At Baseline, sustainability is woven into the very fabric of our community. Few residents embody this ethos more than Sean McKenzie, whose professional and personal journey has been shaped by a commitment to environmental responsibility. Sean is in his fifth year of postgraduate studies at Cambridge for a Master’s in Sustainability and is a Chairperson for the Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (ACES) for the City of Broomfield.
We got some time with Sean to hear more about his thoughts on the future of sustainability and what makes Baseline such a unique and forward-thinking place to call home.
1. What drew you to Baseline, and how does it align with your background in sustainability?
My interest in sustainability began in the Amazon jungle, where I was studying pink river dolphins and Indigenous communities. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for ecosystems and how human activity impacts them. From there, I built a career in corporate social responsibility and sustainability, working at Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to help businesses implement decarbonization and net-zero strategies.
Sustainability is the essence of my profession, but it’s also the way I try to live. For me, one cannot be separated from the other. When it came time to find a home, I wanted to invest in a community that shared my values. Baseline stood out — an urban village that was designed with sustainability, walkability, and community in mind. I came out for a tour and immediately knew this was it, and I put in an offer that weekend.
2. How has your understanding of Baseline’s sustainability initiatives evolved since moving in?
When I first moved in, I was excited about the sustainable and energy-efficient features of my home. However, as I spent more time in the community, I realized it’s so much bigger than just sustainability on a house-by-house basis. The whole community is built around sustainability.
Baseline’s approach is incredibly thoughtful, and everything is interconnected. One thing that really stood out to me was their approach to creating a pollinator district, which I learned was the first of its kind in the world. Even in my research, I hadn’t seen anything quite like it. There are a few eco-villages and garden cities around the world, but they’re rare, both globally and here in the U.S.
From the landscaping that supports native species to the stormwater management system that helps preserve our environment, every element is designed with long-term impact in mind. Even further, through my involvement with the city and local leadership, I’ve learned just how much intention and collaboration go into any city building, and particularly the work it took to make Baseline what it is today.
3. How does Baseline’s design encourage a sense of connection with both nature and neighbors?
This is exactly what is special about Baseline; it doesn’t focus on sustainability in isolation but rather integrates it into daily life in a way that fosters understanding and connection. The layout of the community naturally brings people together. The trails, open green spaces, and gathering areas create opportunities to meet neighbors, spend time outdoors, and be part of something bigger.
I also think the approach to mixed-use development plays a huge role. Having places where people can live, work, and socialize within walking or biking distance from their homes reduces reliance on cars. But beyond that, there is an organic sense of community. You get to know your neighbors because you share the same spaces and experiences.
4. What’s your personal favorite part of Baseline, its green spaces and initiatives?
Baseline balances community and nature in a way that’s compatible with the ecosystem. I spend a lot of time outdoors biking with my dogs or journaling in open green spaces like The Big Green.
The community events bring people together and make Baseline feel like home. Something that has really made an impact for me is the SPARK leadership program. It’s given me the chance to dive into everything from water pricing to city planning, helping me understand the complexities of sustainability at a systems level while also feeling a sense of unity. As an ambassador, I get to share that knowledge with others and help build a community where sustainability is both tangible and a way of life.
