Selin and VanDeveer note that smart growth ". . . measures [are] seeking to reduce both public financial costs and GHG emissions. Examples of such measures include the use of more efficient light emitting diodes in traffic lights, promoting the purchase of Energy Star products in state governments, and switching to more energy-efficient vehicles in state vehicle fleets."

Some governments—and other stakeholders—now focus on useing smart-growth models, in which development is designed to strike a balance between economic needs and safeguarding the environment.