As part of a broader initiative to support Greater Philadelphia’s climate and building performance goals, the Hub needed a website that brought together information that had previously been scattered across multiple agencies and programs. Before this project, users struggled to figure out which requirements applied to them, which upgrades made sense for their building, and where to find qualified contractors or reliable guidance. The Hub’s internal team established the brand and strategic direction. Our role was to translate that vision into a digital experience that works for real users.
background:
The Challenge:
The main challenge was building a website that could support a wide range of users, including facility managers, property owners, small business operators, sustainability teams, and contractors, while simplifying complicated building performance topics such as benchmarking, energy audits, electrification, and compliance timelines.
The Hub needed a platform that could:
- Present technical content in a clear and approachable way.
- Help users quickly find what applies to them based on building type, size, and compliance needs.
- Offer a resource center that organizes dense documentation without overwhelming people.
- Provide a contractor directory that connects users with qualified service providers.
- Build credibility for both newcomers and experienced professionals.
- Support internal workflows without creating administrative bottlenecks.
Solution:
We focused on building a structured, user-friendly platform that turns complex information into clear next steps.
- Designed and developed an intuitive contractor directory with filtering tools that allow users to search by service type, specialty, and location.
- Built a resource center that organizes guides, compliance documents, and technical tools into a searchable system that is easy to navigate.
- Structured the website navigation around user goals such as understanding requirements, finding help, and improving their building.
- Integrated the site with internal workflows so the Hub team can update resources, add contractors, and expand offerings as programs evolve.
- Established clear pathways to assistance so users can easily get connected with experts when they need guidance.
Key wins included:
The Result:
The Better Buildings Hub website now serves as Philadelphia’s primary digital entry point for commercial building performance support. Users can understand compliance requirements, access practical resources, find qualified contractors, and take steps toward upgrades that were previously confusing or hard to access. The new platform reduces friction, increases engagement, and strengthens the city’s capacity to help building owners meet climate and efficiency goals.
