Three common approaches to GDS have emerged that municipalities can use. From most effective to least effective these are: a mandatory tiered approach, incentives-based approach, and a checklist or menu approach. Each can be used individually or in combination to encourage better building energy performance through GDS.

1. A mandatory tiered approach to reducing energy waste and emissions
2. Incentives can act as a bridge to a mandatory tiered approach
3. Checklists or menus can be effective, if they emphasize energy and emissions