A comparative study of green building in urban and transitioning rural North Carolina

Green building has gained popularity in urban areas for reducing energy use. This study analyzes factors influencing green building adoption and use through five comparative case studies of urban and transitioning (rapidly developing rural) North Carolina counties. Interviews and policy analyses reveal factors determining green building activity in transitioning counties, including the presence ofactive advocacy and industry organisations, supportive governments and knowledge spillover from nearby university sustainability programmes. Confusion over green building processes, hesitance to alter development practices, low inter-governmental co-ordination and feedback between low green building education and government outreach, can limit green building activity. Our findings point to recommendations for federal, state and local government actions to incentivise green building in transitioning areas.