New IEMP coordinator finds a job with global impact

Recently, HFC hired Nick Paseiro as its new Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) coordinator/sustainability coordinator. He moved halfway across the country for the opportunity.

“I jumped at the chance at being involved in such an innovative opportunity at HFC. This is the field – the sustainability industry – I’ve been dying to get into for a long time, and it was something I couldn’t turn down,” said Paseiro. “I’ve been looking for a sustainability job for a long time. Since it’s a relatively new field and is becoming a more popular and competitive industry, jobs are competitive. Considering the need for more sustainability practices, the field is starting to open up. One of the top sustainability positions that I could find in the entire United States was at HFC.”

HFC’s long-term IEMP project has huge goals. It will reduce energy usage by 60 percent and water usage by 40 percent. Paseiro’s primary responsibility is to coordinate and manage that effort, working with key HFC personnel and Plymouth-based Johnson Controls International (JCI), a corporation that produces HVAC, fire, and security equipment for buildings. In this position, Paseiro reports to HFC Director of Facilities Reuben Brukley.

Making a long-term positive impact on the planet

Born in Miami, Paseiro recently moved to Dearborn Heights from Orlando with his wife and 2-year-old son. He earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science and sustainability from Florida International University (FIU) in Miami. He earned his master’s degree in sustainable design from the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, FL.

“Like most people, I didn’t know what I wanted to do in college. Growing up in Florida, I’ve always been fond of the outdoors – the everglades, the springs, the beaches. I also watched a lot of nature shows growing up. My parents instilled a love of nature in me,” said Paseiro. “When I looked at my options in college, one of the new programs was sustainability, which was using resources to meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. I became very passionate about making a difference and having a long-term positive impact on the planet.”

A meaningful career move

Paseiro began his career working for the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and later for the State of Florida Department of Agricultural Consumer Services (FDACS). Prior to coming to HFC, he worked out of the Orlando office of Duke Energy, one of the largest utility companies in the U.S., based in Charlotte, NC.

“I’m very pleased to be at HFC. I enjoy being on a college campus again. I like the environment,” said Paseiro. “I love the work I’m doing. I love the people I work with. I’m excited to see what different seasons will look like, because I’ve never lived in an area where trees have no leaves. I’m looking forward to seeing them come back to life.”

Brukley is glad to have Paseiro on the team.

“When we interviewed Nick, it was apparent he had excellent credentials and authentic passion for sustainability,” he said. “He has made an immediate impact on the implementation of the IEMP project. I’m proud to have him on the team and look forward to a successful project.”