GREEN BUILDINGS IN THE U.S. AND CHINA : DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY COMPARISONS /
GREEN BUILDINGS IN THE U.S. AND CHINA : DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY COMPARISONS /
Edited by BRENDEN FORESTER
- New York: nova publishers, 2015
- ix, 139 pages. : ill. ; 24 cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index
Green Buildings in the U.S. and China: Development and Policy Comparisons examines how the United States and China have developed green building practices and policies within different economic, institutional, and regulatory contexts. The volume brings together comparative studies that analyze the evolution of sustainable building strategies, focusing on policy frameworks, certification systems, and practical implementation.
The book highlights that green building has emerged as a critical response to rising energy consumption and environmental concerns in both countries. In the United States, development has largely been market-driven, supported by voluntary certification systems such as LEED and guided by non-governmental organizations. In contrast, China’s approach is more state-led, with strong government involvement in setting standards, providing incentives, and integrating green building goals into national development plans.
Through case studies—including the application of low-impact development (LID) techniques—the book demonstrates how sustainable design practices can reduce environmental impact, improve water management, and sometimes lower project costs.
A key theme is the comparison of policy instruments: the U.S. relies more on decentralized, incentive-based mechanisms and private-sector participation, while China emphasizes centralized planning, mandatory standards, and large-scale implementation programs. The book also identifies barriers in both contexts, such as regulatory challenges in the U.S. and capacity or institutional gaps in China, and discusses policy solutions to promote wider adoption of green buildings.
Overall, the work provides a comprehensive comparative perspective on how differing governance models shape the development of green buildings, offering insights into policy effectiveness, technological adoption, and future directions for sustainable construction in both countries.
9781634636629
DUCE
Includes bibliographical references and index
Green Buildings in the U.S. and China: Development and Policy Comparisons examines how the United States and China have developed green building practices and policies within different economic, institutional, and regulatory contexts. The volume brings together comparative studies that analyze the evolution of sustainable building strategies, focusing on policy frameworks, certification systems, and practical implementation.
The book highlights that green building has emerged as a critical response to rising energy consumption and environmental concerns in both countries. In the United States, development has largely been market-driven, supported by voluntary certification systems such as LEED and guided by non-governmental organizations. In contrast, China’s approach is more state-led, with strong government involvement in setting standards, providing incentives, and integrating green building goals into national development plans.
Through case studies—including the application of low-impact development (LID) techniques—the book demonstrates how sustainable design practices can reduce environmental impact, improve water management, and sometimes lower project costs.
A key theme is the comparison of policy instruments: the U.S. relies more on decentralized, incentive-based mechanisms and private-sector participation, while China emphasizes centralized planning, mandatory standards, and large-scale implementation programs. The book also identifies barriers in both contexts, such as regulatory challenges in the U.S. and capacity or institutional gaps in China, and discusses policy solutions to promote wider adoption of green buildings.
Overall, the work provides a comprehensive comparative perspective on how differing governance models shape the development of green buildings, offering insights into policy effectiveness, technological adoption, and future directions for sustainable construction in both countries.
9781634636629
DUCE