Sara Jayanthi, Senior Energy $mart Communities Coordinator

Sara Jayanthi joined the Solar One Energy Connections team in 2010. She educates and provides assistance to New York City’s homeowners, business owners, and the general public on energy efficiency and renewable resources using energy education forums, outreach, and one-on-one consulting. She is also the co-founder of Clean Energy Connections, and initiative in collaboration with NYC ACRE at NYU-Poly to foster discussion and engagement of NYC’s cleantech sector. Prior to her work on the E$C, Sara spent three years as a Project Administrator at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) in the Renewable Energy Generation Division. At the MassCEC, she developed and administered grant programs to spark the development of renewable energy technologies, green schools, and green affordable housing in the state. She also helped launch the Massachusetts Commonwealth Wind program. Sara has a BA in Environmental Science from Connecticut College, where she was a fellow at the Goodwin-Niering Center for the Environment. She is a member of the Manhattan Borough President’s Office Go Green Steering Committee, and is a Board Member of the New York Association for Energy Economics.

Gary Smith, Tenant Education Program Coordinator

Gary Smith is the coordinator of Solar One’s Whole Buildings Education program that trains managers, staff, and residents of affordable housing in energy efficiency and sustainable practices. Gary’s vision for the Whole Buildings Education program is to help weatherized buildings achieve their intended energy savings and reduced environmental impact through awareness and encouraging behavior change. Gary also teaches with Solar One’s Workforce Development program which offers training to individuals looking to gain entry level positions in the green sector. Gary is a nationally certified BPI Building Analyst and is currently studying to gain certification as a BPI Multifamily Energy Efficient Building Operator. He has also completed AEA’s Energy Efficient Technician training and Envirolution’s Win-Win Campaign for energy auditors. Prior to his work with Solar One, Gary served as an after school educator for Boys and Girls Harbor and taught GED math.