Who We Are
Our People
From design to construction to upgrades and retrofits, we provide strategies to make homes and commercial properties throughout the Mid-Atlantic region healthy, efficient, and resilient.
Andrew Green
Andrew is a seasoned sustainability executive with a rich background in corporate sustainability leadership, consulting, and the built environment. As Viridiant’s Executive Director, he leads the organization’s efforts to transform the built environment through sustainable building practices, innovative solutions, and a deep commitment to energy efficiency. With years of experience, Andrew plays a pivotal role in guiding the company’s vision and helping clients implement lasting environmental change.
➔ Building sustainability tip: Keep reusable bags in the car and compost, compost, compost. Small changes can make a big difference!- ➔ Childhood dream job: Astronomer
Amory Fischer
Amory brings over ten years of experience in the energy efficiency and solar fields to assist families reduce their energy bills, improve the comfort of their homes, and identify building safety hazards. He does this by conducting home energy audits in the greater Richmond area, offering residents feedback on contractor proposals, and generally being an energy geek who folks can ask questions. He is certified nationally through Building Performance Institute as an Energy Auditor and in Virginia through a Residential Building Energy Analyst license. Outside of work, he enjoys planting everything from trees to wildflowers — for himself and our nonhuman neighbors.
- ➔ Sustainability tip: Leave the leaves! Save yourself and your leaf blower some energy and help restore our declining lightning bug populations. If you need to rake them, make them into large mulch rings around their trees.
- ➔ Childhood dream job: Run a Plant Nursery
Andrew Grigsby
Andrew leads Viridiant's work to transform the market for energy retrofits in existing buildings, through business development, consulting, and inspections. His expertise informs engagement in industry education, services for local governments, workforce development, utility regulation, and energy and housing policy. Andrew's 30+ years of experience spans government, non-profit, and private sectors. Outside of work, Andrew is renovating his 1934 Richmond home to achieve net-zero energy efficiency.
- ➔ Building sustainability tip: Get a professional home energy audit. Many overlooked opportunities for improvement can be discovered with expert advice.
- ➔ Childhood dream job: Disc jockey
Angel Holthus
Angel brings her background in construction management and real estate to the forefront of energy-efficient and green building solutions. She collaborates with developers, owners, and designers to implement best practices in multifamily developments. She's also working towards becoming a certified HERS rater and has been designated a LEED AP. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, and exploring eclectic foods.
- ➔ Building sustainability tip: Education is key. Learn how small steps, like conserving water or optimizing energy use, can make a significant difference in your personal environmental impact.
- ➔ Childhood dream job: Architect
Ben Knuth
Ben brings extensive customer service experience to his role as Technical Advisor, where he supports builders, developers, and homeowners in implementing better building practices. He’s passionate about guiding others toward energy-efficient solutions that save both time and money. When he’s not on the job, Ben enjoys hiking and catching a movie at the theater each week.
- ➔ Building sustainability tip: Let the sun do the work! Use natural daylight to brighten your home in the daytime, and help warm it up during the colder months.
- ➔ Childhood dream job: Firefighter
Stuart Nuckols
Stuart brings over 15 years of experience in sustainable building, clean energy, and organizational leadership. As Chief of Staff, she drives strategic initiatives, cross-functional alignment, and executive priorities across the organization. She also spearheads initiatives to improve operational efficiency and leads marketing efforts that broaden Viridiant’s reach and impact. She lives Viridiant’s mission every day in the EarthCraft-certified home she built in Richmond.
- ➔ Building sustainability tip: Take control of your energy use by installing an energy monitor to make smarter, more efficient decisions.
- ➔ Childhood dream job: Meteorologist
Jack Randle
Jack partners with clients to secure green building certifications and integrates a variety of sustainable practices into each project. With over a decade of experience, LEED AP BD+C accreditation, and a master’s degree in Sustainable Innovation, he brings deep expertise in energy efficiency and sustainable design. Jack also leverages process optimization and AI-driven solutions to streamline workflows and improve project outcomes. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar and riding motorcycles.
- ➔ Building sustainability tip: Reduce energy loss by tackling thermal bridging with continuous insulation and heat-blocking materials.
- ➔ Childhood dream job: Dirt Bike Racer
Bill Riggs
Bill brings a wealth of experience from his work in construction, where he’s focused on energy audits and energy-efficient renovations throughout the Richmond area and has been with Viridiant for eight years. Bill holds several certifications, including HERS Rater, ENERGY STAR, NGBS, and PHIUS Rater, and he strives to ensure that projects meet performance metrics. Outside of work, Bill enjoys exploring architectural design and spending time outdoors.
- ➔ Building sustainability tip: Composting food scraps at home is an easy way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing decomposition in landfills.
- ➔ Childhood dream job: Architect
Sean Shanley
Sean is instrumental in shaping Viridiant’s green building programs and providing quality assurance for both single-family and multifamily projects. With over 15 years of experience, Sean holds a LEED AP Homes credential, and is a RESNET-certified HERS Rater, Quality Assurance Designee, and Rater Trainer. His extensive expertise includes involvement in Department of Energy projects, and he is deeply committed to advancing energy efficiency in residential buildings.
- ➔ Building sustainability tip: If upgrading your HVAC system in the Mid-Atlantic, consider a cold climate heat pump.
- ➔ Childhood dream job: Fighter Pilot
Lauren Thomson
Lauren supports Viridiant's teams in achieving energy efficiency and green building program standards, blending technical expertise in energy modeling with a strong background in green building management. As a certified HERS Modeler, she leads the certification process, ensuring sustainability goals are met with precision. Lauren is dedicated to driving meaningful change by advancing green construction with practical, results-driven solutions.
- ➔ Building sustainability tip: Install low-flow WaterSense fixtures to reduce water use without sacrificing performance.
- ➔ Childhood dream job: Ballerina
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Nathan Blinn, Higharc
VICE PRESIDENT
Emily Rich, Uplight
TREASURER
Aaron Page, Loughridge & Company
BOARD MEMBERS
Paul Ferguson, Arlington County
Elizabeth Nice, Virginia Housing
Chris Sterling, VA Community Development Corporation
Kevin Rothermel, Virginia Commonwealth University Brand Center
Mark Slack, Kanawha Realty Advisors