What We Do

Build It Green connects housing changemakers to transform California’s housing ecosystem. Together, we address the interwoven issues of affordability, social equity, and the environment to support thriving neighborhoods that exist in harmony with human and natural systems.
Learn more about our work and approach below.

BIG convenes changemakers across California to catalyze new possibilities

Through the California Housing System Innovators Network, BIG convenes 350+ cross-sectoral changemakers from across the state to explore issues through a systemic thinking lens and develop new ideas to create a housing system grounded in resilience, adaptability, and equity.

BIG is currently incubating the following initiatives. These topics are generated through the California Housing System Innovators Network, and other pathways, and are always explored in collaboration with partners.

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BIG incubates promising new ideas and approaches to test their potential

Equitable Housing Co-ops

We work with local partners to increase the number of equitable housing co-ops.

Electrical Panel Optimization

We convene changemakers to advance electrification.

Small Developer Network

We offer pathways for diverse, small contractors, builders, and developers from historically neglected communities.

Infrastructure to Support Equitable Housing

We support housing development in high-need communities by targeting critical infrastructure.

Regenerative Communitites

We advance community-based approaches for development in rural and urban California.

Middle Income Housing and Decarbonization

We invest resources to build homes that are affordable for middle-income residents.

BIG transforms California’s housing system with new programs and resources

Based on the convening, catalyzing, and incubation work we do with our partners, BIG develops programs and resources that reshape the housing and community development industries, enables leadership from marginalized communities, and creates deeper connections between human and natural systems. Together, these programs and resources transform California’s housing ecosystem, communities, and relationship to the natural world.

Co-op Developers Learning Session

While we work to normalize co-ops in California, sharing information and connecting our network with experts from other places is a vital part of BIG’s co-op initiative.

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Tackling Trade-Offs: Middle Income Housing & Decarbonization

California’s commitment to decarbonization is one of our most important aspirations.

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Diversifying California’s Small Developer Corps

BIPOC workers are key to building the housing that we need.

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