Valarie Rose Johnson

“The main principle is the built environment accounts for nearly 40 percent of our carbon emissions, and we simply can’t ignore that,” says Charlie Woodruff, mountain regional director for the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Any successful climate protection strategy must consider residential and commercial buildings, which are responsible for almost 40 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.

719 Heroes at Sellstate Alliance Realty is a group of realtors who are Homes for Heroes Affiliates in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Their mission is to give back to those who have sacrificed to protect, educate, heal and serve their community. From helping heroes buy and sell homes to hosting events to raise and donate money to local causes, they strive to give back to those who give their all.

The Home Builders Foundation (HBF) is on a mission to build independence and elevate lives by expanding access, safety and comfort for differently abled people in their homes and communities. HBF has completed more than 2,000 projects in the past 30 years. Last year, I was fortunate enough to visit one that left an indelible impression upon me. “Our clients are very inspirational to me,” said Beth Forbes, executive director of HBF.