We are deeply saddened by the passing of George Malek, Director of Energy Efficiency Services at Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). George managed the implementation of ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program since 2008 and worked for the company for more than 20 years. He was also a long-time Board Member at NBI and played a vital role in moving the organization to a position of greater intellectual leadership and financial stability.
George was a remarkable leader in energy efficiency. His natural curiosity compelled him to push the boundaries of savings achievement by looking into new technologies and deployment methods. He consistently went outside the obvious goal of just savings and supported thoughtful market interventions that improved peoples’ lives. George paid special attention to the needs of the under-served. Just this past August, he opened an event targeting clean energy jobs for African Americans and Latinos in Chicago by introducing himself as a refugee who left a conflict zone in Lebanon and found his vocation in energy efficiency. George received the 2017 Inspiring Efficiency Award for Leadership from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. He was also recognized in September by the USGBC Illinois Chapter with a lifetime leadership award.
Executive Vice President at Slipstream and fellow NBI Board Member Marge Anderson said of George: “George asked in every strategic discussion “what’s the right thing to do?” David Brooks talks in his book “The Road to Character” about resume values vs. eulogy values. Eulogy values – the values around what kind of legacy you leave, what kind of mentor you were, what kind of leadership you inspired – those are the values that make our world a better place to live. George had a successful resume, but he also left a remarkable legacy and a better world.”
Besides being a force for good, George was a bon vivant, accompanied by a wonderful sense of humor. He never failed to appreciate a great meal with friends and colleagues. George leaves behind his wife, Kay, and three children.
The George Malek Memorial Scholarship Fund
In honor of George’s life and contributions, NBI provided a George Malek Memorial Scholarship Fund to students and young professionals working less than three years with financial assistance to attend the Getting to Zero National Forum. This event draws some of the world’s leading architects, engineers, policymakers, efficiency program managers, and others who are dedicated to creating zero energy buildings — a new kind of built environment that is good for people and the planet. Scholarship recipients will have access to the expertise and mentorship of attendees passing on the inspiration and knowledge from the best our industry has to offer.
We can think of no better way to remember George’s spirit and commitment to energy efficiency than to instill the same in the next generation of advocates.
NBI Board Members remembering George
Our universe shines a little less brightly today as we lose a good friend!
–Michael McAteer, former Director of Commercial Energy Efficiency Services, National Grid
I am at a loss for words. George was indeed a force for good in our corner of the universe. He will be missed by many in the energy efficiency community. My thoughts and prayers will be with his family.
–Jeff Harris, Director of Technology and Market Strategy, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Today we were all denied the future days we all expected to have in the company of this wonderful human being. That is our loss and our sorrow.
–Douglas Baston, President, North Atlantic Energy Advisors
I’ve know George for over 20 years and always appreciated his candor and passion for what he did. He was so proud of his heritage and often talked about his family.
–Gregg Ander, Managing Director, Gregg D. Ander, LLC
George was that special combination of effective and kind – he will be missed.
–Steve Nadel, Executive Director, ACEEE
I loved George’s passion for our mission and his kindness as a person. We will miss him dearly.
–Nancy Ander, Deputy Director of the Office of Sustainability, California Department of General Services