IEMP Coordinator Nicholas Paseiro moves into the “living classroom”

After significant accomplishments and great experience as the College's Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) Coordinator, Nicholas Paseiro is moving into the classroom as an Energy Technology/Sustainable Energy Instructor in HFC’s School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development (BEPD).

Paseiro will teach his first classes in the Fall 2024 semester.

“I’m looking forward to working directly with students. I find it very fulfilling to help others succeed,” said Paseiro. “We’re using the new, state-of-the-art infrastructure that we have installed on campus for educational purposes. I’m looking forward to growing this program and working closely with a team of professionals I already know. I’m excited about that.”

Paseiro will report to BEPD Dean Dr. Patricia Chatman.

"Nick has already proven himself to be a valuable contributor to the work we are doing with the IEMP and renewable energy. We look forward to the new programs he is developing for our current and future students, as well as educating the community on renewable energy, energy production, and conservation," said Chatman.

Passionate about the planet's future

A native of Miami, Paseiro is the third of four children and the youngest son. He lives in Dearborn Heights with Hiba, his wife of eight years, and their two sons, ages 5 and 2. Paseiro earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science and sustainability from Florida International University and his master’s degree in sustainable design from the University of Florida. Paseiro’s parents instilled in him a love and appreciation for the great outdoors, which led to his chosen career path.

“When I first went to college, sustainability was one of the new programs at the time. Sustainability uses resources to meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. I became very passionate about having a long-term positive impact on the planet,” he explained.

Paseiro began his career at the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, followed by the State of Florida Department of Agricultural Consumer Services. Prior to coming to HFC, he worked in the Orlando office of Duke Energy, which is based in Charlotte, NC and is one of the largest utility companies in the United States.

“Living classrooms” put students at the forefront of energy management

Paseiro joined HFC in 2021 as the IEMP coordinator. He has worked closely with HFC Director of Facilities Reuben Brukley for the past four years.

“We’re happy and excited for Nick and wish him all the best in new position,” said Brukley. “Working with him has been a pleasure.”

Paseiro took charge of HFC’s ambitious IEMP, a 20-year partnership between the College and Johnson Controls, Inc. to achieve Global Best Practices in Energy Management and Education, a project that was approved by the HFC Board of Trustees in 2019.

The IEMP promotes a sustainable energy culture and a brand-new energy-related curriculum at the College that will allow students to learn global best practices in real time from HFC’s own systems. The changes are highly measurable and are well ahead of schedule in achieving the goal of 60-50-40 gains by the year 2040, including:

• Energy efficiency improvement of at least 60%.
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 50%.
• Water efficiency improvement of at least 40%.

This initiative includes $23 million in upgrades to every area of our campus, including the following:

• District Heating System: Upgraded system includes high efficiency boilers and integration of heat recovery from combined heat and power plant.
• HVAC Upgrades: Many improvements to air-handling equipment for better control and air quality.
• Controls: Complete system upgrade to ensure occupant comfort.
• Lighting: Upgrade to LED lighting campuswide.
• Solar: Generating our own power from the sun.
• Water Conservation: Upgraded water fixtures and bathroom facilities.
• Xeriscaping: Zero water landscaping and upkeep.
• Building Envelope: Focused roof upgrades and window replacements.
• Academic Programs: Coordinated approach to integrate performance improvements with academic curriculum.

“The full scope of IEMP included an academic component, and the facility improvements included several areas on campus that are ‘living classrooms’ that will be used to teach our students energy management, sustainable energy, and energy transition," explained Paseiro. "HFC is at the forefront of colleges and universities transforming its main campus into a living classroom. I’m excited to be part of that."