Financial incentives are essential but often not sufficient to encourage the construction of energy-efficient buildings. It is important to create additional and complementary support and management strategies that are more compatible with the realities of the buildings and construction sector at the local, sub-national and national public levels.
There are many good practices from different countries which are used to promote social acceptance and to mobilize private sector participation and finance for energy-efficient buildings. The most common ones relate to the simplification of public procedures, such as faster building permit processes for green buildings. Project bonuses, such as expanded floor areas, are also used in different countries. Incentives and recognition as well as market instruments are also common as well as incentives related to technical expertise.
The PEEB Paper Non-monetary incentives for green buildings – Mobilizing private investments provides an overview on common good practices as orientation to governments and policymakers. These incentives can also be used to promote a green economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while improving the habitability of buildings and public health, and reducing the risks of climate change.