How can communities be empowered to participate in green building projects?

While awareness raising is instrumental in disseminating messages to a broader audience, I recognize that, especially in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), handholding or technical support is also critical. There are a few platforms for achieving this, but during the lockdowns we observed society's resilience and adaptability, and digitalization, which we can leverage. Aside from the level of support needed, there's also space to be a bit more creative and innovative, which helps increase participation. As an example, for EDGE & BRI, we launched the Women in Sustainable Built Environment (WSBE) initiative, with scholarships for women. Applicants must have eligibility to receive a green building professional credential.

Raising awareness about green building projects within communities is a foundational step towards fostering engagement and support. Utilizing diverse communication channels, such as workshops, campaigns, and social media, helps disseminate information effectively. By highlighting the benefits, opportunities, and positive impacts on quality of life, environmental sustainability, and economic prospects, community members are more likely to recognize the value of green building initiatives. This awareness lays the groundwork for informed and enthusiastic community involvement in such projects, establishing a collaborative foundation for sustainable development.

In promoting a resilient built environment through Building Resilience Index (BRI), a strategic approach we adopted is to engage with the quadruple helix of innovation. 1. Government involvement creates an enabling environment for resilience; 2. Industry collaboration promotes practical application to foster innovation; 3. Academia contributes research and knowledge, to enrich the foundation of resilience; and 4. Civil society participation ensures community needs are considered, to enhance inclusivity. Participatory planning, integral to each helix, ensures diverse perspectives, adaptability, and sustainable development. BRI, as an innovative approach, is "evolving by involving" stakeholders toward advancing our collective resilience.

This inclusive approach involves local authorities, NGOs, businesses, educational institutions, and community groups. By actively engaging these stakeholders in planning, design, implementation, and evaluation, communities can tailor projects to align with their unique needs, preferences, values, and cultural context. Furthermore, leveraging the diverse resources offered by stakeholders, such as land, materials, expertise, funding, and networks, enhances the overall sustainability and success of green building initiatives. This collaborative effort not only fosters a sense of ownership within the community but also ensures the longevity and resonance of environmentally conscious construction projects.

Empowering community members to actively engage in green building projects involves building their capacity through diverse educational methods like training, mentoring, coaching, and peer-to-peer learning. Beyond technical expertise, this capacity-building process plays a pivotal role in instilling a sense of ownership, responsibility, and empowerment within the community. By fostering a deeper connection to sustainable practices, individuals become not only contributors but also stewards of green building projects, ensuring their long-term success and positive impact on the community's well-being.

Initiatives like competitions, awards, grants, and incubators serve to incentivize and recognize community members for generating novel ideas, solutions, and approaches to tackle the challenges and opportunities inherent in sustainable construction. Beyond individual recognition, supporting innovation also catalyzes the exchange and diffusion of best practices and lessons learned among community members. This dynamic, collaborative environment not only enhances the effectiveness of green building projects but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability within the community, ensuring the long-term success of sustainable initiatives.

Establishing partnerships and collaborations within the community and across the green building sector is a pivotal fifth step. Utilizing platforms like networks, forums, events, and online communities encourages effective communication, coordination, and cooperation among diverse stakeholders engaged in green building projects. These partnerships not only facilitate the pooling of strengths, resources, and experiences but also create synergies that lead to mutual benefits. The interconnectedness fostered by such collaborations not only amplifies the impact of individual initiatives but also establishes a foundation for collective innovation and resilience in the face of evolving challenges within the green building sector.

Empowering communities to participate in green building projects requires inclusive planning and open communication. In a green housing development project I managed, we first conducted community workshops to gather input on local environmental concerns and preferences. This feedback was integral to the design process, ensuring the project aligned with community needs. We also provided educational sessions on sustainable living practices, fostering a sense of ownership and understanding of the project's environmental impact. Partnering with local schools and organizations, we organized volunteer programs for community members to be involved in the building process, from planting gardens to installing solar panels.