Karl Brown is Deputy Director of CIEE and Director for CIEE’s Energy Use in Buildings program. As Program Director, he plans and manages new technology demonstration efforts that are leading to deep reductions in energy consumption by buildings. Karl also helps develop energy policy for the University of California (UC), provides energy planning support for UC campuses, and contributes to UC system wide energy efficiency initiatives.
A CIEE staff member since 1991, Karl has more than 25 years of experience in energy systems engineering. He is an expert on ‘deep energy efficiency’ in buildings – sharp reductions in energy consumption that are achieved through appropriate application of new technologies, optimal use of existing technologies, smart design employing measured performance benchmarking, and performance monitoring that enables continuing reductions in energy use over time.
In 2010, Karl was honored as the UC Sustainability Champion for his leadership role in the planning and documentation of deep energy efficiency at UC’s new Merced campus and for his role in the adoption of monitoring-based commissioning practices at UC facilities. He was also recognized for his substantial contributions to the development of the UC system’s Policy on Sustainable Practices.
Karl was named “Energy Engineer of the Year” in 2003 by the Association of Energy Engineers Bay Area Chapter, and received the 2008 “Go Beyond” Award from the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories and R&D Magazine for his contributions to the Laboratories for the 21st Century Program. He also serves on the steering committee of the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference. Karl helped found and continues to advise the UC/California State University/Investor-Owned Utility Energy Efficiency Partnership. He has B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley.
