“Nurturing Green Building from the Top Down”

© By Sallie Scribner, Store Manager, Sarasota Green Marketplace

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently published a document entitled “Local Leaders in Sustainability – Green Incentives,” which outlines the current state of green building incentives at the state and local level.

This document is important because for the first time people can see how state and local governments across the country are giving strength and shape to sustainability through the medium of green building. Green building is an important facet of sustainability, one that connects our physical built environment with our ultimate goal of living an energy efficient, resource-conservative, and healthy lifestyle on this planet.

The green building incentives outlined in the document include Tax Incentives, Bonus Density, Expedited Permitting, Net Metering, Grants (including fee subsidization), Loans, Technical Assistance/Design Assistance, Permit/Zone Fee Reduction, Rebates and Discounts on Environmental Products (e.g., Energy Star) and Leasing Assistance. These incentives offer a variety of ways for governments to nurture and strengthen the green building movement in order to make their own community more sustainable. These incentives are already in place in hundreds of communities across the country, which reflects just the tip of the iceberg of sustainability, or what Blessed Unrest author Paul Hawken describes as the “greatest grassroots movement in the world.”

You may have heard of state tax credits for solar power or faster permitting times for local green building projects. These are just a couple of ways our own state and local governments are increasing the strength of the green building movement.

Becoming a sustainable community requires the support of everyone. Consider contacting your local, state and federal legislator to support legislation that continues this course towards sustainability through green building!

Sarasota Green Marketplace is Sarasota’s Only All Green Home and Building Store, providing only eco-friendly products and services and promoting Sarasota Green Connection Approved Businesses. Please visit us at 2864 Ringling Blvd., at the corner of Ringling Blvd. and Tuttle Ave. in Sarasota. Feel free to call us at (941) 953-3588. We are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 6pm; and on Friday and Saturday from 8am to noon.  Ready to GO GREEN? we’re ready to help!

Duplication of this blog is strictly forbidden under copyright law. For further information, please contact info@sarasotagreenmarketplace.com.

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