Earth Month: Southface Institute Showcases Sustainability in Atlanta

The Georgia-based Southface Institute is marking Earth Month (throughout April) and Earth Day on April 22 by showcasing ways that Georgians can improve their sustainability and energy efficiency.

• Indoor Air Quality – Studies show that the quality of the air inside your home or business is often worse than outside. The American Lung Association reports indoor air can be two to five times more polluted. Visuals: Bryant Hains from Southface can offer tips to help homeowners and businesses improve their indoor air quality.

• Home Weatherization – Southface can demonstrate ways to make your home and businesses energy efficient as we move into the air conditioning season.Visuals: A 1920 Craftsman bungalow that’s been restored with efficient improvements and a solar array, offsetting 95 percent of the homeowner’s electricity consumption and two-thirds of their natural gas consumption.

• Mass Timber – Developers are working to use “mass timber” rather than steel and concrete in building construction. Mass timber has positive implications for our climate and our economy. It’s a process by which wood is joined together to form panels or beams and it can be used in buildings up to 18 stories. Visuals: Projects in Dunwoody, the Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead, and on the Westside Beltline.