Southface Institute: Blog

Southface Institute Announces Marcel Henry as New CFO

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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, …

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Georgia Leads in Building Envelope and Ductwork Standards

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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 …

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ATL RES UP Launches to Bring Greater Sustainability to Affordable Housing

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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, …

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Statement on Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene

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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 …

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Top Ways to Celebrate Energy Efficiency Day

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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 …

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Where Sustainability Stands in a High-Interest-Rate Development Environment

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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. …

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Why Getting Involved in the 2025 IRP Proceedings Should Matter to You

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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 …

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Five New Additions to Southface’s Board of Directors

Press Room

Southface Institute, a sustainable building nonprofit celebrating its 46th anniversary this month, has welcomed five new members to its Board of Directors. The new board members bring experience in architecture, engineering, education, sustainability, and law to the organization.    Since 1978, Southface has collaborated with other nonprofits, businesses, builders, developers, universities, government agencies, and communities. It works to improve the performance of residential and commercial structures at every stage of the building lifecycle.    New Board Members include:    Ed …

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Turning Building Performance Data into Environmental Action

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Building Health

Today, those who own, lease, and operate buildings are increasingly exploring sustainability improvements that can be implemented at scale. The major drivers for this trend: an increase in data available for understanding building performance, the promise of lower utility bills, and a $1B federal investment to update energy codes and implement building performance standards through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Southface Institute recently launched its BIT Building platform to make building performance data actionable and the associated goals and incentives …

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Southface Institute Announces Thomas Farmer As New VP of Advocacy

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Sustainable building nonprofit Southface Institute has welcomed Thomas Farmer as VP of advocacy. Drawing on his local, state, and federal experience, Farmer will further strengthen Southface’s partnerships and advance advocacy initiatives that impact communities.  “At my core, I am a collaborator and relationship builder, so coming to work for an organization that strives to build bridges with developers, utilities, academia, and other nonprofits to advance sustainability is a natural fit,” said Farmer. “ I am excited to be working for …

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