Creating a New Practice
Too often, policies exclude frontline communities—those affected first and worst by climate change— from critical decisions, policies, and technical processes. This denies these residents the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience, provide consent, and fully participate in decisions that will affect their daily lives.
To address this, the IMT Community Engagement team developed a framework for inclusive, community-centered policymaking that supports a resilient, low-carbon future. The original framework was developed through months of research, internal dialogue, and collaboration with frontline community partners who offered their insights and critiques. The team also developed a guide for a process to follow, and how to resolve conflicts that could arise between governments and community-based organizations In 2026, the team released a new, updated framework, to reflect how we have applied it in practice, how it has grown, and where it needs to go.
Organizational Journey
1996–2019
From 1996 to 2019, IMT operated as a leading technical assistance organization within the building decarbonization industry with a commitment to combating climate change and generating a circular economy. We specialized in policy approaches that raised buildings’ performance expectations with flexible paths to move forward, reflected the needs of industry stakeholders, supported inclusive economic opportunity, and increased resiliency and health.
Learn more2019–2026
In 2019, IMT made an intentional shift to assess the intersections of building decarbonization, economic justice, environmental justice, and public health — committing to support climate and environmental justice solutions for frontline communities across the nation.
IMT developed the Community Engagement Framework to engage communities throughout our work toward a resilient, low-carbon future, meeting over several months to research and establish a strategic plan for meaningfully engaging frontline communities.
Framework, Process Guide, and Conflict Resolution Guide completed. IMT commenced organization-wide learning to center current climate issues impacting frontline communities across all IMT projects.
Project Spotlight: Community Climate ShiftIMT embedded EJ principles in projects outside government engagements — exploring Utility Franchise Fees, Building Exchange HUBS, and intersections of decarbonization and tribal sovereignty.
Project Spotlight: Community Health Priorities in Building Performance PoliciesReflecting on how IMT as a technical organization can continuously support frontline communities in this current political moment and onward.
2026
In 2026, IMT celebrates 30 years of transforming buildings to be more efficient, affordable, and resilient, and renewing our commitment to ensuring that clean energy and building performance work for every community, especially those on the frontlines of climate change.
How we celebratedDownload the Guides
Mission
The mission for community engagement at IMT is to drive the co-development of energy efficiency and climate solutions that identify and address the challenges, priorities, and aspirations of frontline communities through meaningful community engagement.
Values
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Act in solidarity. Have empathy and humanize energy efficiency in a way in which everyone understands that these issues impact the livelihood of real people.
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Advocate for transformative solutions. Make the case for cities, business leaders, and other stakeholders to collaborate with community.
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Be justice- and issue-informed. Clearly understand the issues at hand about and the language we use so that we are intentional in our work.
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Use our power for good. Use our influence and resources to challenge the status quo systems that marginalize communities.
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Be intentional. Develop long term strategies for community engagement so that we aren’t rushed or stumbling in our steps.
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Be integrated. Clear communication between IMT staff on programs and projects, as well as clear communication between sectors and the Community Engagement team.
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Strategize before acting. Avoid shortcuts and prioritize research and planning before engaging with communities or making commitments to partners.
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Foster a culture of care. Care for each other as colleagues first and foremost, so we can process and heal before engaging with others.
Goals
The CE team has outlined three major goals to help hold IMT accountable to shifting how the organization works with communities and governments:
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Goal 1
Deeper, more intentional engagement, especially with Tribal Nations.
Develop trust-centered and culturally-grounded partnerships with CBO partners—especially those representing and serving Tribal Nations—by co-creating structures, practices, and communication pathways that honor Tribal sovereignty and expertise, and support long-term collaboration in energy efficiency and decarbonization where IMT is present.
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Goal 2
Equitable research and technical assistance for communities.
Build in-house equitable, qualitative research and technical assistance for CBO partners serving frontline communities that expose historical barriers and support their advocacy needs to prevent displacement and support long-term housing stability.
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Goal 3
Opportunities for accessible education.
Support CBO partners representing frontline communities with accessible, educational materials to break down barriers of misinformation; equip communities with accurate information; and build capacity to advocate for solutions in their communities.
Our Work in Action
Community Accountability Board Toolkit
A practical toolkit and accompanying fact sheet for establishing community accountability boards that strengthen climate governance and center frontline voices in decision-making.
How to Center Community in BPS
Guidance on meaningfully embedding community engagement into building performance standards, ensuring policies reflect the needs and priorities of the people they serve.
Unintended Consequences of Building Decarbonization
A look at the potential pitfalls of building decarbonization and the solutions that can keep the transition equitable, affordable, and responsive to community needs.
