Jerry Knowles, LEED-AP BD+C, CxA, Chief Operating Officer

Jerry specializes in highlighting design and operational opportunities that will result in high performing buildings.

Jerry Knowles, LEED AP BD+C (Building Design and Construction), CxA (Certified Commissioning Agent), has over 20 years experience in facilities operations and project management, energy reduction studies, central plant operations, mechanical system design, and commissioning. Jerry is experienced in all aspects of building operations and management, his career includes US Regional Manager for automated building controls, capital project management, operations of a billion dollar semiconductor facilities, state-of-the-art automated and robotic manufacturing facilities, and managing facilities operation for a billion dollar bio-tech manufacturer across multiple sites, including several major expansions.

Jerry has addressed ISO, FDA, OSHA, and USDA compliance regulations for a variety of building types, and has successfully brought online many multi-story office, commercial, industrial, and government buildings. Jerry has successfully commissioned a variety of building types ranging from High Performance schools to multi-family dwellings. Additionally, Jerry has commissioned over 20 LEED certified buildings, including "net-zero" buildings, which some achieved the highest Platinum level LEED rating currently available from the USGBC (United States Green Building Council), with a total building value of over $800 million covering over 2 million square feet.

Among a variety of professional licenses, certifications, and accreditations; Jerry also holds a degree in Building Environmental Design/Control, majoring in environmental air quality and control. He has obtained his LEED AP BD+C (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction) and MF-BPI (Building Performance Institute) designations. Jerry is also a certified thermographer. — Accreditations that demonstrate pursuit of the highest social, economic, and energy-efficient goals on Sparhawk Group projects.

Jerry is also a BMW motorcyclist enthusiast and in his spare time travels extensively nationally and internationally.