Farmington Hills, MI – Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, James L. Newman (Jim), CEM, CSDP, LEED AP+, OPMP, BEAP, FESD, FASHRAE is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional of The Year for his contributions to sustainable engineering.

James L. Newman, widely known as the “Dean of Green,” is the Founder and Managing Partner of Newman Consulting Group, LLC (NCG), where he has dedicated more than five decades to advancing energy efficiency, building performance, and environmental sustainability. His expertise encompasses energy audits, HVAC and lighting retrofits, indoor air quality improvements, renewable energy, greenhouse gas reduction, and sustainable building operations.

Through NCG, Mr. Newman provides consulting services designed to help commercial building owners improve energy performance, reduce operating costs, and maintain healthier indoor environments. His work includes building commissioning and retro-commissioning, LEED project administration, ENERGY STAR certification support, and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing consulting. He also advises organizations on strategies that strengthen building resilience and long-term operational efficiency.

An internationally recognized speaker, author, and educator, Mr. Newman has shared his expertise throughout the United States and abroad, including Dubai, Qatar, South America, and Canada. As an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, he has delivered technical presentations and training programs addressing energy conservation, sustainability, indoor air quality, and building performance. He has also trained hundreds of professionals on ASHRAE Energy Standard 90.1 and other industry standards.

Mr. Newman earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and has done post-graduate work for an MBA at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. His extensive professional credentials include Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Sustainability Design Professional (CSDP), LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction, Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP), and Operations and Performance Management Professional (OPMP). In 2011, he became the first professional in Michigan to earn ASHRAE's BEAP designation.

Some of his many professional affiliations include ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council, Building Owners and Managers Association, American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment, Urban Land Institute, and Engineering Society of Detroit. He is also associated with the EPA ENERGY STAR and Rebuild Michigan partnership programs.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Newman has received numerous honors recognizing his leadership and contributions to engineering and sustainability. His awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Building Owners and Managers Association (2019); Best Energy Efficiency Building Consultancy in Michigan from CV Magazine (2019); Distinguished Service Award from the Engineering Society of Detroit Affiliate Council (2019); Tech Century Image Award from the Engineering Society of Detroit (2018); Exemplary Project Award from the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (2017); Engineer of the Year from the Michigan Chapter of the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (2017); Sustainable Communities Champion Award from EcoWorks (2015); Legend in Energy Award from the Association of Energy Engineers (2012); Green Initiatives Champion Award from Corp! Magazine (2010); and Green Leader Award from the Detroit Free Press/USA Today (2010). Earlier honors include Distinguished Service Awards from the Engineering Society of Detroit (2007) and the ASHRAE Detroit Chapter (2005). His professional achievements have further earned him recognition as a Fellow of ASHRAE and the Engineering Society of Detroit.

A lifelong conservationist, Mr. Newman believes that energy efficiency and environmental responsibility must work together with occupant health, comfort, and productivity. His philosophy emphasizes reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining or improving indoor air quality.

Through his continued consulting, education, and international speaking engagements, Mr. Newman remains dedicated to advancing sustainable, resilient, and energy-efficient buildings while encouraging future generations of professionals to embrace responsible environmental stewardship.