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SOUTHFACE INSTITUTE Winter 2019

Climate Change: A Way Forward

From the United Nations’ international studies1 Individuals approach the climate debate conversation. American environmentalist and accords² to strategic planning efforts by from many perspectives, with viewpoints Paul Hawken, author of “Drawdown: The the U.S. Department of Defense3, impacts of influenced by politics, the media, special Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to a rapidly changing global climate are being interest groups, science and faith. Personal Reverse Global Warming” (2016), recommends recognized and addressed around the world. experience also plays a role, as opinions tend leaving “battle words” out of our language in Scientific data shows not only intensifying to shift, for example, when people see their reference to the climate. Hawken suggests severe weather events and changing weather own homes or towns flooded repeatedly. that people stop talking about the climate as patterns but also accelerating atmospheric As a result, two rational, intelligent people an enemy we are fighting, because climate carbon dioxide levels, dying coral reefs, rising looking at the same data may respond very changes happen; they are a proven function of seas and vanishing glaciers. The pace of differently. biology. Instead, he suggests acknowledging change continues to sound alarm bells in the Some see potential fixes in the political realm our impact on those changes and taking scientific community as well as with citizens, and policies such as carbon tax structures, businesses and governments. which were originally proposed by Republicans However, here in the United States (which has in the 1980s, and the proposed Green New “Why is the conversation by far the largest per capita carbon emissions Deal.7 At the same time, others see “green” around the planet’s of any major economy4), the debate continues regulations as stifling business innovation and not only around potential solutions but also economic growth. Others—frustrated by an changing climate still so the causes themselves. onerous, incremental political process—see polarizing?” Some important questions continue to arise: the need for more drastic direct action. Some Why is the conversation around the planet’s trust market forces and hope consumers will changing climate still so polarizing? Why are influence companies to adopt policies and practices that can fundamentally transform up our responsibility to address them. “The opinions divided? In fact, why is it a matter goal,” he says, “is to come into alignment of opinion at all? the way we build, manufacture, transport and consume. with the impact we are having on climate What to trust by addressing the human causes of global In short, the topic of “climate change” invites warming and bringing carbon back home.” Surveys of Americans reveal a variety of a confluence of incredibly complex issues viewpoints, general uncertainty and a and ideas. As if Earth’s climate and other Hawken also recommends changing our perception of mixed messages with regards natural systems aren’t complex enough, add framing of the issue. Climate change then to causes and effects of global warming. in human nature, culture, faith, politics and becomes something that is not happening Setting aside the question of whether climate economics, and it’s no surprise that conflict to us but for us, so that together we can be change is actually happening (as 97 percent remains. more creative and resourceful, and together of climate scientists5 and a solid majority we can rediscover balance with the natural Changing the conversation of Americans agree6 that it is), questions world. and deep divisions remain as to the causes, A person’s willingness to accept and seriousness, timing of its effects and possible interpret verifiable data may impact how Continue reading this article at solutions. open he or she is to participating in the www.southface.org/the-journal. FOCUS

Southface Assists in First Support Southface! Water Efficiency Standards for Did you know that Southface Institute counts U.S. Buildings on members and donors to continue its work? Your contribution allows us to expand our Alongside national partners, Southface efforts to achieve efficiency for nonprofits; helped create a groundbreaking water provide innovation for building technologies; auditing tool in 2019. May 31 saw the grow our leadership in the national healthy release of Water Audit Guidance for homes professional community; and enhance Commercial Buildings, a multiyear effort our policy work on clean energy, building by City Energy Project, headed by the energy codes and sustainable development Institute for Market Transformation and strategy. Members also enjoy a range of the Natural Resources Defense Council, benefits, including discount admission to together with Southface Institute, H.W. Southface’s monthly Sustainable (Bill) Hoffman & Associates, LLC, the Roundtable. Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge (and Join this network of trailblazers and become Atlanta is the largest city on the smallest watershed in partners) and 20 local governments, to America, and will benefit from businesses implementing create the first comprehensive guide to a member or donate today! the new water guidance. propose water efficiency measures for For more information about our memberships, commercial buildings. This premier set of annual fund or planned giving, visit national water auditing standards is based on best practices from local governments across www.southface.org. the U.S., with the goal of conserving water, boosting local economies and reducing pollution.

Southface Institute President Andrea Pinabell sees Southface’s role as part of a larger effort: Sustainability Circle “This landmark accomplishment will help organizations and municipalities big and small not only save water but also lower operational costs and give people the tools they need to be The Kendeda Fund part of a more sustainable future.” Turner Foundation Cox Enterprises, Inc. Building Energy Codes for a Greener Future The Ray C. Anderson Early this year, Southface was selected by the Environmental Finance Authority Foundation, Inc. (GEFA) to deliver statewide training and other resources to facilitate the implementation The Arthur M. Blank Family of the 2020 Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code. This is the first major update Foundation of the code in over 10 years, and it will significantly improve energy efficiency and overall building performance on new construction in both residential and commercial buildings. Chick-fil-A, Inc. Led by Southface Technical Principal Mike Barcik, Southface delivered over 36 live trainings UPS Foundation around the state to nearly 1000 code officials, building inspectors, developers, designers, Georgia Tech - College of Design contractors and subcontractors throughout the construction industry. Southface has also published two practical resources—GA2020 Residential Field Guide Gilbane Building Company and GA2020 Commercial Field Guide—which are available for free online and will help Baker Donelson inspectors and subcontractors ensure compliance on jobsites. In addition, Southface has Holder Construction Company released training videos, a webinar series, a ventilation guide and more, all of which can be accessed from the Energy Codes page on www.southface.org. This year’s round of energy Lord Aeck Sargent code trainings represents the latest in Southface Institute’s continuous effort to improve The Coca-Cola Company building performance in Georgia and throughout the Southeast, and similar trainings are being conducted in Alabama, Missouri and elsewhere. Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. Bradley Currey AEC Trust Team Highlight: Technical Services Callaway Foundation, Inc. The Southface Technical Services team is an essential resource for those seeking energy efficiency and a healthy built environment for their buildings and communities. The team CSX Transportation consists of engineers, project managers and technical advisors who consult with clients Wells Fargo Foundation regarding the design, construction, operation and certification of their buildings. Certification Energy Foundation offerings for commercial and multifamily project types include EarthCraft, LEED, Energy Star, National Green Building Standards (NGBS) and Fitwel. The team has led notable certification Earthshare efforts, including the LEED Multifamily Mid-Rise Flats at ; the EarthCraft JPB Foundation Light Commercial Chris 180 building; and historic Rhodes Hall, an EarthCraft Sustainable Preservation project. Environmental Defense Fund Visit www.southface.org or call 404-872-3594 for more information. FOCUS

Bloom Where You’re Planted Southface purchases land on Civic Center site, home of its Pine Street campus.

In advance of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Southface Institute partnered with the City of Atlanta to construct a demonstration facility on Civic Center property to highlight advances in sustainable residential building design. Open in time for the Summer Games, the 6,400-square-foot Southface Energy and Environmental Resource Center at 241 Pine Street NE was one of the region’s first ENERGY STAR-rated buildings. Since that time, Southface has leased the property from the City through a mutually beneficial partnership.

In September of this year, Southface took another step toward its own sustainability by purchasing the Civic Center land. This initial purchase of 0.7 acres is part of the 1.8 acres approved for Southface purchase by Atlanta Housing’s Board of Directors in November 2018.

“We are thrilled to remain in our home of the last 25 years, while continuing a strong partnership with Atlanta Housing, Southface Institute has been at its Pine Street campus since 1996. City of Atlanta and our community,” said Dennis Creech, banded together after expanded to include Light Southface Institute President Andrea the Georgia Sun Day rally to continue Commercial, Multifamily and Pinabell. “There is a tremendous amount of the work of raising awareness about Sustainable Preservation work to be done together, beginning with renewable energy. The organization’s • Collaborating with the U.S. Green efficient and healthy affordable housing name has evolved from the Georgia Building Council to create LEED for solutions.” Sun Day Committee to the Georgia Homes This chapter is only the most recent Solar Coalition to Southface Energy • Providing matching grants and in Southface’s history of successful Institute, and the organization’s strong technical assistance to nonprofit partnerships with the Atlanta community— leadership in building science, energy organizations across the Southeast collaborations that enable Southface’s conservation and inclusive communities for energy- and water-efficient innovation, vision, growth and impact. has been there since the beginning. building improvements through GoodUse (formerly Grants to Green) Roots that keep growing Some highlights of this commitment and nationwide through NEWEI, Southface began in 1978 with volunteer include: nonprofit solutions programs made environmentalists inspired by the national possible by community partners • Establishing Southface’s building Earth Day and Sun Day movements. These science training programs, beginning The purchase of this property represents early volunteers, led by Jeff Tiller and with the Southface Homebuilding another step forward as Southface School, founded by Henry Slack continues to set high targets in how to • Designing, funding and constructing help communities prosper, eliminate waste, the first passive solar, energy-efficient conserve resources and train tomorrow’s home of the Carter Work Project via workforce. The challenges of global Habitat for Humanity urbanization and the increasing effects • Launching Greenprints, Southface’s of climate change drive Southface to annual conference for sustainability be ever more innovative and continue issues in the built environment, with building strong partnerships that prepare the 20th conference in March 2020 communities locally and nationally for • As a charter member of the Greater a renewable and regenerative future. Atlanta Home Builders Association, developing the EarthCraft House Visit www.southface.org or visit Southface program, which Southface later on Pine Street to learn more. FOCUS

Your Support funding and better support their mission. performance improvement program run by Receiving a grant through GoodUse allowed Southface that can help buildings become Is Delivering them to assess their facility’s energy and more resource-efficient no matter the age Sustainability water use, identify opportunities to increase and budget. efficiency and implement resource-saving “When we heard about BIT Building, we The support of many donors and sponsors projects. According to Jackson McQuigg, were excited to see how much higher we make Southface’s three-tiered approach to AHC’s Vice President of Properties, the can push the bar,” said Scott Christopher, sustainability possible, implementing green resulting savings were “like getting another Director of Operations for the Fox. To date, building that addresses climate change, donor.” BIT Building has improved millions of square encouraging neighborhood resiliency and “We just saved the Cyclorama…put a new wing feet of property worldwide, including buildings building stronger communities. on for it, and because of the efficiencies in in four countries for Google and 60 buildings Neighborhood resiliency the air system that have come through the for the Chicago Housing Authority. GoodUse program, we were able to actually Neighbors in Atlanta’s Oakland City faced In growing cities like Atlanta, sustainable build that wing without adding chiller capacity. chronic flooding in their community. Large solutions are urgently needed for healthier So not only are we saving operating dollars, pools of water gathered in low-lying areas homes, workplaces and communities. By but there’s a case where we didn’t have to every time it rained, making it difficult for supporting Southface’s work, donors can go fundraise for a completely different and residents to go in and out of their homes. be sure they are contributing to real-world separate air conditioning system,” McQuigg In early June, an Atlanta CREW (Culture- fixes. Join us in helping meet tomorrow’s says. Resilience-Environment-Workforce) training needs today. cohort spent a week installing a water retention Southface continues to count on donor area and rain garden to keep neighborhood support to further GoodUse, a nonprofit walking areas drier after storms. Neighbors resource-efficiency grant program, and noticed, and when a second training session help local, regional and national nonprofits happened in August, residents like Toby Stroud make changes to improve efficiency and save signed up. dollars that go back into their missions and the communities they serve. “What brought me to Atlanta CREW was the community and the garden,” says Stroud. “It Addressing climate change looks so nice and beautiful that I wanted to with green building This Atlanta CREW cohort addressed help out in my own community. Before you all neighborhood flooding by installing green Deterred by aging systems or financial came, there was so much flooding and dirt.” infrastructure. limitations, only 12% of U.S. buildings qualify to CREW provides free green infrastructure pursue a green building standard certification. (GI) and stormwater management workforce That situation leaves most schools, religious development, including the hands-on skills organizations, nonprofits and businesses training needed for the installation and eager to find pathways to improve building’ maintenance of GI in low-lying and under- performance. resourced neighborhoods. At 90 years old, Atlanta’s historic Building strong communities is one such building. Because of its high utility use, the staff of this much-loved community Since 1926, (AHC) has icon is committed to building improvements been dedicated to the city’s historical legacy that increase sustainability. In July, the theater Through BIT Building, Southface helps and community identity. Like many nonprofits, Fox Theatre continue its commitment to partnered with BIT Building, a building AHC always looks for ways to stretch their sustainability.

Bringing Solar to Low-Income Communities Southface’s Policy team is in the first year of to accelerate solar access for LMI households optimal program design and pricing an important collaborative research project to and communities. for working families, both renters and advance solar for low- and moderate-income As a LIFT partner, Southface is homeowners, that overcome current (LMI) families in the U.S. The “Accelerating contributing its expertise and solar and barriers to solar in each common Low-Income Financing and Transactions for energy-efficiency data to the research regulatory and utility service environment. Solar Everywhere” (LIFT) project is led by effort from the many clean energy and One such model to be explored is a solar Groundswell, with partners Elevate Energy resource-efficiency projects Southface version of Pay As You Save® (PAYS®), and Clean Energy Works, and is funded has that serve LMI families. Over the which is an inclusive financing mechanism by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar next two and a half years, LIFT partners that allows customers to invest in solar Energy Technologies Office. LIFT partners will analyze innovative solar programs energy and repay that investment through will conduct research and identify optimal nationally with the goal of developing bill savings. finance and customer engagement models FOCUS

Southface Members

Student Members Nancy Daves Callahan Bob Wells Thomas Steele Atrium Members Blue Heron ExploreATL McDonough Nature Preserve Kristin Allin Steve Dorage Whitney White Stephen Stetson Hanes Hilliard ThermaCote, Inc. Lynn McIntyre Atlanta Housing William Callahan Michael Dudley Bob Wicker Stephanie Stuckey LifeDesk Meghan McNulty Contributing The United Haseena Charania J David Dunagan Frank Wickstead Roy Taylor Methodist Integral Dale Moller Members Committee on Consulting Jairo Garcia David Eady Tina Wilkinson Reed Thomas Engineering Mike Mongeon Gables Residential Relief Alice Harden Kurt Ebersbach Jennifer Wilson Chet Tisdale KONE, Inc. Goldenberg Dean Moore Chick-fil-A, Inc EarthShare of Megan Ehrle William Dave Vranicar Georgia Elemental Green Camila Gonzalez- Pamela Moua- Witherspoon David Ellis Clarke Weeks Passiflora Garden Homes, LLC Marquez Vargas Design, Inc. Hartsfield- Molly Woo Jackson Atlanta Radiance Solar Maylee Hackney Steve Epstein Scott Mullennix Steve Williams Naomi Avalon Catering International Becky Evans Charles Zakem Airport Consultants & Clare Healy Dorothy Murphy Woodspring ASD | SKY Builders, Inc. Dede & David Robyn Zurfluh Georgia Hill Chris Nelson Jeannette Yen Milepost Smart Energy Feldman Consumer Heagney Logan Brittany Judson Kathy Nguyen Cristin Zegers Consulting Group LLC Sally Flocks Family Members Collaborative Cadmus Tarani Kamoe Wendy Noreña Atlanta Bicycle Phyllis Gallichet Marti Breen Construction, Partner Member Barbara Leach Ruthie Norton Professional LLC Coalition Brendan Gardes Members Jeremy Draper Livable Zolene Gluten- Iman Lemma Ian O’Connor BuildingGreen, Free Delights Gary Garrett Eric Dusenbury Inc. Katie Martin Ed Outlaw Cotten Alston Georgia Sierra Jennette Gayer Jo Harwood Warehouse Club Vada Rae Maryol Michael Oxman Jay Andrews Patron Members Arlene Glaser Paula McEvoy Partnership Old Fourth Tori Mister Martha Pacini Randall Bailey Ward Business Brasfield & Gorrie Elizabeth Spelman College James Brown Judy Mozen Association Eve Nettles Goodson Knox Pannill Wood. Smith, Gambrell Chris Sawyer Georgia Hispanic & Russell, LLP Gemma Park Jonathan Grant Craig Pendergrast Chris A Carroll Amy Shaye Georgia Water Construction Laura Carter Tanks, LLC Association Carl Payton Suzanne Haerther Mary Ellen Steward Members Pendergrast Seymour Shaye (GHCA) Kristine Scott Elizabeth Hale Amanda Cherry Fulton County Amec Foster William Pierce Scott Christopher Henry Slack Atlanta Regional Masato Webb Hayley Hamilton The Ray C. Commission Wheeler Lawrence Pittman Randy Urquhart Anderson Quinn Webb Sarah Hamoui Toni Colley-Lee Total Systems Jim Voris Foundation, Inc. Allison Pope Sam Collier Conservancy Commissioning, Carly Wieting George Harris CompostNow Inc. Curtis Preston Lee Cook Calvin and Chris Susan Hendricks Williams Sonnen Inc. Southwire Individual Carly Queen Kelly Cutts Supporting Bennett Hilley Cheryl Tasby- Superior Essex Georgia Tech Members Tyrone Rachal Kenneth Darisaw Brown and Members Barton Hodges Richard M. - Division of Robert Reed Marlon Brown Aeroseal Administration Bill Abballe Amanda Hoffman Phil Davis Stevens Don and Judy Southeast and Finance Barry Abramson Lauren Reef Shawn Doughtie Architect, LLC Priscilla Horn Bender Shear Structural TLS Partners Naajia Ahmed Walter Reeves Richard Dutro Surber Barber Donald Houze Ingrid and Jay Irby Choate + Trusted Counsel Agnes Scott Lewis Regenstein Sunny Alley Ben Howard Bruce Edelston James M. Wiggins Hertlein College Architects, PC JR Hobbs Co - deLille Anthony Scott Richardson John Gornall and Martha Atlanta, Inc. Jamestown Adam Hoyt Wilber Lloyd Arnold Santiago Rios Lisa Harris Pattillo 2KB Energy Jennifer Ilkin Jean and Dennis Non-Profit Shan Arora Betsy Rivard Martin Harrison Services, LLC - Office of Charlie Jameson Delashmit Members Sustainability E.V. Bennett John Robinson Josiah Heidt Reformation Initiatives Dominique William and Atlanta Audubon Brewery Lawrence Johnson Martin Rosenman Ben Heisler Mariann Niesse Society Kimley-Horn and Bergmann Hannah Solar, LLC Associates, Inc. Cosco Jones Linda Rothermel John Hitchins Amy and Seymour Athens Land Trust Paula Lawton Shaye The Greenlink Jeff Joslin Brad Rouse Phillip Hodges Knox Housing Group Bevington Cal Crutchfield Sustaining Gray Kelly Robert Salvatelli Partnership Members Michael Black Adam Janis and Marti Breen Prestwick Kevin Kelly Thomas Sayre Fernbank Science Construction Kerry Blind Cynthia Jeness Chip and Pamela Center Company, LLC Georgia State Gordon Kenna Matthew Schaefer Bullock University Mindy Boggs Rob Johnson Georgia Housing TreeZero Paper - Office of Bruce Kitchell Erin Schroder Howard Katzman Dagmar and & Finance Sustainability Chris Boyle Stephen Epsten Authority Gilbane Building Sandra Kruger Meghan Smithgall Michael Kelley Company Atlantic Trust Blake Brewster David Godfrey City of Atlanta, Private Wealth Jonathan Lanciani David Chris Knight and Nancy Department Atlanta Blower Management Phil Brown Southerland Door LLC Cecile Landgrebe Porteous of Watershed Amanda Brown- Amy Landesberg Woda Cooper Carson Starnes Esther and Jim Management WaterSignal Olmstead Harriett Lane Phil Langford Companies, Inc Stokes Greening Youth Ellen Stein International Columbia Fuller Callaway Melinda Langston Dennis Lippy Foundation Living Future Teresa Stickels Franchesca and Property Trust Myles Cardenas Nancy Larson Dan Loudermilk Andrew Lane Southeast Energy Institute Angela Strickland Efficiency The Kendeda Bonnie Shanda Laws Courtney Mayes Gregg Bayard and Macy’s Fund Casamassima Jamila Surpris Maggie Kiley Alliance Meredith Leahy Harold Moreau 2RW Consultants, Lord Aeck Sargent Kevin Casey Erich Swett Jan and Jim Voris Georgia Recycling Inc. Steve Leeds William Morrison Coalition The Arthur M. Jamal Casimiro Ntchwaidumela Jeffrey and Iris Hyatt Regency Blank Family Samantha Lenard Thomas Clinton Musgrove Sauls Westside Future Atlanta Susan Caster Fund Foundation Alex Levy Bob Thomson John Noel Julie Hairston and Better Tomorrow William Castrillon Cox Enterprises, Janet Liberman Pat Murdock Georgia Tech Solar Beril Toktay Sheena Parker - Center for Inc. Sam Chapo Katie Southworth eWaste ePlanet Jack Logan Brad Turner Pamela Perry Serve-Learn- Baker Donelson Arthur Clement and Marilyn Sustain SK Collaborative Cheneil Lowe Michael Jack Reed Brown Holder Rob Cleveland Central Atlanta Construction Ellen Macht Vinciquerra Leonard Robinson Cherry Street Paul and Donna Progress Energy Company Andrew Colella Ai-Lien Vuong Doetsch James Marlow Craig Rolfe Urban Land Timothy Cook Vibe Ride Georgia Tech Charles Marshall Nikki Walker Nancy Sagar Veronica and Luis Institute Atlanta - College of Steven Cousins Imery (ULI) Alair Homes Design Wade Martin Nicholas Stacy Shelton Decatur Thomas Cross Walldorff Atlanta The Home Depot W. Dennis Mason Thomas Smith Neighborhood Essex Consulting Foundation Daniel Curl Stephen Ward Charter School Group Kevin McCauley Joseph Starr SunTrust Bank Chelsea Datko David Wasserman Go2LED.com FOCUS

There may be system modifications that conserve water and lower your costs. can save you money and reduce your Many companies are turning to sensor- company’s impact on the environment. For operated, touchless faucets and toilets to example: reduce water consumption while improving • Assess your HVAC system to hygiene. determine if it’s due for an upgrade. Today’s systems are smaller, quieter 6. Practice sustainable and produce more heating and landscaping cooling with less energy use than A sustainable, water-conscious landscape systems from a decade or more ago. is another way to conserve water and An upgrade could pay for itself in energy, as well as reduce waste and reduced costs in a very short time. decrease runoff. Some tips to help achieve 7 Ways to Make • Switch to programmable thermostats a sustainable landscape include: Business Operations if applicable. • Select native and drought-tolerant plants. More Sustainable • Prevent energy losses in ducts by sealing them and improving their • Reduce or eliminate turf around Thanks to environmental, social and insulation effectiveness, or R-value. buildings. business trends, sustainability is becoming • Keep filters changed out on a 6-month • Install green infrastructure, like rain much more of a priority for businesses. (maximum) schedule.3 gardens or bioretention areas. It not only affects companies’ cost • Use efficient irrigation, like drip structures but is increasingly a crucial 3. Upgrade lighting irrigation systems, rainwater differentiator for investors, consumers Changing out old fixtures and bulbs for harvesting and technologies that and B2B customers. Here are seven ways newer, energy-efficient lighting is one of include moisture sensors and weather to integrate sustainable practices into the quickest ways to reduce your energy station controllers to end unnecessary business operations: bills. Even though LEDs are initially more watering.5 costly than traditional incandescent and 1. Create a sustainability fluorescent bulbs, payback from energy 7. Divert waste action plan savings is now usually between three Establish a recycling program or make your organization’s current one more Commitment to sustainability should begin months and one year, depending on robust. This includes addressing food with your organization’s top executives usage and electricity rates. The use of waste by composting and working with and become integrated into the company’s timers, occupancy sensors and photocells local agencies that collect leftover food vision and operations. A good first step that dim and control lights when they’re and redistribute it. Such practices will help could be a company-wide resource audit not in use will also help to reduce costs. address the problem of having 52 million that analyzes potential cost savings.1 Exterior lighting fixture and control system efficiencies should be considered as well.4 tons of food Americans sent to landfills Performing a company-wide audit of each year, as well as help feed the one in energy usage, water usage and waste/ 4. Improve fleet energy efficiency every seven people in the U.S. who is food materials management should include the If your company operates a fleet, consider insecure.6 advantages of incorporating renewable, transitioning to alternative fuels, hybrid or So which steps are you and your business clean energy technologies, like solar, electric. Alternative fuel vehicles, especially ready to take? Whether large or small, wind turbines, biofuels, microhydropower, EVs coming off lease, are reaching well-established or new, any business can advanced batteries, LED lighting, etc. price-parity with internal combustion find a path toward better building and The audit should also include a look at vehicles. That, coupled with the fact that operations health and a more sustainable local code requirements for a thorough operations and maintenance are greatly future. Contact Southface Institute’s understanding of the technology options reduced, makes a strong business case for 2 Sustainability Services to find out more. for your location. electrification of fleets. Most local utilities, Southface Institute can help an including Georgia Power, offer rebates and organization or municipality sift through reduced billing rates to purchase, install their options for improving operations— and use electric charging equipment, forming renewable energy plans, designing plus on-bill financing to some business and/or implementing energy tariff policies customers to make the infrastructure or working with fleet managers to assess affordable. and enhance fleets—providing teams with the information necessary to help their 5. Reduce water waste executives or leaders make informed Water is becoming an increasingly scarce decisions. resource, and all businesses—regardless of size—must begin using it more responsibly. 2. Check your HVAC system A careful examination of pipes, toilets An energy audit may reveal that heating and faucets could reveal areas where For sources, see article at and cooling spaces and heating water are water is leaking. Sealing or replacing leaky http://www.southface.org/the-journal. some of your biggest energy expenses. pipes, toilet valves and faucets will help FOCUS

November 19-22, 2019 @ Georgia World Congress Center Southface has been partnering with Greenbuild since its inception to showcase the best of sustainable building for Atlanta. Come visit Southface at Booth 1114 in the Expo Hall! This year, our participation includes:

Telling the Story of Sustainable Atlanta’s Tour of the Stars: Green on Mission Critical: Do More with Buildings Screen Resource Efficiency Session - F04: Thursday, November 21 from 3:00 Tour - Friday, November 22 from 2:00 PM to Tour - TF07: Friday, November 22 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | B216 6:00 PM | Meet at Tour Desk PM to 6:00 PM | Meet at Tour Desk For those who aren’t designers, engineers and builders, the details of a sustainable building Join us for a sneak peek at Pullman Yard, used By identifying building issues and potential facility aren’t obvious or even clearly desirable. But by in scenes from the “Hunger Games” and one of improvements, Southface’s GoodUse program has telling the story of a building’s attributes in the the last remaining sites preserving the storied helped over 250 nonprofits nationally reallocate right way, occupants can become advocates who railroad . Purchased by Atomic over $11 million towards their missions. Attendees promote sustainable design. This panel includes Entertainment, the 27-acre site is being rebuilt as will visit Southface’s Eco Office and three local Southface Institute President Andrea Pinabell. a mixed-use creative hub. Attendees will also visit non-profit facilities that have benefitted from the the new LEED-certified Quarry Pump Station at GoodUse program: The Salvation Army’s Red Shield the Westside Reservoir Park (seen in “Stranger Center, the Atlanta Mission’s My Sister’s House Things” and “Walking Dead”). and historic Rhodes Hall.

Visionary Dinner: A Celebration of Sustainability Each year, Southface Institute convenes forward- work with Project Drawdown. Hawken has A big thank you to everyone who came out thinking innovators who are committed to dedicated his life to sustainability and changing to support Southface’s work! building an equitable and sustainable future, the relationship between business and the To see more photos, visit: uniting them for an evening of thought environment. That evening, he spoke about https://www.southface.org/events/visionary- leadership, exquisite food and fine wine the urgency to address the warming climate, dinner/ pairings. This annual event raises awareness as well as the many methods already being and guarantees a secure future for Southface’s implemented all over the world in order to bring continued work in creating vibrant, healthy carbon “back home,” out of the atmosphere, communities for all. to mitigate global warming. This year, on September 19 at Flourish in A highlight of the evening was a performance Buckhead, Southface brought together some of by Ballethnic, a dance company from East Point, Atlanta’s finest chefs to curate a farm-to-table Georgia, and grantee of Southface’s GoodUse inspired meal, complete with local ingredients. nonprofit solutions program. The company Southface is proud to have presented the 2019 performed a dance to Maya Angelou’s “Still I Argon Award to environmentalist, entrepreneur, Rise” and an original dance called “Euphoria.” author and activist Paul Hawken and his Join us at Winter Solstice – December 11, 2019 Come celebrate what Southface and our partners have done for sustainability in 2019 with a seasonal gala! On Dec. 11, we’ll recognize all the hard work and look toward a fruitful 2020, as we continue our commitment to building better communities for tomorrow. We’ll recognize the people, partners and peer organizations who help make our work possible. See you there!

Southface Energy Institute NON‑PROFIT 241 Pine Street, NE US POSTAGE Atlanta, GA 30308 PAID ATLANTA, GEORGIA PERMIT #738

SUSTAINABLE ATLANTA ROUNDTABLE

The Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable (SART) convenes monthly to discuss the region’s current environmental issues—from water and energy to urban planning and government policy, and much more. Join us for SART on the first Friday of each month (check website for exceptions) from 7:30-9:00 a.m. Please visit www.southface.org/sart for

Urban Water Challenges Decreasing Our Food Waste December 6, 2019 January 10, 2020

Urban stormwater management poses Twenty percent of methane produced in challenges to the economic and environmental the U.S. comes from landfills, and the EPA estimated in 2015 that more food reaches resilience of buildings, city landscaping and landfills and combustion facilities than any downstream communities. Join Southface at other material. So food waste is not only a The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable social challenge but an environmental one. Design as experts discuss ways to mitigate, What is being done in Atlanta to address the Sustainability in Action on reuse and control the path of excess surface causes of food waste? Join us to hear about Academic Campuses water in the built environment. creative solutions from industry experts. February 7, 2020 Colleges and Universities are leading the way in water conservation, energy-efficient buildings, energy production, food waste management and even green landscaping. Join us off-site at Agnes Scott College to learn the ways academic campuses are playing a large role in sustainability.