The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has conducted a study to find out which incentives for green building are the most effective. Density bonuses, tax incentives and quick permit processes turned out be the highest ranked tools for encouraging green building.

The AIA, a trade organization, is turning out to be quite asustainable organization. With all the policy options floating around out there, the AIA struck on a great idea by evaluating their effectiveness -- which ones actually work? It’s an important question to answer in order to encourage green building, and to offer guidance for policy makers. There’s no need to waste time implementing policy measures we know to be ineffective. If only people would apply similar analytical principals to renewable energy incentives....

The AIA's report features analysis of more than a dozen incentives, evaluation and examples of where they have been applied. The AIA has been promoting sustainable building practices, now branding itself as a “green architecture” organization. Architects are in a prime position to promote smart design through building plans.

The report is free and available here.