James brings project management, commissioning and sustainability consulting experience to the Elementa Engineering team. His strong connection to water and nature, fostered by his love of surfing, led him to explore a career in sustainability. After implementing an award-winning sustainability program at Forbes-rated five-star hotel focused on energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability education projects, James has transitioned to a career as a sustainability consultant and commissioning agent. James strives to support his clients by understanding their needs and developing strong relationships, resulting in buildings and spaces that are loved and enjoyed by those who occupy them. He enjoys the challenge each project brings, from water and energy efficiency to healthy materials. He has worked on many “deep green” projects including the Living Building Challenge targeted Gulf State Park Interpretive Center and Zero Net Energy targeted TreeHouse Sustainable Home Improvement Store. Show Highlights  Surfing after the rain brought James to sustainability.  The significance of USGBC meetings and local chapters on your career. Taking the untraditional path to success.    James created Net Zero water calculator. The changes and priorities you can expect regionally.   How James straddles new and existing builds?  The impact of the Green Financing Program from multifamily builds.  “When I was younger I didn't take chances on things because I didn't think I was prepared and I was maybe afraid of failure. I look back now and I see how much that held me back because anytime I've taken on a big challenge, it's really just taught me how much I'm capable of and you have to be your own champion. You have to believe in yourself.” -James James's Show Resources and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2020 GBES