Sustainability nonprofit leader is focused on reducing energy burdens on low-income zip codes

Guests tour a solar panel project built on 10 acres of farmland that former President Jimmy Carter owns in his hometown of Plains, Ga., Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017. Carter leased the land to Atlanta-based SolAmerica Energy, which owns, operates, and sells power generated from solar cells. The company estimates the project will provide more than half of the power needed in this town of 755 people. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

From the future Rivian electric vehicle plant east of Atlanta, to massive venues like State Farm Arena prioritizing a zero-waste culture, Georgia’s becoming a hub for clean energy and sustainability.

But a mission of Atlanta-based non-profit Southface Institute is working to make sure that all communities can have a part in sustainable living, and reap its benefits. Monday was Southface president James Marlow’s first day on the job. Marlow told WABE one of his focus areas will be housing —  specifically, with the guide of Georgia Tech research, studying how low-income neighborhoods are in what he calls “energy poverty.\”

“There are certain zip codes that are particularly hard-hit, where people are paying a very high portion of their discretionary monthly income on heating and cooling their homes,” Marlow said.