James L. Newman, Managing Partner of Newman Consulting Group, LLC, has built a career that reflects both technical mastery and a visionary commitment to sustainability. Beginning as a young mechanical engineer with a passion for environmental stewardship, he evolved into one of the nation’s leading voices in energy efficiency and green building innovation. After co-founding Thermal-Netics, Inc. in 1972 and later establishing Newman Consulting Group in 2002, Jim spent more than five decades shaping the way buildings are designed, operated, and optimized. Under his leadership, NCG has become a globally recognized firm specializing in high-performance building consulting, contributing to major improvements in energy conservation, indoor air quality, and long-term building resiliency.
Widely respected as a thought leader, educator, and industry pioneer, Newman has influenced sustainability policy, mentored future engineers, and guided organizations through complex energy challenges. His contributions span ASHRAE leadership, national and international speaking engagements, award-winning projects, and influential publications on green building practices. Recognized with honors such as the ASHRAE Fellowship, multiple distinguished service awards, and the Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award, Jim’s impact reaches across professional, academic, and public sectors. His enduring legacy is defined not only by groundbreaking innovations in energy management, but by his unwavering dedication to advancing a more efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible built environment.
Jim Newman, widely recognized as the “Dean of Green,” is one of the Midwest’s most experienced and respected experts in energy efficiency and green building technology. With a career spanning over five decades, Jim has been at the forefront of sustainability, providing invaluable insights and solutions to architects, engineers, building owners, facility managers, and contractors worldwide. As an international speaker, he has educated diverse audiences on critical topics such as energy conservation, green building strategies, indoor air quality (IAQ), and retrofitting existing structures to achieve optimal energy efficiency.
Currently serving as the Managing Partner of Newman Consulting Group, LLC (NCG), Jim has been instrumental in driving energy efficiency initiatives across commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors. NCG is an EPA Energy Star® and Rebuild Michigan® Partner, dedicated to helping building owners and operators reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and enhance occupant health and productivity through advanced energy audits, retrofits, and sustainable design practices. Under Jim’s leadership, NCG has played a pivotal role in transforming buildings to meet LEED®, Energy Star®, and other sustainability standards.
Jim’s expertise is backed by an impressive array of professional credentials. He is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), a LEED Accredited Professional for Building Design and Construction (LEED AP BD+C), an ASHRAE Operations and Performance Management Professional (OPMP), and a Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP). Notably, he was the first person in Michigan to earn ASHRAE’s BEAP designation in 2011, underscoring his leadership in energy assessment and building performance optimization. His contributions to the industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit Chapter of BOMA in 2019.
A recognized thought leader, Jim has served as an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer since 2010, delivering over 30 seminars across North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. His training programs, including those on ASHRAE Energy Standard 90.1, have equipped architects, engineers, and building professionals with the knowledge to implement energy-efficient solutions effectively. Jim’s influence extends beyond speaking engagements, as he actively contributes to several industry organizations, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE), and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).
Prior to establishing Newman Consulting Group, Jim held key leadership positions in the HVAC and energy sectors. As the Owner and Vice President of Thermal-Netics, Inc., he grew the company into one of Michigan’s largest manufacturers’ representatives for indoor environmental control and energy conservation systems. When the company was sold in 2003, it had achieved annual sales of $45-54 million. His earlier role as Air Conditioning Product Manager at Chas. A. Strand Company saw him successfully develop a new division for industrial and commercial air conditioning, significantly increasing the company’s business volume.
Jim’s educational foundation in mechanical engineering, with a focus on HVAC, was established at Tufts University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME). His commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence has positioned him as a Fellow of both the Engineering Society of Detroit (FESD) and ASHRAE (FASHRAE), reinforcing his status as a leading authority in the field.
Through his unwavering dedication to sustainability and energy efficiency, Jim Newman continues to shape the future of high-performance buildings, ensuring that energy-conscious solutions remain at the forefront of the built environment. His work is not only about reducing energy consumption but also about fostering healthier, more productive spaces for occupants—an impact that resonates across industries and communities alike.
Jim has earned national recognition for his groundbreaking contributions to sustainability and energy efficiency, most notably through his inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who in America beginning in 2002, when he also received the organization’s Top Executives Award. In 2023, he was further honored with the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award, a distinction reserved for leaders whose careers have left an enduring mark on their industries. These honors highlight not only Jim’s technical expertise but also his unwavering commitment to advancing environmental stewardship, mentoring future professionals, and shaping a more sustainable built environment. His career continues to stand as a model of excellence and inspiration in the fields of energy and green building innovation.
Character: Jim Newman is a dedicated and visionary leader in sustainability, committed to advancing energy efficiency and green building practices.
Knowledge: With decades of experience and multiple professional certifications, he is a widely respected expert in energy conservation, building performance, and sustainable design.
Strategic: As the Managing Partner of Newman Consulting Group, he develops and implements innovative solutions that help building owners reduce energy costs and enhance operational efficiency.
Communication: A skilled speaker and educator, he shares his expertise globally through seminars, training programs, and industry leadership roles, influencing professionals across the built environment sector.
