About Us

Southface Institute is a sustainable building nonprofit that strengthens equity and the environment by transforming residential and commercial structures at every stage of the building life cycle. We are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with a new satellite location in Sarasota, Florida.

Since 1978, Southface has collaborated with other nonprofits, businesses, builders, developers, universities, government agencies, and communities to deliver practical solutions with tangible results for the planet and all its inhabitants. Together, we are building sustainably for life.

Mission: Southface promotes sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy, and technical assistance.

Vision: Southface’s vision is a healthy environment for us all, achieved and sustained by innovation and equity in the communities we build together.

Our Beginnings

Founded by Dennis Creech and Jeff Tiller, Southface began as an all-volunteer organization promoting solar energy production around a celebration called Sun Day, May 3, 1978. A small band of committed environmentalists continued to work together after the event, educating the public on installation of various solar technologies in a residential context. Southface went on, with Creech at the helm until 2017, to spread understanding of the important connection between energy consumption and environmental impact. With a focus on resource efficiency based in building science, Southface expanded its work to include research, education, advocacy and a host of green building services.

Our Future

As a leading innovator in sustainability work, Southface is extending its reach beyond Georgia and across the country in our research, building certification services and nonprofit grants. Most recently, Southface Institute deepened its investment in Florida’s Gulf Coast communities in 2021 by establishing Southface Sarasota as the national nonprofit’s first satellite location. Together, we are transforming the built environment to achieve a more sustainable future in Florida and a healthier planet for all.

Our Commitment

Today, Southface builds on its tradition of nonpartisan, science-based sustainability strategies through our hybrid nonprofit and fee-for-service platform, supporting our community work with the funds we earn from our revenue-based services. Our comprehensive reach into both the marketplace and communities lets us deliver on our commitment to the greater global need of a clean inclusive economy for everyone.