The mission of BNIM Architects and Elements, the firm’s sustainable consulting division, is to always improve the quality of life for the community by designing with intent to increase social, economic and environmental vitality. Beyond this, and taking it further, is the firm’s endeavor to educate others about the benefits of sustainability. In an effort to promote the understanding and use of sustainable design strategies, the Elements team established Elements University, an education outreach program that provides a series of training classes to staff, contractors, clients and professional organizations alike. The classes, entitled Sustainability 101, 201, 301 and 401, lead participants through various levels of detail about the concepts, definitions and key strategies for sustainable sites, energy and water efficiency and indoor environmental quality.