There is tremendous confusion in the residential green building market, fueled by competing standards, a growing array of products laying claim to being green, and new and developing building practices. The stakes are high, as everyone recognizes that the future of building will be green.
EcoHome assembled a panel of green building industry experts, each with in-depth knowledge in a unique aspect of green building. These experts advise EcoHome's editors Rick Schwolsky and Jean Dimeo on the magazine and Web site's editorial mission and developing trends in the industry.
EcoHome's Advisory Board establishes EcoHome as the most comprehensive and reliable source of information on green products and practices for residential construction professionals.
Advisory Board Members
Dr. Pierce Jones, PhD
Director - University of Florida Program for Resource Efficient Communities
Dr. Pierce Jones is a professor in Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. He directs the Program for Resource Efficient Communities, an interdisciplinary, self-funded, entrepreneurial group that promotes the adoption of best design, construction, and management practices in new, master planned residential developments.
Nate Kredich
VP Residential Market Development -
U.S. Green Building Council
Nate Kredich is leading the U.S. Green Building Council's residential initiative in conjunction with the organization's LEED for Homes program. He previously served as COO of Creative Touch Interiors (CTI), a national turnkey provider of design center services for production home builders, and led that company's sale to and integration into The Home Depot in 2004.
Stuart McDonald
Corporate Vice President of Corporate Operations -
Mercedes Homes
Stuart McDonald has worked for several of the nation's top 25 builders and joined Mercedes Homes in 2001. Mercedes Homes offers the Green for Life program to reduce energy and water consumption. As the VP of Corporate Operations, Stuart has lead several large company programs including mold remediation, Managing the Customer Experience and the Special Operational Response Team. His recent accomplishments include the development of storm-resistant features, guest speaking at the Governor's Hurricane Conference in 2006 and 2007, being an advisory board member for the creation of Florida's structural home rating system and a member of the FEMA-sponsored project team for the Guide to Coastal Construction.
Rob Pflieger
Robert began his career in the U.S. Government, eventually assisting in running a public affairs staff for the Secretary of Labor. After six years, Robert joined the Construction Information Group at McGraw-Hill to provide senior level counsel to building product manufacturers and national construction firms. Prior to joining NAHB, Robert was a senior executive at Golin/Harris International, a top-tier public relations firm, where he provided counsel to Owens Corning, Habitat for Humanity and other Fortune 500 company’s corporations. Robert Pflieger currently serves as the Senior Staff VP for the National Association of Home Builders for Public Affairs and oversees all of media relations, public relations, television production and editorial services.
Doug Seiter
Founder - Austin Green Builder Program
Doug Seiter is active in the U.S. Department of Entergy's Building Technologies program and has promoted resource conservation and sustainable development for more than 30 years. He developed and managed the Energy Star and Austin Green Builder Program for the City of Austin and helped implement the Built Green Colorado program for the Denver Home Builders Association. Since 2000, Seiter has worked for DOE on projects including the Energy Codes and Standards program, Building America, and most recently the Building Technologies Program. Seiter was involved in developing NAHB's National Green Building Standards.
Steven Winter, FAIA
President - Steven Winter Associates
Steven Winter, FAIA, is an architect and founder of Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA), a leading research/design firm specializing in energy efficient and sustainable housing. Winter is the past chairman of the US Green Building Council and the current chair of the LEED for Homes Committee. SWA has been involved as the LEED/green consultant for many housing, commercial and mixed use developments nationwide; and is the LEED certifying agent for residential and multifamily housing in New York, greater Washington, Boston, and Florida.
Gary Zajicek
VP of Construction - Veridian Homes
Gary is a member of the Madison Area Builders Association Green Build Committee. He has over 25 years experience in the residential and commercial construction industries and has served on the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Waste Materials Recovery and Disposal, the Green Tier Clear Waters Charter Initiative Board, the ANSI/ NAHB National Green Building Standards Consensus Committee.
