Centering Equity in the Sustainable Buildings Sector

Program Description

It is critical that the places in which we live, work, play and pray are safe and healthy facilities. Buildings should preserve our health, protecting us from the elements and providing comfort and security in our lives. Current buildings often harm Black communities, perpetuating inequities and environmental injustices – from being contaminated with lead paint and radon or being less energy efficient than buildings in other communities, thus leading to increased energy bills, and or being less disaster resilient. Even new regulations to improve these situations often focus on future buildings, leaving already underserved communities behind. Our leadership is imperative to ensuring that we all have access to healthy, safe, and affordable buildings. This program explores these systemic issues through the lens of Black Liberation and presents strategies for creating equitable, sustainable, and inclusive buildings. Participants will be equipped to advocate for practices that prioritize the needs of Black communities, fostering healthier building environments.

Program Objectives

The objectives below outline the core knowledge, skills, and capacities participants will build through this program. At the conclusion of the certification program participants will be able to:

• Describe the systems, programs, and policies that encompass the building sector.
• Explain current inequities and disparities in the planning and sustainable building processes, particularly systemic challenges that impact Black communities.
• Examine existing policies, practices, regulations, and advocacy activities that govern building activities and sustainable building outcomes.
• Describe effective community engagement and advocacy approaches to engage frontline community leadership to advance equity in the sustainable building sector.
• Formulate an action plan to center equity in the sustainable building sector.