About Us

We want to build a better tomorrow.

Our vision is a sustainable future for all, driven by innovation and collaboration.

 

As a national nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Southface Institute leverages advocacy, education, and service offerings to improve health, the environment, and economic opportunity. We empower communities, government, and businesses to create change.

Advocacy

Together with our partners, we engage regulators, policymakers, and communities to make sustainability the standard, building a better future in the process.

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713
advocates engaged
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Education

Education is ingrained in everything we do. By advancing building science knowledge and training the the next generation of trade workers, we’re creating a world where everyone can live sustainably.

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2224
workers trained

Services

From fee-based design consulting to facilities grants and community planning, Southface offers a range of services that meet sustainability needs and equip people to boldly build together.

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21445 MT
emissions saved
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Our people make it all possible.

With immense experience and a shared commitment to achieving a sustainable future, our team leverages their expertise to help communities thrive.

Regional Roots, Global Reach

Southface operates from offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and Sarasota, Florida. We focus on driving meaningful change across the Southeast US and far beyond, with programs, platforms, and partnerships that influence sustainable practices in 15 countries and counting.

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Atlanta, Georgia

Our headquarters in Atlanta is known as the Eco Office. Half of the building is renovated home while the other half is a custom commercial space. Together, they showcase over 100 off-the-shelf sustainable technologies and design techniques.

Address: 241 Pine St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

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Sarasota, Florida

In 2021, we established our first satellite location in Sarasota to address the unique needs of Gulf Coast communities. We began at the Florida House, moved to the New College of Florida campus, then in 2024 launched the Resilience Incubator with 10 other local nonprofits.

Address: 1760 Mound St., 2nd Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236 

47 Years of Impact

On May 3, 1978, a group of volunteers gathered in Atlanta's Woodruff Park to observe "Sun Day" and advocate for solar energy. The group resolved to keep working together and led by Dennis Creech and Jeff Tiller, formed the Georgia Solar Coalition.

Nearly a decade later, the nonprofit became Southface Energy Institute and expanded their focus to sustainable buildings. The name is a nod to our history since south-facing solar panel systems almost always generate the most electricity.

For nearly half a century, Southface has been advancing clean and affordable energy as well as access to a healthy environment. And our work is far from done.