Name: Jake Gehrung
Title: Resilience Manager
Employer: Resilient Buildings Group (RBG)
City/Town of Residence:
Amherst, NH
Education: Environmental Science BS from the University of New Hampshire
Why did you decide to work in the clean energy industry?
Green building and energy efficiency work has been a seamless avenue for me to explore my passion for interdisciplinary solutions in sustainability.
What interested you in working at your current employer?
Resilient Buildings Group (RBG) is a small company with an open-minded, accepting, and supportive culture. They are well-positioned to offer a variety of services in the field of energy efficiency, which has allowed me to continuously grow and learn new skills as I take on more responsibilities.
Describe the work you do in more detail.
My work is quite multifaceted, but mostly involves building commissioning, energy auditing, energy modeling, and LEED projects. At home and at the office, I could be reviewing drawings, analyzing data, or writing reports. In the field, I could be reviewing a whole building for energy efficiency measures, testing HVAC systems, or meeting with clients to discuss their building.
What aspect of your job excites you most? Why?
I am most enlivened by the interdisciplinary nature of my work, both in subject matter and setting. I love that I am constantly doing different things in different places. I also love that I am constantly learning. I love to learn, especially when I can use what I've learned to help others. It is very rewarding to help clients work through their challenges by applying my skills and knowledge in new situations.
What makes you hopeful about the clean energy transition in New Hampshire?
The development and rising popularity of organizations like YPiE and sustainability programs in higher education (e.g. at UNH) make me feel like clean energy is becoming a higher priority in this state, especially for our younger generations. I believe as our generation continues to flood the workforce and becomes a stronger voice in politics, clean energy efforts will become a more fundamental component of how NH operates.
What do you believe is the most pressing challenge that lies ahead for the clean energy industry in the state?
Historically, it seems that the political climate in NH has be the main obstacle for clean energy, as it has for other progressive efforts. I'm hoping that, with time, the undeniable benefits of clean energy solutions will be impossible to vote down or dismiss.
What interested you most about being part of YPiE? (Young Professionals in Energy)
Clean energy is still a growing field with a somewhat limited community of young professionals. I am gravitated to YPiE for the opportunity to engage with this growing community and get involved with a larger movement, beyond the scope of my individual work.
What advice would you give to someone that is new to the industry or fresh out of college?
For finding a job, I would highly recommend Ed Carley's Clean Energy Job Board. To someone entering this field (new to industry or fresh out of college), I would encourage young people to network, find a mentor, and be flexible with finding a job. The field is small, but growing rapidly, so the seasoned professionals tend to be open to connecting and making recommendations. I found it incredibly easy to get to know people and actually found my job purely by networking. The culture in clean energy also tends to be very supportive and excepting, not competitive and closed minded. Having a good attitude and being patient will go a long way.
What do you like to do when you aren't working?
On my free time, I love to play chess, play spikeball, cook, lift weights, and spend time connecting with my community in any capacity possible.
A typical weekend for me is...
Traveling or staying home with my friend group for either some sort of event or just a relaxing, connective experience.
What's on your bucket list?
Everything. I like to try everything once. But most importantly, I want to live in Hawaii at some point. I also want to become a part of an intentional living community, and go to Burning Man at least once.
Tell us one thing most people don't know about you.
I have had 4 heart attacks (I had pericarditis when I was 18).
Fun Facts:
Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it?
Yerba mate with mushroom powder, especially lion's mane.
Fave NH Restaurant?
Fave Musician/Band/Music genre?
Tame Impala.
Fav Recreational activity?
Chess.