A Path to Zero: Improving Sustainability in the DMV

Tommy Wells is the director of the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE). Appointed January 2015, he is chiefly responsible for protecting the environment and conserving the natural resources of the District of Columbia. Tommy’s team is comprised of approximately 300 environmental professionals collectively working to improve the quality of life for residents and the natural inhabitants of the Nation’s Capital. Most recently, Tommy served as the DC Councilmember representing Ward 6—a position he held since 2006. During his time on Council, he garnered broad support for his efforts to make the District livable and walkable for all. Tommy worked with the City’s leadership and, in particular, residents of Ward 6 to create a shared and respected place where drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and exercise enthusiasts can co-exist safely. Known for his neighborhood-focused development, Tommy championed efforts to ensure availability of public transit, including the construction of new streetcar lines and the expansion of the DC Circulator. As Chair of the DC Council Committee on Transportation and the Environment, he worked to double the city’s Capital Bikeshare program. In 2009, Tommy crafted The Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Act of 2009, to implement $0.05 fee on disposable bags. This landmark legislation prompted thousands of District residents to curb use of plastic bags and instead opt for reusable, green alternatives. Seventy-five percent of DC residents reported a decrease in their use of disposable bags once the bill took effect on January 1, 2010. The legislation also established a fund to restore District water bodies, including the Anacostia River; support the distribution of reusable bags in the District; install trash traps; and provide environmental education for District students. These and other efforts, championed by Tommy, have helped position the District as a model for sustainable green living for jurisdictions nationwide. With a career in public service that spans 32 years, Tommy’s commitment to District residents--particularly children--is unwavering. In 1996, he led a successful class action lawsuit, LaShawn v. Barry, to address the city’s failure to protect children in its care. In 1991, he took the helm of the DC Consortium for Child Welfare, where he helped to create neighborhood-based family service collaboratives to coordinate the delivery of city and nonprofit resources to underserved District residents. He was the architect of a groundbreaking program to match foster families with children affected by HIV/AIDS and he led the drive to create the DC Family Court,–resulting in a 300 percent increase in the number of foster children adopted into permanent homes each year. A passionate innovator and student of cutting edge solutions, Tommy earned his law degree from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University in 1991 and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota in 1983. He and his wife, Barbara, a writer and arts enthusiast, are residents of Ward 6 in the District.

Bala Srini, Principal at Above Green, brings 25 years of experience, as an architect, green building design consultant with exceptional green building technical knowledge and skill, teaching, research, and exemplary leadership in green building and sustainability. As Principal, Mr. Srini is responsible for Integrative green building project management, research, education, sustainable design, envelope commissioning and net zero energy projects. Mr. Srini has managed over 7 million SF of Green Data Center projects for LEED certification. He has over 100 LEED project administrative & certification experience, including offices, campuses, mixed use and core shell projects. Mr. Srini is the chair of Montgomery County Branch of USGBC NCR, board & advisory member of several local non-profits and committees. He is also an Adjunct Faculty member at the Montgomery College. Mr. Srini has international work experience including India and Singapore and has extensively traveled, Australia, Asia, Middle East and Europe, exploring Vernacular Architecture and their relevance to climate. His recent involvement with Climate Change initiatives and integrated Net Zero Energy design process have really challenged and excited him to participate in the next generation highly energy efficient and low impact buildings.

Jonathan Bluey is the Deputy Director of Housing and Building Energy Programs at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Jonathan holds a bachelor’s degree in Building Construction from Virginia Tech. He has extensive experience in the building industry with a focus on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability. As Deputy Director he oversees numerous state and federally funded grant and loan programs. These programs include the Net Zero Construction Loan Program, EMPOWER Maryland’s suite of low income single family and multifamily programs, and the U.S. D.O.E. Weatherization Assistance Program. He has held numerous building science certifications which include: PHIUS Certified Passive House Consultant, AEE Certified Energy Manager, BPI Healthy Home Evaluator, BPI Energy Auditor, and RESNET's HERS rater.