Clients awareness

We work to advance policies and design practices that improve energy conservation, the health of communities and resiliency in every community.

Our focus

Getting to net zero

In 2007, we helped set the federal 2030 net zero energy goals. Today, we continue to push for ways to achieve and surpass them.

This includes preserving Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), which cost-effectively improves energy performance for federal buildings, and leading the fight to protect energy efficiency incentives like the 179D tax deduction. On the state and local levels, we are guiding governments and communities toward effective green building incentives.

Improving resiliency with model laws

Through policies, building codes and regulations, we are strengthening adaptation and recovery from extreme weather events and natural disasters. This includes liability protection policies and model legislation for Good Samaritan designers who help communities recover and financing models for sustainability and resiliency.

Applying design to health

Policy and smart design choices can mitigate chronic and crisis-level health problems, advance equitable access to well-being and make communities safer. We convened experts at a Design and Health Research Consortium, developed policy toolkits and continue to work with public health groups and global leaders at the forefront of design and health.