HomeMy WebLinkAboutRD.1 - Ha SustainabilityCOUNTY OF HAWAII
NOTICE TO PROVIDERS
OF PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES
P r o p o s a l
November 15th, 2024
HRS 103D-304
Dear Mr. Adams,
Hā Sustainability is pleased to submit our qualifications for consideration under the
Research & Development categories. As a Hawai'i-based consulting firm, we are
dedicated to empowering communities, organizations, and governments to navigate
pathways toward a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.
Our extensive expertise in community-centered planning, strategic sustainability
systems, and stakeholder engagement uniquely positions us to deliver tailored solutions
that address Hawai'i’s environmental, social, and economic challenges. From facilitating
meaningful collaboration with diverse stakeholders to implementing innovative clean
energy, decarbonization, and climate action strategies, we approach each project with
cultural sensitivity and a commitment to lasting impact.
Enclosed, you will find our statement of qualifications, showcasing our team’s diverse
expertise, significant project achievements, and alignment with the County of Hawai'i’s
sustainability and community development goals. We are excited about the opportunity
to collaborate and look forward to bringing actionable, community-driven solutions to
support the County’s vision.
Mahalo nui loa,
Alex de Roode & Hannah Peila
Co-Owners & Principal Consultants
Hā Sustainability
Cover Letter
T i t l e P a g e
Request forProfessional Services
RFP# PCS-2024-42
Subject
NOTICE TO PROVIDERS OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (HRS
103D-304)
The Principal Consulting Firm
Hā Sustainability
PO Box 1147, Kula, HI, USA 96790
Contact Person
Alex de Roode
Telephone: +1 (808) 268-7589
E-mail Address: alex@hasustainability.com
Hā Sustainability is a Hawaiʻi-based sustainability consulting firm with a
core mission to empower individuals, organizations, and communities
to create a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future. We provide
innovative solutions tailored to meet our clients' unique needs and are
dedicated to addressing the increasing uncertainties and risks
associated with global climate change.
Brief Overview of Hā Sustainability
Statement of Qualifications........................................................................................................4
Firm Details..............................................................................................................................4
Age of the Firm and Employee Information............................................................................. 4
Education, Training, and Qualifications of Key Employees..................................................... 4
Recent Projects and Client References...................................................................................7
Promotional Literature............................................................................................................. 9
Page 1
Statement of Qualifications
Firm Details
●Firm Name:Hā Sustainability LLC
●Principal Place of Business:Kula,Hawai'i
●Office Locations:Maui and O‘ahu
●Contact Information:
○Email:hannah@hasustainability.com
○Phone:(808)727-9316
●Website:hasustainability.com
Age of the Firm and Employee Information
●Established:February 2023
●Average Number of Employees Over the Past 5 Years:3
Hā Sustainability LLC is a Hawai'i-based consulting firm dedicated to advancing sustainability,
climate action,and energy resilience.Specializing in community engagement,climate action
planning and implementation,and integrated sustainability systems and analysis,we collaborate
with individuals,organizations,and communities to build a resilient and inclusive future.
Education,Training,and Qualifications of Key Employees
1.Alexander de Roode
Co-Owner and Principal Consultant
Alex de Roode is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in clean
energy,decarbonization strategies,and sustainable development.Holding a Master’s
degree in Bioresource Engineering from McGill University and currently pursuing a Ph.D.
in Building Services and Energy Systems at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)in
Sweden,Alex combines a strong academic foundation with practical expertise.As a
Certified Energy Manager (CEM),LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP),and PEER
Pro,Alex has led transformative energy and sustainability initiatives across government,
academia,and private sectors.
4
As the Energy Commissioner for the County of Maui,Alex managed a $2M+annual
budget,leading critical decarbonization and energy benchmarking projects.He played a
pivotal role in developing the County of Maui Climate Action and Resilience Plan,which
laid the groundwork for emissions reductions and climate adaptation strategies across
Maui,Moloka‘i,and Lāna‘i.This effort incorporated extensive community engagement
and stakeholder input to align technical recommendations with local needs and values.
Additionally,Alex spearheaded the update of the Maui Island Water Use and
Development Plan,successfully integrating technical analysis with community-driven
priorities,ensuring alignment with sustainability and resilience goals.
In academia,Alex has made significant contributions as a Lecturer at the University of
Hawaiʻi Maui College,where he designed and delivered courses on sustainable energy
systems and building performance.During his tenure as the Executive Director of the
Sustainable Living Institute of Maui,Alex led professional training programs,advanced
campus sustainability planning efforts,and implemented energy-saving measures.His
initiatives supported the achievement of LEED certifications,enhanced energy
benchmarking practices,and promoted green workforce development across Maui’s
educational institutions and government facilities.
Alex’s expertise also includes leading the development and implementation of an Energy
Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC)initiative during his tenure with the County of
Maui.This project focused on improving energy efficiency,deploying renewable energy
systems,and reducing operational costs across County-owned facilities.Alex
spearheaded strategic planning efforts,coordinated with multiple County departments,
and oversaw the integration of energy-efficient technologies and processes to optimize
infrastructure performance.Through his leadership,the ESPC initiative advanced the
County’s clean energy and decarbonization goals,demonstrating the effectiveness of
aligning technical solutions with operational and sustainability strategies.
Renowned for his ability to bridge technical knowledge with community priorities,Alex
has cultivated strong connections across Hawai‘i’s energy and climate resilience
communities.He has worked extensively with cultural and community-based
organizations,fostering inclusive dialogues and tailoring outreach strategies to address
the specific needs of underserved populations.His leadership in navigating regulatory
landscapes and advancing decarbonization initiatives has cemented his reputation as a
forward-thinking and community-focused sustainability expert.
Alex’s extensive background positions him as a leader in advancing Hawai‘i’s clean
energy transition,building resilience,and fostering community engagement.His
dedication to integrating innovative solutions with community needs continues to drive
meaningful and lasting change across the state.
2.Hannah Shipman-Peila
5
Co-Owner and Principal Consultant
Hannah Shipman-Peila is a visionary leader in sustainability,climate action planning,
and community engagement.She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Social
Sciences,with a focus on Law and Politics,from the University of Kent in England,and
is a LEED Green Associate,underscoring her expertise in green building design and
sustainable practices.
Hannah is the Co-Owner and Principal Consultant of Hā Sustainability,a Hawai‘i-based
consulting firm dedicated to empowering individuals,organizations,and communities to
create a sustainable,resilient,and equitable future.At Hā Sustainability,she drives
innovative solutions tailored to Hawai‘i’s unique environmental,social,and economic
landscapes.The firm specializes in climate action planning,clean energy strategies,
community engagement,and natural resource management,combining local knowlegde
with cutting-edge practices to advance meaningful change.
As the Green Building and Resilient Housing Specialist for the County of Maui,Hannah
played a pivotal role in advancing the County’s climate and sustainability goals.She led
the development of the County of Maui Climate Action and Resilience Plan,
co-managing the plan alongside initiatives such as the Countywide Climate Change
Vulnerability Assessment,a heat map index,resiliency hub initiatives,EV charging
infrastructure,and guides for renewable energy and resilient housing.Her leadership
integrated stakeholder input,fostered alignment across departments,and delivered
actionable solutions tailored to the unique needs of Maui,Moloka‘i,and Lāna‘i.
Hannah’s tenure as Project Impact Director at Blue Planet Foundation highlights her
ability to lead impactful statewide initiatives.She spearheaded energy efficiency
workshops and transportation electrification education while managing projects that
supported Hawai‘i’s transition to 100%clean energy.Hannah helped shape public
discourse on energy policy and intervened in regulatory proceedings to advocate for
clean energy solutions.Her efforts ensured that underserved communities were
prioritized in statewide energy education and advocacy initiatives.
Hannah also brings a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement and community
outreach.She has organized and facilitated workshops,public meetings,and town hall
sessions to educate communities on sustainability issues and integrate local input into
planning processes.Her work with community-based organizations has focused on
developing tailored outreach strategies for hard to reach communities,ensuring
inclusivity and cultural relevance.
In addition to her professional work,Hannah serves as a Vice President of the Maui
Huliau Foundation,Founder and President of the Huliau Alumni Council,and a steering
committee member and workstream lead of the Energy Equity Hui.Her leadership in
6
these roles demonstrates her deep commitment to empowering communities and
advancing equity in climate and energy planning.
Known for her public speaking expertise,strategic mindset,and data-driven program
management skills,Hannah is a transformative leader dedicated to promoting
environmental literacy,sustainability,and resilience across Hawai‘i.Her collaborative
approach and proven ability to mobilize stakeholders position her as a trusted partner in
advancing Hawai‘i’s climate and energy goals.
Recent Projects and Client References
1.NREL Lahaina Energy Partnership
●Description:The Lahaina Energy Partnership is a collaborative,
community-driven energy planning initiative designed to empower the Lahaina
community in shaping its energy future following the August 8th wildfire.This
project emphasizes community-led decision-making,ensuring that energy
solutions reflect the unique values,needs,and priorities of the local population.
The program involves interactive co-design workshops,smaller Hui convenings,
and continuous feedback loops between technical experts and community
members to align technical assistance with real-time input.The initiative fosters
transparency,trust,and collaboration among local organizations,stakeholders,
and technical experts to create a sustainable energy future for Lahaina.
●Client:National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
●Contact:
○Robin Burton
Project Manager
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Phone:(808)205-3993
Email:robin.burton@nrel.gov
Address:15013 Denver West Parkway,Golden,CO 80401
2.University of Guam Carbon Credit Program
●Description:This project supports the development and implementation of a
carbon credit program aimed at fostering climate resilience and sustainable
development in Guam and similar island ecosystems.Hā Sustainability
contributed to creating frameworks for carbon sequestration and trading
mechanisms,integrating ecosystem preservation strategies and climate
adaptation measures.
●Client:University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability &Sea Grant
●Contact:
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○Clementine Schnabel
Micronesia Challenge Guam Coordinator
University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability &Sea Grant
Phone:(671)686-9376
Email:schnabelc@triton.uog.edu
Address:303 University Drive,UOG Station,Mangilao,Guam 96913
3.County of Maui Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP)
●Description:Hā Sustainability team members played a pivotal role in developing
the County of Maui’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and accompanying
Countywide Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment.This comprehensive plan
guided the County’s efforts in emissions reduction and climate adaptation,
incorporating extensive stakeholder and community engagement.Through
workshops,surveys,and public meetings across Maui,Moloka‘i,and Lāna‘i,Hā
Sustainability ensured the integration of diverse community perspectives.The
initiative also included the formation of the CARP Advisory Committee and
Resiliency Hui to align technical recommendations with cultural values and
operational needs.
●Client:County of Maui
●Contact:
○Keani Rawlins-Fernandez,Council Member Maui County Council
○Phone:(808)270-7678
○Email:keani.rawlins@mauicounty.us
○Tara Owens,Extension Faculty,Coastal Processes and Hazards
Specialist
○Phone:(727)501-3226
○Email:taram@hawaii.edu
4.American Microgrid Solutions,LLC –Resiliency Hub Network
●Description:During our tenure with the County of Maui,Hā Sustainability
partnered with American Microgrid Solutions (AMS)to design and establish a
Resiliency Hub Network tailored to the County’s disaster resilience and
community infrastructure needs.After the launch of Hā Sustainability,Hā
Sustainability continued to collaborate with AMS to further expand and refine the
network.Each hub was customized to serve the unique needs of the
communities it supported,addressing both day-to-day resource distribution and
emergency response coordination.This initiative strengthened Maui County’s
resilience infrastructure while fostering community engagement and alignment
with sustainability goals.
●Client:American Microgrid Solutions,LLC
●Contact:
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○Geoff Oxnam,CEO
American Microgrid Solutions,LLC
Ph:(443)496-2977
Email:goxnam@americanmicrogridsolutions.com
Promotional Literature
Attached,please find:
●Hā Sustainability Brochure:A one-pager summarizing our core services and mission
●Website:hasustainability.com
9
Collaboration
Core Services
Greenhouse Gas Inventories and Carbon Accounting Solutions
Climate Action and Resiliency Planning
Climate Adaptation and Risk & Vulnerability Assessments
Clean Energy & Decarbonization Planning / Sustainability Planning and Policy Development
Energy Efficiency Planning, Energy Audits, and Energy Savings Performance Contracting Project Facilitation
Sustainable Mobility Planning, Clean Fleet Management and Optimization, and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
Contract Review and Owner’s Representative Services for Municipalities and Universities
Facility Site Visits and Assessments
Professional Development, Training, & Workshop Retreats
Sustainability Certification Facilitation and Support
Sustainability reporting (ESG) and Goal Setting (SBTi, Net Zero, KPIs)
Sustainable Business Planning and Social- & Eco-Startup Advisory Services
Sustainable Land-Use Planning, Sustainable Agriculture Planning, Water Resources Planning
Core Values
Our Approach
We use proven methodologies that combine
industry best practices, community and
stakeholder engagement, and data-driven analysis
to help clients develop and implement sustainable
strategies that drive business and organizational
value, responsibility, and accountability. We also
approach our work using an island perspective,
recognizing that islands and remote communities
face unique challenges requiring them to prioritize
self-sufficiency and circular local economies. We
bring this ethos to our work across all communities
on Island Earth, whether they be a small remote
island community, or a sprawling metropolis
located on a continent. In these uncertain and
changing times, we must all seek out new and
traditional approaches that emphasize local
sustainability, resilience, and self-sufficiency.
Please let us help you on this noble journey.
Innovation Inclusion Collabor-
ation
Accounta-
bility
Continuous
Learning Ethical Boldness Trust
A Hawaii-based sustainability consulting firm
www.hasustainability.com
We empower individuals, organizations, and communities to
create a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all.
At Hā Sustainability, we are committed to
helping our clients navigate the complex
landscape of environmental, social, and
economic sustainability by providing
innovative solutions that are tailored to meet
their unique needs. We are also dedicated to
helping our clients address the increasing
uncertainty and risks associated with global
climate change. We do this by providing
innovative climate mitigation and adaptation
solutions, such as decarbonization strategies
and climate resiliency planning.
We believe that sustainability is not just about
preserving the natural environment but also
about building resilient communities and
promoting social justice. Our team of experts
works collaboratively with our clients to
create practical and effective strategies and
action plans that address the challenges of
climate change, resource depletion, and social
inequality. We work closely with our clients to
develop customized sustainability strategies
that are grounded in data-driven analysis,
stakeholder and community engagement, and
practical implementation.
Through our work, we strive to make a positive
impact on the world by helping our clients
create sustainable and responsible
organizations, profitable businesses, promote
environmental stewardship, and contribute to
building thriving local communities. We are
committed to achieving our mission with
integrity, professionalism, and a deep respect
for the people and places that we serve.
In ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language), Hā
means breath of life. It is the life force or
energy that flows through us as living beings.
In order to achieve balance, we must nurture
our Hā for it to be healthy and thrive.
This is analogous to how we must treat all
living things for them to thrive. This includes
our modern concept of energy systems. If we
manage energy or Hā in a way that is not
balanced, by for example disrupting the
carbon cycle, we will not thrive as a global
society. Hā Sustainability is dedicated to
guiding its clients towards a more balanced
approach to managing their Hā.
This includes providing our clients with
energy decarbonization solutions in the
electricity, building, and transportation
sectors. Rapid decarbonization is a key
solution to reestablishing balance in our
shared global Hā. However, this
decarbonization must be approached in a way
that is balanced and enduring. As such, we
work with our clients to not only address the
technical aspects of decarbonization, but also
to balance equity, environmental, and
economic aspects of decarbonization. Our
goal is to work in partnership towards a just
transition from our current state of
unbalanced Hā to one that is in harmony with
nature and all living beings. This is Hā
Sustainability: we invite you to join us and
humbly offer you our services to achieve
balanced Hā together.
Contact Us + Learn More www.hasustainability.com info@hasustainability.com
A Hawaii-based sustainability consulting firm
www.hasustainability.com
MAHALO
www.hasustainability.comWebsite
+1 (808) 268-7589Phone
Address PO Box 1147, Kula, HI 96790
alex@hasustainability.comEmail
Hā SustainabilityCompany