Joel Swisher, PhD

Joel Swisher is an environmental engineer and clean energy technology specialist with over 30 years of experience in research and consulting on clean energy technology. He holds a PhD in energy and environmental engineering from Stanford University and an MS from Stanford's Mechanical Engineering Department. Recognized internationally for his expertise in utility energy efficiency, distributed generation, and emission reduction programs, he also focuses on the development and finance of carbon offset projects.

Joel Swisher has authored more than 100 professional publications, including "Cleaner Energy, Greener Profits: Fuel Cells as Cost-Effective Distributed Energy Resources" and "The New Business Climate: A Guide to Lower Carbon Emissions and Better Business Performance." He is a coauthor of "Small Is Profitable: The Hidden Economic Benefits of Making Electrical Resources the Right Size." His work as a Senior Fellow with Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI) Energy & Resources Team places him at the forefront of global energy policy and regulation analysis. He has led consulting for electric utilities and major corporations across various industries, including semiconductor and food production, helping them understand and adapt to rapid changes in the energy sector.

Currently, Joel Swisher is a consulting professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University, where he teaches courses in greenhouse gas management and sustainable energy. His extensive international experience spans fifteen countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Fluent in five languages, Swisher is also an experienced public speaker. Additionally, he is a former two-time U.S. national champion in orienteering in his age group and continues to compete actively in the sport.