It's Your Oregon: Cindi O’Neil
Cindi has spent her entire adult life studying nature and forest ecology, and after 25 years with the Forest Service and the Nature Conservancy managing preserves and public lands
Cindi O’Neil of Bend, is passionate about sustainable building. Cindi has spent her entire adult life studying nature and forest ecology, and after 25 years with the Forest Service and the Nature Conservancy managing preserves and public lands, Cindi sees her Vice President position with SolAire Homebuilders as natural evolution of that study. “Building homes that make efficient use of nature and the environment just makes sense,” says Cindi. “There is a symmetry and balance to constructing a home that employs nature: it is healthier for the homeowners, is less costly to operate, and a joy to inhabit. It may be an overworked phrase, but we are building sustainable LEED certified homes for people to enjoy living in as well as inspiring them to interact with the natural environment.”
Cindi shares OEC’s vision of sustainability as a concept integral to good business and good environmental stewardship.. “In these tough economic times it’s frustrating that people see the economy and the environment as being mutually exclusive,” says Cindi. “It’s not a matter of picking one over the other. Making them work in concert makes each healthier, and again, it just makes sense.”
Cindi also shares OEC’s focus on forward-thinking solutions, building something we will be proud of in 10 years. “The economy has everyone scared, and that doesn’t really have to be. We should continue to be innovators and leaders in renewable energy. We need to be aware of our over consumption of energy, and what that is costing us both now and for the future.”
For Cindi, protecting what we all love about Oregon means thoughtful energy consumption, protection for forests and waterways – and protecting the “natural resource” of our cities, towns and citizens, too. “Oregon is a friendly and diverse place to live, and I think that attitude is important to nurture.”
Cindi sees hope in an ever-increasing interest in energy conservation and green building. “Whether it’s because it’s trendy or a necessity -- either is OK. It ultimately means that our homes will cost less to operate and be healthier to live in, and that’s what SolAire is all about.”
The future looks bright to Cindi. “Oregon is so incredible, and so diverse. We have mountains, oceans and deserts right in our own backyard. If I could be anywhere it would always be outdoors. Most especially backpacking in the alpine zone with cascade flowers in full bloom – watching the hummingbirds sip from the Indian paintbrush. A sky blue day – not a care in the world.”
