Voluntary programs for low-carbon building development and transformation

Voluntary programs have become increasingly popular in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. They are particularly dominant in the area of low-carbon building development and transformation. These programs set requirements to low-carbon building development and transformation that reach well beyond mandatory requirements laid down by governments. This chapter builds on 60 examples of such programs from Australia, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore and the United States. It discusses their opportunities and limitations in accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon built environment.