From centuries-old rowhomes to industrial warehouses turned into creative spaces, buildings tell our history and shape our future. But too many of our buildings are drafty, inefficient, and expensive to maintain. At the same time, buildings are one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in our area.
Every space around us tells a story.
about the hub
That’s why we created the Better Buildings Hub.
We’re a one-stop resource helping property owners, nonprofits, and communities access the tools and funding needed to cut energy costs, improve comfort, and reduce emissions, without leaving frontline communities behind.
We envision a Greater Philadelphia where:
Every neighborhood shares in the benefits of clean energy and investment
Every school has safe, healthy air for kids to breathe
Every rowhouse is affordable to heat and cool
Every community center can keep the lights on during extreme weather
Together, we can make every building a place that strengthens the community it serves.
About Buildings Performance Partnership
The Better Buildings Hub is proud to be a member of the Building Performance Partnership (BPP). BBP supports a national network of high-performance building hubs. Their work creates local jobs, lowers energy costs, and improves health by rapidly decarbonizing existing buildings. BPP is a joint project of Building Energy Exchange and the Institute for Market Transformation.
About Green Building United
The Better Buildings Hub is an initiative of Green Building United. Green Building United promotes the development of buildings that are sustainable, healthy for inhabitants, resilient, and cost-effective. Through education, advocacy, and strategic initiatives, Green Building United informs and engages individuals and organizations to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated.
Labaron Lenard-Palmer
Director of Sustainable Building Strategies
"I joined Green Building United in early 2025 as the Director of Sustainable Building Strategies, where I lead the implementation and growth of the Better Buildings Hub, an initiative of Green Building United that connects communities with the resources, partnerships, and expertise needed to create healthier, more resilient buildings. My work focuses on helping building owners, residents, and community organizations navigate opportunities for energy efficiency, building decarbonization, and climate resilience.
Prior to joining Green Building United, I worked with the City of Philadelphia’s Planning and Commerce Departments. At the Planning Department, I supported the development of building projects across the city, working with developers, community stakeholders, and public agencies on projects both large and small to help move projects forward in ways that aligned with neighborhood priorities and equitable growth. My work with the Commerce Department further deepened my experience supporting local economic development and community investment.
I hold a Ph.D. in Geography and Urban Studies, where my academic work explored the relationship between cities, sustainability, and community development. As a native Philadelphian, I’m motivated by the opportunity to help ensure that the transition to a cleaner, more resilient built environment creates real, tangible benefits for communities across the greater Philadelphia region."
