GreenLogic LLC

Marc Clejan and Nick Albukrek founded GreenLogic LLC in 2005 with a mission to change the world one home and one business at a time. Headquartered in Southampton, New York, GreenLogic designs and installs renewable energy solutions, which include solar panel systems, wind turbines and geothermal energy systems for both commercial and residential clients.

When Clejan and Albukrek founded GreenLogic, their motivation was to liberate homeowners, businesses and cities from ever-increasing energy costs, foreign oil dependency and pollution. With 50 full-time employees, GreenLogic operates out of multiple offices across New York and has provided renewable energy solutions to more than 1,300 homes. The company has also installed more than 3 megawatts of solar electric systems. “We work with building owners, developers and construction companies,” says Clejan. “Our core competency is in new construction.”

Utilizing all avenues

Working closely with clients to offset upfront costs, GreenLogic utilizes state, federal and local incentive programs where applicable. The company also works with an array of banking partners to offer a variety of flexible financing options in-house. These options are specifically tailored for residential, commercial and nonprofit institutions respectively, with some prioritizing minimal upfront investment and others geared toward generating immediate returns from the first day of operation.

GreenLogic pegs its combined customer savings at more than $50 million, and the energy production of its systems is equivalent to powering the Empire State Building for two years. GreenLogic placed second amongst the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing energy companies in 2010. GreenLogic fell to No. 18 in 2011, but the company managed to log a three-year growth rate of 469 percent. “We’re seeing a growing trend of larger and local businesses looking to save money on their energy costs and also be more responsible and committed to green energy,” expands Clejan.

The company’s in-house engineering and design team allows the company to work one-on-one with the client. The company also has a dedicated team of permitting professionals that secure all utility approvals, permits and incentives, which is often one of the most complicated parts of the process. “GreenLogic has secured the first building permits for solar and wind in over 21 municipalities to date,” says Clejan.

The company has won numerous industry awards for leadership, quality and customer service including several Utility Trade Ally Awards and SunPower’s 2009/2010 Residential Dealer of the Year Award.

Putting technology to use

Clejan is excited and proud of a new home the company provided the systems engineering for in 2014. “We are calling it the ‘Tesla’ of houses,” says Clejan. “It incorporates all of today’s latest and best technology.” The project is a net-zero home located in East Hampton. Sublime year-round comfort and relaxation are driven by the special features built into this unique residence. The home features a Sonos sound system and 3-zone smart thermostats and alarm system, all which are accessible through a smartphone.

With a solar panel mounted on the roof, the home relies on 100 percent geothermal heating and cooling. “The only utility bill is the propane for the stovetop,” says Clejan. “These prototype projects are really starting to gain traction.” The project also includes all LED lighting.

Previously the president of a Manhattan real estate investment and management firm specializing in corporate temporary housing, Clejan decided to leave the corporate sector to pursue his desire to make the world a better place. “I did some soul searching and decided to go back to school to get my master’s degree in environmental management,” recalls Clejan. Upon completing his degree at New York University, Clejan emerged well-fitted for his new focus. “I discovered that it was clearly possible to establish a for-profit company that focused on efficiency and sustainability.”

With the goal of creating complete sustainability, GreenLogic has become a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. Since then, Clejan and his team have enjoyed the benefits the council provides as well as recognizing where the LEED certification process could use some improvements. “It was the right move to become a member of the council,” says Clejan. “LEED certification is where we started. When we were building my home, we went through the LEED processes and expectations which was a very useful exercise. It does not hit the nail on the head though. The amount of paperwork and cost is very unattractive, but the LEED checklist and guidelines are very useful. It was a very valuable process to go through and consider how to approach various issues. It made me think of a lot of things that I never would have thought of on my own.”

As the company progresses into the future, GreenLogic LLC will continue to take advantage of new technologies and will continue to set the bar in sustainability.