Press Release of Senator Lugar Lugar Names Brandon Pitcher as Lugar Energy Patriot Wednesday, July 14, 2010 U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar has named Brandon Pitcher, owner of 5 Kingdoms Development in Kokomo, a Lugar Energy Patriot award recipient.   Brandon Pitcher became interested in energy efficiency and the reuse of materials at a very young age.    “My father, Scott Pitcher, focused early in his career on reusing materials and saving money on energy in his buildings,” said Pitcher. “Needless to say, this mindset is something that’s been embedded into my lifestyle and I’m proud of that.”    Through his self-education and initiative, Pitcher has now given more than 300 presentations on various responsible building and energy practices and innovative energy solutions in more than 40 countries. Pitcher will be giving two lectures in Indianapolis in late July and early August.    “We name Lugar Energy Patriots as a way to recognize outstanding Hoosiers who have demonstrated leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to improve America’s energy security. I am pleased to recognize Brandon for his initiative and leadership,” said Lugar.   The Lugar Energy Patriot award is part of an ongoing effort by Lugar to recognize professionals, scholars, students or businesses that demonstrate leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to reduce America’s dependence on foreign energy sources through renewable energy and conservation.    An editorial profile of Brandon Pitcher is below and may be published in its entirety. Additional information is available at: http://www.lugar.senate.gov/energy/links/patriot/.   For more than a decade, Lugar has stressed the strategic importance of energy security and the economic and security risks of dependence on oil. His legislative efforts promote sustainable energy production and use, incentives for renewable fuels like cellulosic ethanol and E85, increased fuel economy in cars and clean coal. The Lugar Energy Initiative at http://lugar.senate.gov/energy highlights the repercussions of America's dangerous dependence on imported oil and provides information on energy legislation introduced by Lugar, commentary by outside experts and information on alternative and renewable energy sources.    Profile of a Patriot   Each month Senator Lugar recognizes outstanding Hoosiers with a Lugar Energy Patriot Award. These Hoosiers are making a difference for their communities, Indiana and the nation through pursuit of a more secure energy future.    Brandon Pitcher, owner of 5 Kingdoms Development in Kokomo, Indiana is the 28th recipient of the Lugar Energy Patriot award.   Through the Lugar Energy Patriot, Senator Lugar profiles a student, professional, scholar, or member of the business community who has demonstrated leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to improve America's energy security.   Yearn to Learn   Pitcher became interested in energy efficiency and the reuse of materials at a very young age.    “My father, Scott Pitcher, focused early in his career on reusing materials and saving money on energy in his buildings,” said Pitcher. “Needless to say, this mindset is something that’s been embedded into my lifestyle and I’m proud of that.”    With little formal education, Pitcher yearned to learn about energy and efficiency in as many ways as possible.   “I graduated from Western High School in Kokomo,” said Pitcher. “After that, I wanted to be a part of something in the community and asked my father if I could work and learn alongside him. I read constantly, completed many hours of research and attended every meeting or summit on energy technologies offered.”   Through his self-education and initiative, Pitcher has now given more than 300 presentations on various responsible building and energy practices and innovative energy solutions in more than 40 countries. Pitcher will be giving two lectures in Indianapolis in late July and early August.    “In terms of a sustainable building practice, using a variety of materials, old and new, from around your own state can save you money and make your community more sustainable,” said Pitcher.   Pitcher utilizes sustainable building practices through his development firm. Using old materials for new applications is Pitcher’s trademark and something he often studies during visits to observe foreign energy processes.    “I really believe new energy technologies and practices utilized in other countries can be a model for Indiana to implement and causing a ripple through the rest of the country,” said Pitcher. “This is especially true when using recycled materials. We can save so much energy in transporting goods, paying overseas suppliers and installation by using products from the community you are developing.”   Recently, Pitcher received the first-ever Green Entrepreneur of the Year award for his efforts in energy education. The award was sponsored by Rolls-Royce and organized by Green Fest Expo’s, Inc.   “I was flattered to receive the award,” said Pitcher. “With 21st century technology, the fixes to our energy issues should be far less difficult. We should work with existing industries and technologies to incorporate them into the solution, not bar them from existence.”   Pitcher believes in combining our current efforts to solve our common issue.   “Carbon is the footprint of life,” said Pitcher. “Capping carbon emissions will only increase their costs. If we embrace a way to utilize the carbon, there is a solution for everyone. For example, a group in Brazil is pumping the carbon from smokestacks into algae greenhouses to create a greater output of energy.”   From the start, Pitcher’s goal was not to travel the world but rather learn about world sciences and use them to make a difference in Indiana.    “With the world population adding roughly 250,000 people to the planet each day, we can’t be picky about the resources we use to create our energy,” said Pitcher. “We, as a state and world united, need to realize that by relying on a variety of energy sources we will save money in our pocketbooks and create thousands of jobs at the same time.”   Homegrown Solutions   Pitcher also sees the importance of using proven technologies already in use in Indiana to further our energy independence. Much of Pitcher’s work, through 5 Kingdoms Development, is consulting based. He currently works throughout the state with companies and organizations to provide energy solutions and education about becoming more energy efficient. He focuses on complementing their current energy systems with more efficient operations based on biomimicry, among other cutting edge principles.    Biomimicry is an emerging discipline that studies nature’s best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. Biomimicry is just one aspect of Pitcher’s set of tools that focuses on making modern energy processes function more like those in nature. Pitcher believes that these principles mixed with older processes will allow Hoosiers to be at the forefront of energy efficiency.   “Indiana companies are doing amazing things in terms of creating their own energy in a cost effective way,” said Pitcher. “Senator Lugar has celebrated some of these groups in the past for energy solutions but as a state we should be endorsing their efforts and incorporating homegrown solutions into our energy mix.”   Pitcher is working with a variety of companies in Indiana to make a more energy efficient future a reality. In addition, he believes education is equally crucial to further develop Indiana’s energy efforts.    “As Indiana continually evaluates its education system, we really need to incorporate emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental concerns into the curriculum from the very beginning,” said Pitcher. “The sooner we build these ideas of energy technology and efficiency into our foundation, the sooner it can blossom into a successful, booming industry.”   Pitcher also believes an integration of energy efficiency and technology into early education will benefit secondary education as well.   “There are many energy and environmental programs popping up around Indiana ranging from engineering and technology to advocacy and education,” said Pitcher. “If we really want our students to embrace these programs and work in Indiana on these energy efforts, it’s crucial we start early in their education experience.”   Pitcher plans to continue his education and outreach efforts throughout the state while encouraging sustainable building development.   “Indiana is poised to offer the brightest workforce and most creative approach for our energy needs,” said Pitcher. “We just need to step up to the plate and make it happen.”   Senator Lugar agrees. That is why he congratulates Brandon Pitcher on being a Lugar Energy Patriot.   ###