Market Tranformation

Citizen Energy is a ‘one-stop shop’ for making commercial buildings energy efficient. Since our inception at the University of Central Florida, Citizen Energy empowers people to solve the integrated energy issues in cities and individual buildings. Together with building owners and managers, their tenants, industry partners, and the next generation workforce, Citizen Energy increases adoption of energy efficiency, advances the clean energy economy, helps reduce energy demand and carbon emissions, and saves organizations money.

Citizen Energy

Leadership Team

luevanosEdwin Luevanos, Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Edwin is responsible for strategy, service delivery, organizational development and operational excellence at Citizen Energy. Prior to joining Citizen Energy, Edwin spent 5 years at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Most recently, Edwin served as the Deputy Director for the first Federal IT modernization Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC). He also led agency-wide initiatives to reduce distributed IT energy consumption through advanced power management software and green procurement strategies. During the Recovery Act, Edwin had the unique opportunity to work with political leadership in developing communications strategies for over $75 billion in clean energy investments. Edwin also pioneered innovative public engagement and workforce development initiatives like www.jobs.energy.gov; the U.S. Senate recognized Energy Ambassadors Program; and the use of 3-D web platforms. Prior to joining the DOE, Edwin worked on the expansion of youth leadership development programs in the Hispanic community. Edwin obtained his undergraduate degree from California State University Fresno, and a Masters in Business from Boston University.

 

Castro_headshotChris Castro, LEED GA, President & Founder

Chris is responsible for engaging customers and community partners with Citizen Energy’s vision and services. Chris is an emerging leader in the sustainability movement. As an undergraduate, Chris founded Intellectual Decisions on Environmental Awareness Solutions (IDEAS); an international 501c3 non-profit focused on facilitating youth led environmental change. Chris has expanded IDEAS to 25 Universities and K-12 chapters in the United States, and as a United Nations accredited NGO in over 12 countries around the world. Over the past 4 years, Chris has focused his passion and efforts  on improving the performance of commercial buildings in Florida. Chris has worked with several clean energy companies to promote and integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy products. He has also held energy related positions at the US Department of Energy; University of Central Florida; and at Orange County government. Chris has been recognized for his efforts by several media outlets, and high profile entities from the White House to TED Talks.

 

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Julian Belilty, Marketing Director

Julian is responsible for Citizen Energy’s customer acquisition strategy. He leads social media, online advertising, community canvassing, email, workshops and other marketing channels. He is also responsible for Citizen Energy’s website, graphics, and branding. Julian received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Information Technology at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Julian served as UCF’s Sustainability Specialist and has been recognized for pioneering the first piezo-electric energy generating floor in the United States. Julian is also currently assigned to Citizen Energy’s partnership with Orange County, where he is supporting the performance of energy audits, and developing Energy Savings Reports for 200+ buildings.

 

stamparChris Stampar, Energy Specialist

Chris is responsible for educating building owners, managers and tenants about energy efficiency. Chris also supports the performance of energy audits, and the design of emerging initiatives. Chris is currently finishing up his studies in International Relations, Economics, and Geo-Spatial Technology at the University of Miami and has a deep interest in sustainable agriculture and economic development. Chris previously worked at the Millennium Institute, most notably on research for the United Nations Environmental Programs Green Economy Report. Chris led youth mobilization efforts for IAASTD Rio+20 and ‘Nourish9Billion’ project. On his free time, Chris is an avid cook, a passionate photographer, sailor, and a travel junkie. He’s always looking for another opportunity to mark up his passport for a new experience.

 

History

It all started in 2009 at the University of Central Florida, when a group of friends decided to lead by example and team up with their student-peers to help save energy in their community. They encountered a maze of information, resource barriers, and competing interests that made it difficult for building owners and managers. To counter this challenge, they tested different engagement strategies, simplified the process, developed customer centric industry partnerships, and trained others to join in. The group of friends soon realized that they had developed a new model for energy efficiency – they called it  Citizen Energy.