David Wright is the Vice President of Energy Programs at Groundswell, a nonprofit that builds community power through equitable community solar projects and resilience centers, clean energy programs that reduce energy burdens, and pioneering research initiatives that help light the way to clean energy futures for all. His commitment to the vision of clean energy for all people is driven by his view of solar as a vehicle for driving “bottom-up” change toward a cleaner environment and toward a more equitable society.
Dave brings a strong grounding in sustainable buildings and green infrastructure to the Groundswell team. With nearly two decades of experience across the green building sector, he also brings significant program management experience and technical communication skills to the Groundswell team. Dave applies these skills by working closely with engineers, installers, and finance professionals to deliver solar, resilience, and energy efficiency programs and projects within low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Prior to joining Groundswell, David advised federal agencies on strategies for energy and water efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. By conducting climate vulnerability assessments and developing strategic sustainability plans for such agencies, Dave helped mitigate the environmental impacts of the federal sector and helped make federal buildings more resilient to the effects of climate change. David is an expert in greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting protocols, having developed some of the first GHG emission inventories for the U.S. federal government. He also served as a Technical Reviewer for a major World Resources Institute report on GHG emissions accounting in the U.S. public sector.
Dave earned his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Middlebury College and is a candidate for a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from American University. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and a NABCEP PV Associate.