The way buildings are designed, constructed, and operated has a direct impact on greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, and our long-term environmental health. That’s where sustainable building policy comes in: a set of laws, codes, and standards that shape how our structures are made and ensure they align with environmental goals.

At the heart of this work are building codes that set minimum requirements for safety and performance. Traditionally, building codes focus on structural integrity and fire prevention, but some modern codes go further by encouraging or requiring energy efficiency, water conservation, and resilience to extreme weather. To learn more about the U.S. Green Building Council’s ongoing work to support these “green codes,” visit the “Definition” link below.

Two complementary policy tools are benchmarking and performance standards. Benchmarking programs require large buildings to track and report energy and water use, creating transparency and helping owners understand where improvements can be made. On the other hand, performance standards set measurable targets, such as maximum energy usage per square foot, that buildings must meet by a certain date. When implemented in combination with minimum standards, these approaches help shift the market from incremental steps to continuous improvement, which is why it’s important they’re adopted by all localities to drive large-scale progress.