We are so happy to welcome Chris Balbach, Vice President of Research and Development at Performance Systems Development, to the grantmaking committee of the Finger Lakes Climate Fund.  Chris joins Ian Shapiro, Chairman of Taitem Engineering, and Gay Nicholson, President of Sustainable Tompkins, on the committee.

Chris is taking the seat of Mark Pierce, Extension Associate for Cornell’s Consumer Education Program for Residential Energy Efficiency in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis.  Mark served on the Climate Fund grants committee since we started in 2009, and also volunteered his considerable expertise numerous times in various Sustainable Tompkins’ programs on energy efficiency.  Mark’s work is in transition and we will miss Mark’s help on the grants committee, but he promises to stay available to volunteer for public education on home energy.

We are lucky to have Chris join us on the committee because of his detailed technical knowledge and background in training.  He is an expert in using energy modeling and analysis software to analyze the investment potential of existing buildings, with a focus on energy efficiency, building durability and occupant health and safety. An avid proponent of performance verification, Chris serves as an officer and board member of several energy engineering groups.

Our grants team often shares very useful tips on energy issues with the contractors who apply on behalf of low-income residents in our community.  We think everyone wins from this collaboration!