Key methodological problems, associated with formation and development of the concept of «green" economy, are analyzed. The purpose of the article is to identify the main conceptual approaches, the synthesis of which can create the basis for formation of a single methodological apparatus and implementation of practical actions by local communities in the sphere of "green" economy. As a basis for this, several conceptual approaches have been proposed, including the theory of sustainable development, the theory of "risk society", ecological modernization, the concept of "ecological trace", "environmental space" and ecoefficiency, the theory of the economic identity and the theory of economic development of local communities. The necessity of developing a system of theoretical and methodological principles with a set of operationalized concepts that can synthesize social and environmental interests of local communities with economic and production interests without compromising with natural environment and having a synergistic effect for the sustainable development of regional space is substantiated. The categories of "ecolocus" and "ecological identity" are determined and detailed.