Sarah Lyons
Sarah Lyons is IMT’s inaugural David B. Goldstein Fellow. She supports research and outreach for a variety of projects related to improving building performance.
Policy
As a trusted, nonpartisan advisor for local, regional, state, and federal policymakers, IMT continuously facilitates collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders to drive demand for high-performance buildings that unleash a variety of environmental, economic, and social benefits for cities across the U.S.
Interested in learning more IMT’s work with cities to drive market demand for efficiency and high-performance buildings? Check out our blogs and resources below.
The Latest
Equity Up North
Momentum on building performance standards (BPS) extends beyond the United States. Canadian jurisdictions are making movements on performance policies as well. Benchmarking & Reporting and BPS (or BEPS) policies have been passed at both the city and province level (see our map for details). For example, Toronto, Ontario is the latest city to move toward … Continued
How Building Resource Hubs Can Transform Our Built Environment
Building resource hubs can helps cities and local/state goverments, communities and real estate stakeholders to create more energy efficient, higher-performing buildings.
Decarbonization Planning for Affordable Multifamily Housing
This 2026 Summer Study paper addresses how to decarbonize affordable multifamily housing while preserving affordability, improving resident comfort, and supporting healthier, more resilient homes.
Advancing Equitable Decarbonization Through Community Ownership
Involving community in policymaking makes for better outcomes, especially when balancing affordability and decarbonization. This research paper was published as part of the Summer Study 2026 proceedings.
Making Policy Accountable to Community: Lessons from Boston and Seattle
This paper, written for ACEEE Summer Study 2026, explores Community Accountablity Boards as a governance tool, using examples from Seattle and Boston.
From Compliance to Performance: Bridging the Lifecycle Discontinuity in Building Policy
This 2026 Summer Study paper discusses how to align building energy codes and building performance policies
What’s Happening with Building Performance Standards
Last June, we looked at the first compliance deadlines for building performance standards. A year later, we’re starting to see the data…and the results are promising. Across the next year, IMT will share stories and data from these jurisdictions to highlight how these policies are working. Key takeaways at a glance Buildings are hitting their … Continued
California Publishes Strategy for Building Performance Standards
Why one state’s new building performance strategy is a big deal for community involvement and climate action
Alternative Compliance Path Factsheet
An overview of how alternative compliance paths help buildings of all types improve energy efficiency and overall building performance.