My name is Ned Fischer. I’m a Home Energy Ratings System (HERS) rater. I’m a certified IECC residential plan reviewer/inspector and certified IECC Commercial Plan Reviewer. Also I’m a LEED Green Associate.
How I came to building science and energy efficiency was in a non-linear path. I had to fall hard, before I realized my passions and found some success. I graduated from The University of Houston with a BA in Communications in 2006. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for living. I worked at Ikea for about 7 years and then I transferred to Austin (where I currently live). Then I got a job Iron Mountain and got fired, it was an unfulfilling warehouse job . All this time I was struggling with alcoholism and trying to figure out what I going to do with my life.
That was a real low point in my life. My alcoholism caught up me and that is when I became sober (7 years as of now). I decided I needed to pursue a career, not just a job. I enrolled at Austin Community College (ACC) and got a certificate in HVAC technology. While taking classes, I also volunteered with Pliny Flisk III and Gail Vittiori at The Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems. There I learned everything from architectural design to wielding. It was a crash course in building construction and innovative ideas about sustainable design. This is also where I first learned about Energy Auditing, green resources and sustainability.
After I finished my certification at ACC, I got a job at Christianson A/C and plumbing doing punch work. There I learned about duct blasting and air flow testing and it helped me get my foot in the door to the industry I know work in. I met an energy auditor while working there and that’s how I came to Green Zone Home. I’ve currently been for Green Zone Home for more than 3 years.
Through this journey, I’ve developed a passion and interest in helping educate people about affordable sustainability. Most of us don’t have a fortune to spend on renewable energy, I know I don’t. I want to help people realize we can all lower our carbon footprint with many affordable options.
Sustainable Cents 