Ben Bunker Email & Phone Number

Denver, Colorado, United States

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represents an unprecedented opportunity to transform the housing stock and create a marketplace for high performing homes. Included in the IRA are two rebate programs valued at $9 billion dollars that target residential energy efficiency, one of which requires a third party certification that ties energy-efficient features to home value. Pearl’s certification services are designed to support the public sector in implementing IRA and other Federally funded programs that deliver a delightful homeowner experience.Roles & responsibilities: -Lead a team of Business Development Managers-Offer Pearl’s certification services to the public sector (state energy offices, cities, municipalities, utilities) -Work closely with implementation partners and other national partners to design successful statewide IRA programs-Manage key stakeholder relationships (ranging from internal division heads to external utilities, non-profits, municipalities, and federal agencies)-Support the launch of pilots & programs

Denver, Colorado, United States

Denver, Colorado, United States

Denver, Colorado, United States

With the combination of EnergyHub's Mercury DERMS platform and industry-recognized experts, EnergyHub enables utilities to implement and manage successful DER and BYOT programs and create virtual power plants. Offered EnergyHub's innovative Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Bring Your Own Thermostat® (BYOT) software and program management solutions to utilities in the Southwest and Southeast.

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Launched and managed DER programs across all of EnergyHub’s business lines for clients in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and on the West Coast.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

There are over 1 BILLION people worldwide who live in so-called "energy poverty" and are forced to rely on a combination of candles, kerosene, and batteries to light and power their lives. Global BrightLight (GBL) improves lives by providing affordable solar energy solutions to people living without access to electricity.Roles & responsibilities:• Led the growth of an international 501c3 non-profit that improves lives by providing affordable solar energy solutions to people living without electricity in developing countries. • Only US-based employee responsible for every aspect of GBL’s business operations including, but not limited to: strategic planning, oversight of field teams in Guatemala and Peru, fundraising, partnership building, vendor management, public relations, communications and marketing, social media, website development, accounting, and Federal and state tax filings.• Supported the distribution of 78,000 solar energy systems to families in 9 countries around the world dating back to 2011, positively impacting the lives of 385,000 people by improving their economic, educational, health, and environmental outcomes.• Raised over $500,000 in donations and grants using a combination of grant writing, direct mail campaigns, and digital tools like crowdfunding, email marketing, and social peer-to-per fundraising.• Increased organizational sustainability through $70,000 in sales of solar systems to individuals and third-party organizations in Guatemala and Peru that share GBL’s goal of universal access to electricity. • Created a virtual reality film with Facebook and Oculus that screened at the 2017 Sundance, SXSW and Cannes Film Festivals and secured a $100,000 grant to promote the film on Facebook (link: https://bit.ly/2EY4a8c).

Served on the Advisory Board of the Global BrightLight Foundation. Helped develop a sustainable business model to ensure organizational stability and identified opportunities for partnerships and future growth markets.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Advised blockchain startup Bitlumens on designing a pilot in Guatemala to test its peer-to-peer platform that will enable women farmers in Latin America to access solar energy, water pumping, and banking services. Using the Bitlumens digital currency token and pay-as-you-go technology, customers will be able to pay the cost of their systems in monthly installments. Bitlumens aims to generate positive financial, social, and environmental returns for investors and the communities it serves.

Guatemala

Field Producer for the virtual reality film "Amor de Abuela" (A Grandmother's Love) created for Global BrightLight Foundation as part of the Oculus VR for Good program. The film tells a story of love and light by exploring how access to solar energy can change lives in rural communities. Amor de Abuela screened at the 2017 Sundance, SXSW and Cannes Film Festivals. Link to film below.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Contracted with United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to support utility, home builder, developer, and HVAC contractor partners in the ENERGY STAR residential energy efficiency programs. Led the expansion of the Certified Homes Program in the California market. Developed a revision of the ENERGY STAR HVAC Quality Installation Program. Led customer engagement for a low-income multifamily energy auditing tool that was recognized as ICF's Project of the Quarter. Coordinated proposal development for the Federal energy efficiency group at ICF.

Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Created a public relations document detailing Duke Energy’s involvement in EcoPartnership between Duke Energy, the City of Charlotte, the city of Langfang, China, and the Chinese energy firm ENN. Analyzed reliability and capacity margins of the national electric grid using advanced risk analysis software. Authored a report on mountaintop removal mine reclamation and economic development in Appalachia. Benchmarked the stewardship initiatives and policy dialogue strategies of Duke and five of its peers. Updated the Environment section of Duke’s website in preparation for its merger with Progress Energy.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Authored a published paper on the energy input to the production of wind energy systems and presented findings at the 2011 IEEE International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology in Chicago, IL.

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Researched and drafted a chapter of a formal report on biofuels for the Massachusetts Advanced Biofuels Taskforce. Examined environmental studies and data on the energy lifecycle of advanced biofuels and their potential impact on the environment and economy. Collaborated with members of the DOER and other state agencies, attended public hearings, and participated in the Western Massachusetts Energy Summit.

Lewiston, Maine, United States

Collaborated with the environmental coordinator to address environmental issues at the college. Drafted a report on waste management and recycling at Bates College that included a history of waste management and recycling, an assessment of the current situation, and recommendations for changes. Analyzed spreadsheets in Excel and reviewed several different technical reports prior to writing the final document. The report became the basis of training for faculty, staff, and students in the fall of 2007.

Lewiston, Maine, United States

Elected as one of three student representatives for the committee. Designed a strategy for making Bates College a carbon neutral campus. Met with budget office administrators and physical plant staff and reviewed spreadsheet data on the college’s energy use

M.S., Sustainable Systems & Environmental Policy And Planning

Activities and Societies: Environmental Policy and Planning Working Group (Member), Renewable Energy Learning Group (Member), 2010 Net.

Semester Abroad, Political Science And Government

B.A., Political Science

Activities and Societies: President and Captain of Bates Rugby Football Club, previously elected recruiting officer, member of photography.

Solar Professionals Certificate, International And Developing World Applications

Not all solar professionals are on a roof in the United States installing photovoltaic systems. Some of the most rewarding and meaningful.

High School Diploma

Education record