2.4. Implementation, Dissemination and Monitoring

Once the regulation has been approved, it is important to inform the entire community about the scope, incentives and requirements approved to promote sustainable buildings and to train the officials and civil servants responsible for its implementation in the processes related to this, particularly in the verification measures related to the procedures associated with buildings. Annex III of this guide includes the topics for such training. It is also recommended to monitor the results obtained with the implementation of this guide.

2.4.1. Dissemination

Once the regulations have been approved, it is important to disseminate their scope. To achieve this, it is recommended that dissemination events be organized in coordination with local Sustainable Construction Councils, international cooperation agencies involved in sustainability issues or other key actors. Invited participants may include representatives of professional associations of engineers and architects; local representatives of construction-related guilds; academia (university faculties related to construction); promoters/ developers; independent professionals; and the public interested in building or acquiring a green building.

Dissemination events can also be developed to award pioneer developers, publicize achievements in water, energy, CO2 savings, and other results with certified buildings, and conduct interviews with buyers or users of sustainable buildings, among other options.

2.4.2. Monitoring

As soon as sustainable or green buildings start to be implemented and developed, it is recommended to establish a monitoring system.

To know and be able to publish the water and energy savings being achieved by certified projects and to develop equivalents of their impact on environmental care (data available from IFC for EDGE and GBC for LEED, etc.).

Check that sustainability aspects are being maintained.

Obtain feedback on the incentives, in order to verify that they meet the desired objective.

Determine if it is necessary to strengthen some of the processes, such as staff training and outreach to the target audience.

Have data that will allow the municipality to inform the population about its environmental efforts or to compete for national and international awards for good government practices.

Identify opportunities to improve the approved regulations.

From the entry into force of the regulations, savings indicators can be established and are provided by the certifications, which include:

Energy savings (kWh/year).

Water savings (m3/year).

Savings in CO2 emissions (kgCO2/year).

m2 of certified buildings.

This data is available for buildings that receive EDGE and LEED certification.

It is also recommended that the Municipality monitors the evolution of the following parameters:

m2 of green buildings and % in relation to total m2 built in the municipality.

% of green projects vs. projects in general.

Investment in green buildings (value of work and % in relation to total investment).

Type of incentives granted and;

Types of certified buildings (housing, commercial, industrial, etc.)