Promote innovation and knowledge and the integration of Best Available Techniques (BATs) and Best Environmental Practices (BEPs) that enhance resource efficiency throughout the entire planning and construction process and life cycle of a building.

• Promote knowledge and innovative approaches that support the adoption of a holistic and integrated approach (integrating social, environmental, and economic dimensions) in city planning, urban renewal and housing design and construction, as well as in the surrounding built environment, and the implementation of sustainable urban development policies in cities that drive economic activities and revitalize the economy by opening new opportunities for economic activities and businesses, investments, and employment;
• Promote innovation and knowledge through the integration of Best Available Techniques (BATs) and Best Environmental Practices (BEPs) that promote eco-design and the planning and construction of sustainable and affordable housing and high quality of urban environment that caters for the needs of the all social income groups, particularly medium and low income families, and introduce sustainable solutions for slums and downgraded neighbourhoods;
• Develop, in collaboration with planning, engineering and construction professional bodies, building and urban development codes for the provision of mix uses, compact urban development, space for pedestrians and cyclers, green roofs, as well as public space and green areas in residential areas for communal use, as means to promote social integration and cohesion, while at the same contributing to a clean, healthy, and productive environment;
• Promote innovative planning and construction models leading to smart cities that secure sustainable housing easily accessible from and to work place, commercial, social, recreation and cultural services in order to reduce commuting, congestion, emissions, and air and noise pollution, as well as to reduce and separate waste from households and public administration buildings, retail buildings in order to develop model for PP buildings.

Develop and strengthen the regulatory and legal framework to enhance the contribution of the housing and construction sector to sustainable economic development, social integration and cohesion, and environmental integrity.

• Develop and encourage regulatory and incentive policies and measures that support:

– Sustainable coastal urban development and green construction throughout the entire planning and construction process and the life cycle of buildings, for the achievement of a more efficient use of natural resources and energy, and the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems;

– Sustainable practices in housing and construction through the use of local building materials, traditional knowledge, environmental friendly technologies and materials, sustainable and conscious purchasing practices, and sustainable waste management practices such as the recycling, recovery and reuse of construction-related waste, including demolition waste; and

– Proper maintenance and operational efficiency of the existing housing stock;

– Develop specific tools/guidelines for assessment of buildings prior to demolition and renovation with a view to optimal use of Construction and Demolition Waste.

• Promote sustainable public procurement (SPP) in the public housing and construction sector, including subcontracting and services;
• Introduce efficient monitoring, enforcement and assessment systems that ensure compliance with and adherence to sustainability principles in physical and urban planning and development (notably through implementing Sustainable Energy Action Plans); green and sustainable building regulations; codes of practice and standards; and the contribution of housing and construction to resource and energy efficiency, sustainable consumption and production, economic development, job creation, improved environment and human welfare.

Sensitize and raise awareness of all stakeholders involved in urban planning, housing and construction, including consumers, professionals of the sectors and institutions and develop capacities for mainstreaming sustainable urban development.

• Provide an institutional setup that ensures public participation, involvement of relevant stakeholders (including the private sector and civil society), transparency, accountability, collaboration and coordination between various government entities and between the public and private sector – through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) -, exchange of information on BATs and BEPs on sustainable physical and urban development, and green housing design and construction;
• Prepare communication packages specifically targeting relevant stakeholders, including policy and decision-makers, the general public, academia, Civil Society Organisations, businesses, builders and contractors, clearly identifying the benefits of adopting sustainable consumption and production patterns in green and sustainable housing design, construction, energy efficiency and sustainable urban planning;
• Build capacities, educate and sensitize professionals, consumers, policy makers, and the public on concepts and tools that support the transition towards sustainable housing and construction, such as integrated assessment, life cycle assessment, green economy, and circular economy.