, as well as encourage developers to consider efficient and green measures throughout the construction process. The authors concluded that economic factors, rather than tax incentives, helped stimulate green building growth across the U.S.

Another article offering perspective on the effectiveness of green building policies was published in the Journal of Sustainable Real Estate. Author Constantine E. Kontokosta studies the political, economic and climate factors associated with these policies with supporting data from the Green Building Regulation Database (GBRD). 



According to the article, most cities that adopt green building policies tend to be inhabited by a younger, more active and educated population. Although many incentives and tax abatements are put into place to encourage sustainable building, the most effective were found to be those that offset noncapital costs.

Data from GBRD suggest that cities with green building policies and standards tend to already have some incentive for energy efficient buildings in place. Other characteristics that determine whether green policies are implemented include the mayor’s political affiliation, the number of nonprofit environmental organizations present, as well as the city’s climate.

To read more

Carnow Conibear and Associatesis a demonstrated leader in the occupational and environmental health professions since 1975. To find out more, click here or call us at (800) 860-4486.