Research Interests:

Conduct research in green building technologies and green building standards. Helped found the Florida Green Building Coalition, serving as the president for the organizing committee. Served as editor and committee chair for FGBC's Green Development Standard - a first of its kind environmental stewardship designation for land developments meeting objective criteria that far exceeds minimum code. Was one of two co-PIs creating a Green Local Government Designation for Florida City and County governments. Participated in the development of FGBC green guidelines for homes and served on the United States Green Building Council LEED 1.0 committee developing a standard for commercial buildings. Managed research on 384 households, comparing transportation, electricity and water use among ten Central Florida developments. Directed a million-dollar demand-side management research project including audits and analysis of 400 recently built homes. Key outcomes included changes that were implemented in Florida's energy code and rating system. The analysis demonstrated a detriment to peak load and annual energy use from oversizing of HVAC equipment. Have helped disseminate information through workshops and publications, authoring one book, Energy-Efficient Florida Home Building. Provided builder technical support via EPA Energy Star Homes and Department of Energy building America program. Helped design, write and supervise the development of new energy analysis software for the home energy auditing and construction market (EnergyGauge). Have developed passive and mechanical cooling methods for off-shore equipment enclosures for the U.S. Navy and researched a new cooling concept using a radiative/desiccant roof system that provides cooling and dehumidification for the U.S. Department of Energy.