About Us

Eco El Paso

Eco El Paso is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on sustainability in the hot-arid climate of El Paso and the surrounding region.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is the ability to exist constantly and refers to the capacity for the biosphere and human civilization to coexist. Sustainable Development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It's the process of people maintaining change in a homeostasis balanced environment, in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development, and institutional change are all in harmony and enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations. In short, it is defined through the following interconnected domains or pillars:  environment, economic, and social. 

Our nonprofit focuses on a few key areas in the sustainability sector:  renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage, etc.), Green Building / Green Design / Green Architecture, Trees (native or drought-tolerant), Electric Vehicles, Electric Utility Policy & Rate Issues, Air Quality Index for the El Paso region, and lastly education to professionals and to the local public within the El Paso, TX region. 

Our Mission:

Eco El Paso is dedicated to fostering a learning environment for sustainable systems and lifestyles while integrating workforce and economic development concepts. We do this by promoting eco‐sensitive and energy-efficient community planning, building design, construction, and facility maintenance in El Paso’s region to professionals in the design, construction, renewable energy, and building maintenance industries. 

Overview:  

Eco El Paso was created in 2008 by a group of volunteers from different professional organizations including the American Institute for Architects (AIA), U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), American Society for Heating, Refrigerating, & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and various other associations. In 2009, Eco El Paso became a 501(c)3 nonprofit and since then we have strived to create venues for discussion and collaboration on how El Paso will build out its future in a sustainable way that thrives for generations to come. We all benefit from clean air, high-quality jobs, clean water, clean food, and a sustainable society that can thrive for all of its residents. 

Our Staff (Click to see bio)

Joshua Simmons, Executive Director 
Community Organizer / Advocate 

Our Board Members (Click to see bios)

Shelby Ruff, President 
Lead Recruiter at Roku Inc. 

Robert Garland, RA, Vice President 
Architect at Wright & Dalbin Architects, Inc. 

Jesse Sanchez, Treasurer
Project Manager at EPISD

Fernanda Lugo, Secretary
Activist / Scientist

Laurie Marshall, Board Member
Author, Artist, Innovator

Frederic Dalbin, AIA, Board Member
Principal at Wright & Dalbin Architects, Inc.

Jessica Bane, Board Member
Science Teacher at Eastwood High School

Ricky Villareal, Board Member
Teacher at Riverside High School 

Kasi Munoz, Board Member
Creative Director at Studio Nectary