December 2023 Edition
Dear Customers,
I would like to share my sincere season's greetings to you ahead of the upcoming holidays. It has truly been a whirlwind of a year, and in this season, I am grateful more than ever for your trust in me and my team.
As I reflect on what 2023 brought this agency, I am quite proud of the work my team has done to streamline our services and deliver what customers need. We have stood up a new agency, met or exceeded all of our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and have engaged in several key strategic initiatives to better serve our customers.
I am also struck by the weight of responsibility that DOB has to provide the best possible service to District residents, businesses, and visitors. In an era where we must be concerned with sustainability in the built environment, I am also cognizant that our work must also be sustainable and repeatable. This is why 2024 will continue to see our efforts to relentlessly improve and focus our processes to deliver excellent customer service.
In this final installment for 2023, I want to highlight a new recurring section that we are introducing to our newsletter: Building For Tomorrow Today. Sustainability and environmental consciousness are principles that are so important to me; I want our children and grandchildren to enjoy a healthy home and future here. Additionally, beyond being seen as solely a regulatory agency, I want DOB to act as a helpful resource on sustainability, renewable technology, and green energy efforts within the larger built environment. Sustainability is not just about preserving our future from an environmental concern, but also is an imperative as we operate as a key part of the economic engine in this city. As we head into 2024, we will continue to deepen our intentional focus in these spaces.
Thank you for continuing to be our valued partners in this wonderful city. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season with those closest to you.
Onward,
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 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
 Account Manager Jason Williamson engages with residents
Earlier this month, members of our Account Management team joined dozens of other District government agencies at Mayor Muriel Bowser's 25th Annual Senior Holiday Celebration. The event, open to seniors age 60 and older, is always a memorable experience and an excellent opportunity to share about our work and connect District residents with our services.
 Members of DOB's Account Management Team with FEMS and MPD
Our team also had the privilege of joining the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Fire and Emergency Medical Service Department (FEMS) in Ward 4 for a community walk.
 Happy Holidays from DOB!
 Building For Tomorrow Today is a new recurring section in our newsletter where DOB seeks to share about some of the most exciting sustainable building practices that are helping cities across the world reduce their carbon footprint and help secure a safer and cleaner tomorrow. With Mayor Bowser's stated plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, it is more important than ever that District agencies work with other partners to ensure sustainability in how we move in the built environment.
Hemp Insulation
 In a world where environmental consciousness is not only relevant, but vital, the construction industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainable materials, including the very material that is used to insulate buildings. One such eco-friendly gem making waves in insulation is hemp. Hemp, a versatile plant celebrated for its many uses, is now proving its worth in creating a more sustainable and energy-efficient living space.
Hemp insulation is derived from the fibers of the plant, known for its rapid growth and minimal environmental impact. This makes it a renewable resource, with the added bonus of requiring fewer pesticides or herbicides compared to traditional insulation materials. The production process of hemp insulation itself is a testament to its green credentials, emitting significantly lower levels of carbon compared to conventional insulation methods.
However, what sets hemp insulation apart is its thermal and acoustic properties. It provides excellent insulation, keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer while also effectively dampening sound. Additionally, hemp fibers are naturally resistant to mold and pests, reducing the need for harmful chemical treatments. This not only ensures a healthier indoor environment but can also contribute to the longevity of the insulation.
For those concerned about their carbon footprint, hemp insulation might be a step in the right direction. By choosing this sustainable alternative, homeowners are not just insulating; they are also participating in a larger movement towards a greener, healthier planet.
 We are excited to announce our partnership with Electrify DC, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), and Mayor Bowser for the inaugural Healthy Homes Fair on April 6, 2024 at the DC Armory. The Healthy Homes Fair is a free, full-day expo and interactive experience for homeowners, renters, home renovation professionals and career seekers to learn about the products and services needed to improve our health, increase comfort, and reduce emissions from the homes of the DC region. There will be more than 50 exhibitors providing demonstrations and interactive activities.
In addition to attendance, there are ample sponsorship opportunities available. By becoming a sponsor, you can prominently showcase your products and services and play a pivotal role in decarbonizing our buildings and building a cleaner, more sustainable DC. Sign up today to sponsor or exhibit. Special discounted pricing is available until Friday, January 12, 2024.
Contact DOB via email at dob@dc.gov, through our online inquiry form or during normal business hours using the live chat available on dob.dc.gov or by phone at 202.671.3500, and we will get back to you in three business days or less.
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