Breaking Down Barriers: Challenges and Solutions to Code Approval of Green Building

The results of a survey by the Development Center for Appropriate Technology about the effect of building codes on green-building practices confirm what many practitioners already know: Building codes can be a barrier to the use of alternative building materials and methods. Of the code users surveyed, 65% said that they have chosen not to include a green alternative because they expected it wouldn’t be approved. In addition to detailed survey results, the report provides analyses of the reasons for rejection by code officials and strategies for success.