As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on Green Building United’s (GBU) accomplishments in 2024 and look to the critical work that lies ahead. This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in advancing an equitable transition to a climate-friendly and healthy built environment. Your support ensures we can continue building a sustainable, resilient future for all—work that is more urgent than ever.
For this month only, all donations made to Green Building United up to $10,000 are matched 1:1 thanks to the contribution of a generous donor.
Celebrating 2024: A Year of Impact
This year, GBU hosted more than 30 events, fostering education, community, and collaboration across the region. From Sustainability Lightning Talks in Philadelphia to touring Mt. Cuba’s Net Zero Greenhouse in Delaware and Embodied Carbon programming in the Lehigh Valley, we brought people together to share ideas and build connections. Our free educational webinars—on topics ranging from green banking 101 to sensory-accessible design—offered tools and insights to a diverse audience.
We are especially proud to have hosted Coffee Chats centering on the Philadelphia School District’s utilization of the GESA Program and LGBTQ educators fostering a meaningful discussion on inclusion and trans allyship. These events exemplify our commitment to equity, accessibility, and a sustainable future.
Driving Sustainable Design Through Strategic Initiatives
GBU’s Climate Ready Capital Projects Program, in collaboration with the William Penn Foundation, has integrated sustainable and resilient design into 11 grantees’ capital projects in the region. From providing vital resources like our Green Building Guide to connecting partners with architects and engineers, we’ve supported a diverse range of organizations—including child-care centers and places of worship—in meeting their climate-resiliency goals.
Securing Federal Dollars for Community Impact
Beginning in 2025, Green Building United will launch a new initiative to help property owners and operators across Southeastern Pennsylvania access $4.6 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding and incentives. This initiative prioritizes non-profit building owners, affordable multifamily housing, small business owners, and buildings impacted by energy performance legislation. By fostering collaboration with community-based organizations and local partners, we’re ensuring a far-reaching and equitable impact.
Advocating for Healthier, More Sustainable Communities
In 2024, GBU brought a team of 20 volunteers to an Advocacy Day with Philadelphia City Council. Together, we met with eight council offices to champion next-generation building performance policies, funding for school renovations, and other measures to promote an energy-efficient, healthy built environment across Philadelphia. This critical work underscores the power of collective action in shaping policies that serve our communities.
Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever
The expected challenges to equity-centered climate action posed by recent election outcomes only strengthen our commitment to advancing scalable solutions for a healthy and resilient built environment across Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley, and Delaware. Now is the time to stand together and push for solutions that protect our planet and ensure a healthy, sustainable future for everyone.
How You Can Help
This Giving Tuesday, your donation directly supports GBU’s ongoing education, advocacy, and strategic initiatives. Together, we can continue to create opportunities for collaboration, champion sustainable building practices, and advocate for policies that prioritize equity and climate resilience.
- Visit our donation page: Green Building United 2024 Donation Match Drive
- Choose your donation amount: Every dollar counts!
- Double your impact: the first $10,000 in donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
Let’s build on our shared successes and rise to meet the challenges ahead. Thank you for being part of this community and for investing in a better future. Together, we can make 2024 a foundation for transformative change.