Issues & AdvocacyPublic Policy

Local Leaders in Sustainability

The Terry Thomas, Seattle, Wa.
Architect: Weber Thompson, Seattle
Photographer: Gabe Hanson

The AIA has sought to develop resources and tools through our Local Leaders in Sustainability study for cities across the country that are developing or expanding green building programs. Green Building Policy in a Changing Economic Environment is the fourth report in this series. By updating and adding to our original report on green cities, we hope to provide policymakers and implementers with the tools to navigate a

changed economic landscape and keep a strong emphasis on making their communities more sustainable.

Taking advantage of research compiled by the AIA over the past three years, this edition of Local Leaders in Sustainability has found:

• 138 cities with green building programs, or more than 1 in 5 cities surveyed. This is a further 46 cities, or a 50 percent increase, in green building programs since 2007;

• More than 53 million Americans live in cities with green building programs; and

• 24 of the 25 most populated metropolitan regions in the United States are built around cities with a green building policy.

Green Building Policy in a Changing Economic Environment

• Front Matter

Contents / Executive Summary

• Introduction

Methodology & Organization / Definitions

• Study Findings

Nationwide / Regional Distribution of Programs / Trends / EECBG Funds / Green Schools / Metropolitan Regions

• Case Studies

Los Angeles / Boston / Grand Rapids, Mich. / Philadelphia / Nashville

• Livable Communities and SDATs

Dubuque, Iowa / High Point Neighborhood, Seattle, WA

• Conclusion

Ten Recommendations for Future Greening / Final Analysis

• Green Building Program Quick Reference Matrix

• Full Report (PDF)