In addition, he has presented over 50 workshops and seminars on sustainable development and energy-efficient construction. Rob has written papers for diverse audiences, e.g., Transportation Quarterly, Florida Planning, ASHRAE Transactions, and authored one book, Energy-Efficient Florida Home Building.

He also served as chair for the organizing committee of the 501C3 Florida Green Building Coalition, served on the FGBC board of directors and many committees. Rob was instrumental in creating the original versions of the green development and local government standards, the first measures of their kind. He was a key contributor to FGBC’s first home standard and USGBC’s LEED NC 1.0.

Rob Vieira has a B.A. in Physics, an M.S. in Applied Solar Energy and an MBA.

Ralph Locke is president of Environmental Construction and Consulting in Deland and a Florida licensed building, roofing, and solar contractor who specializes in green building and green retrofits. He has served on the FGBC Board of Directors since 2011.

Ralph also serves as a Regional Liaison for FGBC, is a certifying agent, and a member of many of the FGBC committees.

One of Ralph’s biggest goals has been to educate the public about green building. Ralph takes every opportunity he can to talk about green, whether he’s talking to students, homeowners, local government representatives, or fellow builders. He has worked with construction students from several high schools in Volusia County to encourage and train students in green building techniques. The project resulted in the construction of numerous scale model homes that demonstrated the practical uses of the lessons the students learned.

Cindy Hall is the past president of the Florida Green Building Coalition. She’s served on the FGBC Board for three years, is active on many FGBC committees, and is Chair of the Programs & Promotions Committee.

She is a long-standing member of the Treasure Coast Builders Association (TCBA) and past chair of the TCBA Green Building Council that she formed in 2007. Cindy is also the 3rd Vice Presiden of the Florida Home Builders Association and an active member of the Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association.

Outside of her volunteer services, she is the Sales & Marketing Director for Cobble Systems, a company that manufactures cast-in-grid simulated stone products, including permeable pavers.

Julia C. Galofre is the Building Codes and Sustainability Specialist in Charlotte County Government. She works in the Building and Growth Management Department reviewing building and storm-water plans to ensure compliance with local, state and federal requirements. She also manages the Green Building Program for the county.

Originally from Colombia, Julia obtained her degree in Architecture prior to relocating to the United States. She has worked for public and private organizations in Florida, California, and Colombia. Julia’s credentials include Florida Green Building Certifying Agent, a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional), GGP (Green Globes Professional, ASFPM Certified Floodplain Manager, DEP Storm-water Management Inspector, and AICP (American Institute Certified Planner). She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Julia’s collected experiences contribute to her comprehensive understanding of green building materials, techniques and sustainable site design and how buildings and any development can impact our quality of life.