Resilient Buildings Group, Inc.

Who (or what) inspired you to pursue the career you have today? "I started in business school, but took a course in environmental sustainability that really captured my interest and motivated me to transfer to UNH and study environmental science. Ever since, I’ve been on a quest to explore the various facets of sustainability and eventually discovered my true home—energy and buildings. Taking my job at RBG four years ago was one of the best things that’s happened to me in my career and has revealed my deep interest in the technical side of building sustainability and community-scale energy infrastructure."    In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of? "A few years ago, I took on a solo project helping with an energy study in New York. I made many independent trips (sometimes 6 hours one-way) and stayed overnight conducting several days of energy inspections. It was definitely a little intimidating at first, having to represent three companies during site inspections and speak intelligently about recommended energy improvements. But, in the end, I grew a lot and enjoyed the challenge."  How have you grown professionally while with RBG? "I started as a LEED consultant and a commissioning assistant. Since then, I’ve evolved into a full-fledged energy engineer, conducting my own audits, Cx work, energy models, and much more! It’s been quite a ride."  How do you see the building science industry evolving over the next 10 years? "I think it is inevitable that our technical consulting services will become more popular as NH’ers start to recognize the value of commissioning, green building practices, and deep energy retrofits. As an energy engineer, I’m hoping I can continue to sharpen my technical skills and spearhead this work in NH and beyond." What is your favorite project you have worked on while at RBG? "I’m definitely a jack-of-all-trades, so it’s really nice when I can help a client in multiple ways. With Compass Classical Academy, I conducted an energy audit and an energy model to help them plan energy efficiency projects for the school building they had recently purchased. It was nice supporting the staff and doing so using multiple skills." 

Who (or what) inspired you to pursue the career you have today? "I started working within the weatherization programs over ten years ago. I absolutely love being able to help NH Residents stay warm or cool while lowering their energy costs."     In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of? "I would say my biggest accomplishment so far has been jumping into the world of energy modeling, TREAT specifically, creating spreadsheets and diagrams to streamline the preparation and execution of the model. This has enabled not only me, but other energy modelers to increase productivity significantly."     How have you grown professionally while with RBG? "I have been able to continue my education and, so far, have obtained my certificate in Building Science Principles. I plan on attending many more training sessions as there is so much more to learn under the building science umbrella. I am looking forward to gaining more knowledge and progressing forward with RBG. "    How do you see your team evolving over the next 10 years? "In just the past year our department has doubled in size. I do not see that slowing down at any point in the near future. Our team has the drive and passion to keep growing and I look forward to pivoting in whichever direction is best for that continued growth. "    What is your favorite project you have worked on while at RBG?   "I don't know that I have a favorite, I enjoy working with single-family clients as well as property managers on multiple properties with many units. At the end of the day, the satisfaction of knowing our work has helped someone makes me feel like we are succeeding!"              

Who (or what) inspired you to pursue the career you have today? “My parents inspired me to pursue a career helping others by teaching me a strong work ethic at an early age. When I was old enough to push a lawn mower, I would spend my summers cutting the neighbors’ lawns, painting houses, and raking leaves. When winter hit, it was digging them out after a storm. I enjoyed helping others in my community growing up, and in 2008 I made it my career to serve low-income households via weatherization. I would not be where I am today without their support and guidance.” In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of? “Some of the accomplishments I am most proud of is my BPI QCI certification, helping develop the NH Weatherization Field Guide, being a NH Weatherization Technical Committee member, and helping hundreds of households save money by delivering weatherization services throughout the great state of NH.” How do you see the (building science/ sustainability) industry (or your role) evolving over the next 10 years? “Technology is changing, building materials are changing, this industry is rapidly changing. 10 years from now I see more automated buildings, more LEED / high performance designs, smart energy management systems, and green urban areas. For these reasons, my role will evolve, and our team’s role will evolve so that we can continue to compete and stay with modern times. One thing about this industry is that you are always learning something new every day!”

Who (or what) inspired you to pursue the career you have today?   "I’ve always been inspired by nature and the beauty of nature. I started studying Environmental Science in college but ended up focusing on Sustainability once I knew more about how people have a direct impact on the world around them. I knew I had to be the change I wanted to see in the world and helping businesses, municipalities, and homeowners reduce their carbon footprint is one way to make that happen."   In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of? "I think I’m most proud of my transition from the lighting industry to working with a company what looks at building systems wholistically. There has been so much to learn, and I’ve done my best to just dive right in!" How have you grown professionally while with RBG? "I transitioned from an energy analyst to project management pretty quickly, which was exciting. But, building on my last answer, working with the High Performance Buildings team has really helped me learn about all kinds of services and building systems in deep detail that I would never have learned otherwise."    How do you see the (building science/ sustainability) industry (or your role) evolving over the next 10 years? "I think there will be a big focus on AI helping with project management and expediting services. We are already seeing it! But I also think that green energy production will continue to become more accessible to everyone."     What is your favorite project you have worked on while at RBG?   "My favorite project was probably the Children’s Center of the Upper Valley. It was my first audit where I was part of the site visit, and I learned so much! Being there made me way more invested in the project and the services we were providing to them."   

Who (or what) inspired you to pursue the career you have today? "I worked on a community energy project following the model of the Rocky Mountain Institute and it really opened my eyes to all the aspects of energy sustainability.  After graduation, I was interning at the then, Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services performing baseload audits on state buildings.  When that internship ended, I asked about any available jobs in energy efficiency, and they pointed me across the hall to the Weatherization Department and I've been involved ever since!"     In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?   "I'm proud of the working relationships I've developed with the people weatherizing attics and basements and crawlspaces.  I'm often in the position of asking them to do something or critiquing their work, but most of the technical knowledge I've gained has been from watching, listening and talking with them.  Without them, none of this work gets done!"   How have you grown professionally while with RBG? "Prior to my time at RBG, my roles and responsibilities were primarily focused on the back end of a project.  Now, I am involved from start to finish as part of a team that collaborates with homeowners and property managers to develop a scope of weatherization work that meets the needs of the building and their occupants."     How do you see the (building science/ sustainability) industry (or your role) evolving over the next 10 years? "I think net-zero construction will be less of a niche and more of an expectation attainable for all." What is your favorite project you have worked on while at RBG? "We helped facilitate the weatherization of an apartment building in the upper valley that involved wiring upgrades, new LED lights, new bathroom exhaust fans, attic insulation and wall insulation.  This allowed the landlord to continue to rent the apartments at below market rates and provide housing that is affordable, safe, dry and energy efficient!"   

Who (or what) inspired you to pursue the career you have today?  “When I applied here at RBG, I had very little experience in energy efficiency.  I was inspired to take on a role where I was challenged to use my skills to help businesses become more energy efficient while learning and absorbing as much as I could about energy efficiency, and the NHSaves program. I was even more inspired to have the opportunity to work with people who wanted to make a difference, and a team that worked together to help each other succeed.”     In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?  “I am most proud of being a role model for my kids and showing them if you fall, you must get back up and try again. In 2020 I had to leave a full-time job because it seemed impossible to balance work with family in such challenging times. I found a great position, but in the end, it was not an option to commute to Boston and had to leave. I kept looking and found RBG. It is a completely different path than I set out on, but I am successful and building confidence in an industry that I knew very little about 2 years ago. I am so proud that I have turned things around for my family and we all are thriving!”     How have you grown professionally while with RBG?  “While at RBG, I have grown from having little to no energy efficiency experience to speaking to Utility partners at events and giving presentations about energy efficiency and the NHSaves program to communities, businesses, and municipalities. I continue to learn every day and am inspired by helping people and businesses become more energy efficient. Having a team of people around me that build me up and help me learn has been such a blessing.  Teams cannot grow unless each person wants the other to succeed. Working to create opportunities and take on challenges together creates growth for the team, individually, and for RBG.”      How do you see the (building science/ sustainability) industry evolving over the next 10 years?  “My hope is for all this continued hard work to pay off. Creating opportunities to educate people and assisting them in pursuing more efficient options will help this industry grow. There is a lot of work to be done, and 10 years will fly by! It will be fun to look back 10 years from now and see the changes and growth."     What is your favorite project you have worked on while at RBG?  “My favorite project was with First Church of Christ Scientist in Concord, NH. The historic building’s needs proved challenging but with the hard work of the contractors and the help of the utility partners, we were able to push through and have a greatly successful project. The historic Church, the work put into overcoming some of the challenges, and this being one of my first energy efficiency projects at RBG, made this a memorable experience.”   

We are proud to make a contribution towards the Bay St Project in partnership with Lakes Region Community Developers, an initiative focused on revitalizing the Bay Street community by providing essential resources and housing support. We encourage everyone to help make a difference by donating to this vital cause! https://lnkd.in/etUapxr4

Our High Performance Buildings team and Energy Solutions Implementation (ESIT) team identified an opportunity to collaborate on a housing project in Colebrook. An ASHRAE audit provided detailed information for the organization to make energy efficiency upgrades and improve comfort for their tenants. At the same time, ESIT realized that the organization was a prime candidate for the NHSaves HEA program, which would reduce the cost of implementing key measures. Email info@rbgnh.com if you want to learn more about ASHRAE audits or to ask if your property qualifies for the HEA program.

Meet Paul! Who (or what) inspired you to pursue the career you have today?      “While in Architecture school I became a volunteer docent at the Society for the Protection of NH Forests and began reading all the environmental history books I could find.  I then became a volunteer tour guide for their award-winning “green” headquarters.  They got so sick of me being there that they hired me!  So… I’d say it was Rachel Carson and the fine folks at SPNHF.”    In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?   “Acting as owner’s rep for the first LEED building in NH, the Forest Society’s French Wing.  Getting to influence so many great projects.”    How have you grown professionally while with RBG?     “RBG has been kind enough to help support all those initials after my name – ha ha!”    How do you see the (building science/ sustainability) industry evolving over the next 10 years?     “Wait… I’ll still be working in 10 years??  Well, we’re headed towards super energy efficiency and net-zero energy everywhere.  So many folks are leading by example the rest will want to catch up!”    What is your favorite project you have worked on while at RBG?      “Mentoring the young ‘ens!” A BIG thank you to Paul for being with RBG since the beginning and truly helping shape our industry in NH. If you have been lucky enough to work on a project with him, let us know in the comments!

It's our goal to help our community members reduce their energy use and save money on energy bills. The first step is often an energy audit to help inform the most effective path forward. Email info@rbgnh.com to request an audit, or visit our website to learn more about our services!