EMILE LAUZZANA:
 
EMILE LAUZZANA




 
 
 
 
 
Founder and Executive Director of Energy Works Michigan in Ann Arbor. A nonprofit technical resource that provides educational programs and installs efficient and renewable energy technologies in K-12 schools, Energy Works is committed to a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous energy future in Michigan. Under Lauzzana's leadership, Energy Works has garnered $8 million in funding to partner with more than 150 schools and school districts across the state. Clients include large urban districts such as Detroit Public Schools and the Kent Intermediate School District; suburban districts such as Allen Park and Redford Community Schools; and many rural schools in both the lower and upper peninsulas. In 2009, Energy Works, with Recycle Ann Arbor and the Ecology Center, was awarded a $3.5 million grant by the Michigan Public Service Commission to administer the Michigan Renewable Schools Program. In 2010, Energy Works was awarded a $4.4 million grant by the Michigan Public Service Commission to continue and expand the program through 2013. Solar and wind installations supported by the program have already produced more than 43,000 kWh of electricity, enough to offset the carbon emissions created by more than 63,000 miles of automobile driving. Lauzzana has worked in design and construction for over 20 years. He also serves as chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council Detroit Regional Chapter public policy committee, contributes to the Michigan Bureau of Workforce Transformation Green Partnership Team, participates in the City of Detroit Green Taskforce, and is active in the Engineering Society of Detroit. He has taught building science and sustainable design at the University of Michigan (U of M) and Eastern Michigan University. Lauzzana is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited green building professional. Improvements that he and his wife made to their own home were featured on the annual National Solar Homes Tour. He received his bachelor's degree in history and master's degree in architecture from U of M.


WHERE BORN: “Detroit.”

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: “Buckminster Fuller, Le Corbusier, and Nikola Tessla have inspired me to be creative and inspired in my work.”

LAST BOOK READ: “Mostly I read academic papers, trade magazines, and watch a lot of TED Talks. Some of the best TED Talks I have seen recently include Sugata Mitra's Child-Driven Education, Ken Robinson's Changing the Educational Paradigm, and Halla Tomasdottir's A Feminine Response to the Financial Crisis.”

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: “Vision-driven, creative, technical, absent-minded.”

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: “We are in transition from a knowledge-based educational system to an inquiry-based educational system. Increasingly, education will shift to inquiry/project-based and student-driven education models to reflect the incredible information technology changes in the workplace and society. As we continue to invest $1 billion annually in school infrastructure in Michigan, it is critical that we construct both green and sustainable buildings and accelerate the changes necessary to infuse sustainability.”

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: “I am a big fan of 3D graphics software and increasingly exploring the many possibilities of Skype and other video-conferencing software.”

FAVORITE PLACE: “The shores of Michigan's Great Lakes.”

FAVORITE HOBBIES: “Gardening, working on our house, and creating sculpture.”

FAVORITE FOOD: “Ribs, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and a big salad.”

MY HIDDEN TALENT: “I secretly sing, play drums and other instruments with friends.”

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: “As someone with a strong home, loving family, and who made a difference in the world on issues of global climate change and education.”


Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.