Calvin Grad Brings International Lessons, Perspective to Viability

Jan. 13, 2010 - PRLog -- Viability LLC, a West Michigan-based energy and environmental consulting firm, announced the hiring of Calvin graduate Jonathan Cooper to its engineering staff.

Amid a competitive job market, it was Cooper's yearlong rural engineering improvement and sustainable development volunteer work in Cambodia that distinguished him from other applicants.  

"After studying in Cambodia during my senior year, experiencing that culture and seeing the healing that is taking place there, I was called back to serve there," said Cooper.  "After a few months in the country, there was an opportunity to work in a rural area doing water management in an agricultural setting which I got very excited about."

While working in Cambodia, Cooper had applied as a US delegate to the International Youth Forum on Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Seoul, South Korea.  When he returned stateside, Cooper was selected as one of 115 participants from 31 countries.

"At the forum, a group of students and young professionals from across the globe came together to share ideas concerning development," said Cooper.  "I sought out Viability because they create opportunities for industries to respond to these global challenges."

Cooper's ground experience provides him an advantage over other engineers in the field of sustainability, shares Viability Partner David Armstrong.

"We [at Viability] believe in developing our engineers internally, and acquiring someone like Jonathan who brings perspective and creativity benefits both the company and our industry," said Armstrong.

Cooper will be working with Viability's domestic and international business clients to evaluate, design and implement renewable and energy efficiency projects in addition to carbon credit development.

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Viability, LLC of Holland, MI assists companies in developing sustainable strategies by securing grants and incentives, performing carbon assessments, generating carbon credits, and implementing renewable energy projects to lower costs and improve return on investment.