The Alliance for Environmental Sustainability DBA the GreenHome Institute (GHI) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower people to make healthier and more sustainable choices in the renovation and construction of the places we live. We work towards achieving our mission through three primary activities.
The first is through project management services for new construction and renovation residential projects including single and multifamily dwellings. Our services guide consumers and housing professionals through the project help them ensure their home is healthy, energy efficient, and eligible for sustainable certification through LEED, GreenStar, Enterprise Green Communities, and other green programs. GHI has certified thousands of housing units through LEED, GreenStar, and Enterprise Green Communities Programs.
The second service we provide is education and training. GHI provides training for persons that are seeking certification as Green Raters and/or Professional Green Housing Inspectors, DOE HERS Raters, and other individual green credentials. Through our educational services, GHI has educated thousands of professionals and homeowners on residential green building topics, strategies, concepts, and programs.
GHI also understands that the promotion of sustainable housing is achievable through legislative and public policy evolution. Therefore, we strive to connect with legislators, public policy staff, and other policy makers to encourage the adoption of legislation and policies that lead to the development of sustainable housing.
Our work is supported through fees earned through training, project management, and certification services. Additionally, we receive additional funding through donations, memberships, and sponsorships.
GHI is comprised of three staff members including the Executive Director, Education Manager, and Program Manager. Additionally, the Board of Directors, comprised of thirteen volunteer members, provides staff policy direction and advice on operations. The Board of Directors are from around the US and is comprised of residential housing professionals and industry representatives. We also have nearly 300 individual and company members around the globe interested in advancing residential green building.
GHI has been a LEED for Homes Provider since 2005, Enterprise Green Building Technical Assistance Partners since 2008, USGBC Education Partners, and DOE Home Energy Partners since 2014. Over the last decade, we have worked with multiple cities on home energy programs.
Meet the GHI Staff & Support
José Reyna
Executive Director
Masters in Public Administration Degree at Western Michigan University
jose.reyna@greenhomeinstitute.org
Brett Little
Education Manager
Bachelors of Science in Sustainable Business, LEED Faculty, LEED AP Homes, LEED for Homes Green Rater, and Certified GreenHome Professional
E. brett.little@greenhomeinstitute.org
D. 616.458.6733
Tx 231.740.9849
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Eliza Searles
Program Manager
Bachelors of Science in Sustainable Business, LEED Green Associate, GreenHome Associate
E. eliza.searles@greenhomeinstitute.org
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Biography
Our Current Board of Directors
Kay T. Rose, Chair
Affordable Housing Champion
Brendan Molony, Vice Chair
Senior Manager of Global Sustainability at Arrow Electronics
Parth Vaishnav (he/his)
Assistant Professor of Sustainable Systems
School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan
Ralf Scharnowski
International Product Manager for building envelope systems at tesa tapes
John Pady
Chief Expansion/Program Officer at Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, IL
Our former Board of Directors
- Guy Bazanni, Co-Founder
- Gayle DeBruyn, Co-Founder
- Daniel Schoonmaker, President
- Emily Petz, President
- Corri Sandwick, Treasurer
- Eric Hughes, Vice President
- Chris Hall, Vice President
- Dr. Tony G. Reames, Vice President
- Daniel Morrison, Vice President
- Ramesh Gulatee
- Kirt Patton
- Amy Shepard
- Aaron Ferguson
- Lee Purchase
- Rich Bloem
- Alison Waske Sutter’
- Matt Zomereli
- Maurice Townsend
- Jeff Dombroski, former chair
- Morna Hallsaxton
- Jennifer Velderman
- Kris Hunter
- Danny McGee
- Will Gallmeyer, Treasurer
- Justin Wheeler
- Brandi Vallone
- Carrie Wilson
- Christine Mwangi
- Bill Spohn
- David Dye
Michael Holcomb
Organization Founder | Past Chair until 2014 | LEED Quality Assurance Director
Founder & former president of GreenHome Institute
LEEDforhomes@gmail.com