Southface Institute: Blog

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Future Grants (EFG) Program has chosen RMI (founded as Rocky Mountain Institute), Southface Institute, and Sustainable Capital Advisors (SCA) to serve as key facilitators for the EFG Program Technical Assistance Cohorts. RMI and Southface Institute will take the lead in cohort facilitation, with SCA serving as a specialized lead in equitable climate financing. Under this initiative, RMI will provide direct support for projects focused on power and resilience, while Southface Institute will lead efforts …

Continue reading “Southface Institute Chosen as Key Facilitator for DOE Energy Future Grants Program”

In October, Southface Institute leadership toured Spelman College’s historic campus with Art Frazier (Director of Facilities), Iesha Baldwin (Sustainability Coordinator), and Karringtyn Johnson (Student Associate). The tour focused on understanding the college’s new construction and sustainable operations progress along with discovering strategies to support student sustainability initiatives and operations and maintenance (O&M) best practices with the BIT Building platform. One highlight of the tour was the historic Sisters Chapel, dedicated in 1927, that had the Harreld-James pipe organ on display. …

Continue reading “Our Spelman College Sustainability Tour”

Marcel Henry, Southface CFO   Southface Institute welcomes Marcel Henry as the organization’s new Chief Financial Officer. Henry will focus on Southface’s financial management and strategic planning. Henry brings to Southface his more than 25 years of executive leadership experience at major corporations including JPMorgan Chase, WorldCom, MCI, and Pacific Bell.   “Marcel Henry brings a wealth of expertise in financial management, strategic planning and operational excellence to our organization,” says James Marlow, President, Southface Institute. “In his new role, …

Continue reading “Southface Institute Announces Marcel Henry as New CFO”

As concerns about energy costs, carbon emissions, and airborne hazards grow, more homeowners and housing developers are focusing on building performance. Over the past several decades, Georgia has become a leader in two of the most important performance indicators: the tightness of a home’s duct system and its thermal envelope (the walls, doors, windows, roofs, and floors that separate inside from outside). Southface Institute’s efforts to strengthen residential energy codes and train the trade workforce are a large part of …

Continue reading “Georgia Leads in Building Envelope and Ductwork Standards”

In September, Southface Institute welcomed members from The Integral Group and Westside Future Fund to its campus for the first session of the Atlanta Residential Upgrades Multifamily Program (ATL RES UP). Sponsored by Atlanta Housing and offered in partnership with Georgia Power and The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience, ATL RES UP uses a cohort model to provide peer learning among building operators. The format allows experts to share knowledge of residential property markets, green building certifications, financial feasibility, …

Continue reading “ATL RESup Launch Advances Sustainability in Affordable Housing with BIT Building”

In the wake of two deadly hurricanes within the past two weeks, we join our families, friends, and colleagues in mourning unimaginable loss and offering our heartfelt support.  We won’t know the full extent of the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton for some time, but there are already 12 confirmed deaths and more than 3 million people without power. What we do know is that Milton is one of Florida’s strongest hurricanes on record in terms of pressure, windspeed, and …

Continue reading “Statement on Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene”

Energy Efficiency Day is the first Wednesday in October. While bigger changes like upgrading your HVAC system to a heat pump or insulating your attic can cut those kilowatt-hours (and resulting emissions) considerably, small improvements that are accessible to most people can add up to an amazing collective impact. Get started with Southface Institute’s handy-dandy list of the top actions you can take in just one day.   1. Stop secret energy-sappers. Appliances and electronics plugged into an outlet use …

Continue reading “Top Ways to Celebrate Energy Efficiency Day”

Many developers are facing financing challenges this year, reporting a growing number of projects that have been stalled or canceled because of a lack of funding. In most cases, high interest rates, falling demand for commercial office space, and continued high costs for materials and labor are to blame. As a nonprofit that works with developers and other stakeholders to increase the sustainability of new and existing buildings, Southface Institute has identified solutions that have both environmental and financial benefits. …

Continue reading “Where Sustainability Stands in a High-Interest-Rate Development Environment”

A process is about to begin that will shape Georgia’s energy future and, in turn, impact how much millions of Georgians pay on their monthly electricity bill.  Southface Institute is partnering with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) to host a series of trainings on the 2025 Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and 2025 rate case. Southface partnered with advocate organizations such as Vote Solar and Partnership for Southern Equity to offer similar education workshops during the 2019 and …

Continue reading “Why Getting Involved in the 2025 IRP Proceedings Should Matter to You”