Sustainable Development

Southface knows that sound policy can enable a just transition to more equitable sustainable development, and is working to influence data-driven, community and stakeholder informed, innovative approaches to a more resilient, low-carbon future.

Green Affordable Housing

Southface has long worked in the affordable housing space. We believe focusing on the preservation and creation of healthy, comfortable and efficient affordable housing is critical to sustainable and resilient communities. This means achieving total affordability and high quality of life for those who are striving to maintain both in the face of rampant development and the adverse impacts of climate change.

Codes and Zoning

By partnering with state and local governments and other nonprofits to engage the community and key stakeholders, Southface is a powerful advocate for the adoption of sustainable development practices. The focus of our work includes high-performance building codes and zoning, as well as development practices that support accessible, healthy and resource-efficient buildings and communities. Initiatives include the City of Decatur High Performance Building Ordinance, the Tiny House Feasibility Study and active participation in the Georgia State Codes Advisory Committee.

Resources

Case Study

City of Atlanta Tiny House Feasibility Study

Tiny houses can address the changing needs of households in Atlanta, Georgia, by providing a more affordable and efficient housing stock while simultaneously making the region more competitive in attracting talent and an increasingly mobile workforce.

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Report
White Paper

The Impact of Green Affordable Housing

The impact of green building certification programs on the cost and energy performance multifamily affordable housing has long been misunderstood due to a lack of data and analysis, particularly in the Southeast United States.

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Report

Georgia Clean Energy Census 2014

Georgia spends billions a year to import energy. About $30 billion leaves Georgia annually to pay for petroleum, natural gas, and coal. The clean energy industry offers Georgia the opportunity to keep a larger portion of money spent on energy …

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