In 1978, I entered the University of Colorado and said, I want to study solar energy. They didn't have a program for that at the time, so I chose Electrical Engineering.
After graduating I began working as an engineer in the field of building energy efficiency, and continued in that field for 20 years. As a building energy modeler, computer programmer, field technician, and trainer I got a solid foundation in the mechanics of efficiency.
I began researching and writing about energy efficiency with E Source. Later, as a consultant to the Governor's Office of Energy Conservation, I worked with cities, school districts and state and local governments, helping them find ways to fund efficiency improvement projects. I also managed and edited the production of a guide to using the, then new, LEED rating system in Colorado.
I learned that people who set high goals, and are willing to work together and change can indeed create better buildings...better in that they make nicer learning and working environments, while using less energy and water, and are less of a drain on our resources and health. It's the building owner and project team's attitude that, in large part, predetermine the outcome.
