Chitra Mamidela

1. Share your favorite energy factoid.
Using the sun’s path for architecture design and efficiency is not new. The Greeks and Native Americans, had knowledge of the sun’s patterns and created sophisticated buildings in architecture to create optimal comfort during difficult seasons.

2. What energy conservation campaign would you start in your office or want to share with other offices?
New York City’s glass buildings have poor energy performance. About 70 percent of the energy use in commercial buildings are from lighting and HVAC systems. Also, some bird species cannot see glass in their migratory paths and fall to their death. Glass buildings also affect the rate of runoff, leading to water quality and quantity issues. I would start a campaign to reduce energy loads in workspaces while achieving thermal comfort, control water flows and protecting the birds. A green retrofit challenge where green walls, plants, and roofs are added in interior and exterior spaces would be exciting. This can potentially increase comfort for the worker,reduce heating and cooling loads, while green roofs can reduce runoff and filter storm-water. I think this can also improve biodiversity and not just for birds.

3. What are you currently reading?
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness: A novel by Arundhati Roy

4. What are some ways you reduce your carbon footprint at home?
I turn off all the lights and appliances when they are non-essential (#daylighthour). Also, changing the lightbulbs to energy-efficient LEDs, which have longer lifespans and radiate less thermal heat. I bring my own bag to the stores and if I forget one, I tend to just carry the objects, large or small,  sin bag…. haha. It can look silly but 1 less plastic bag wasted! I also try to close the curtains during the day and leave the windows open at night to keep the house cool in the summer. It reduces the need for fans and air conditioners. During the winter wearing oversized sweaters and drinking tons of hot cocoa to reduces heating loads.

5. What is your personal superpower?
Hmmm, I think I am pretty good at multitasking, so maybe I should start juggling? I also think my superpower is creating. I’m known for my graphic ability since I was young and people always come to me for my ideas, artwork or designs. I can also fold a large bag of laundry in 5-10 minutes, color coded and in size order if that counts.

Rachel Bernstein

1. Share your favorite energy factoid.
One hour’s worth of energy from the sun could power the Earth for a year! WOAH!

2. What energy conservation campaign would you start in your office or want to share with other offices?
BE-Ex’s Daylight Hour campaign has really inspired me to think more about my day-to-day energy consumption. I think a worthwhile campaign in an office setting would be to apply the idea of Daylight Hour, turning off something that regularly consumes energy, for at least one hour a day, or for a designated day of the week (i.e. every Friday). I think this could be applied beyond lighting to include turning off unused appliances, turning off heating or air conditioning in lieu of fresh air, and unplugging cords that aren’t being used. Encouraging people to focus on their energy consumption for a small amount of time each day could really impact someone’s overall approach to energy conservation.

3. What are you currently reading?
I just finished “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. I think next I want to read “The Shining” by Stephen King.

4. What are some ways you reduce your carbon footprint at home?
I really only use artificial lighting at night, so I start my mornings with natural daylight every day. It’s a really refreshing way to wake myself up and begin my day on an optimistic note. I also try to use my AC as little as I can. I love opening my doors and windows, exposing myself to fresh air, views, and proper daylighting.

5. What is your personal superpower?
This is probably the lamest superpower ever but I think mine would be my organization skills. I’m pretty good with spatial reasoning so when I see something messy I can somewhat envision how I’d like to see it once it’s organized. I like creating a place for everything and making sure everything is in its place.

Andrew Jeon

1. Share your favorite energy factoid.
The building sector consumes nearly half of all energy produced in the United States.

2. What energy conservation campaign would you start in your office or want to share with other offices?
Make a habit of unplugging electrical appliances when not in use. Participate in Meatless Monday.

3. What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Zero to One by Peter Thiel.

4. What are some ways you reduce your carbon footprint at home?
I don’t have an air conditioner in my apartment!

5. What is your personal superpower?
Doing what I love and loving what I do.