Ryan Harb

Ryan Harb, a certified permaculture designer and LEED Accredited Professional, received his BBA in Business Management and his M.S. in Green Building from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. After graduating in 2010, Harb created a job for himself as the first Chief Sustainability Specialist for UMass Amherst Auxiliary Services. He then facilitated one of the first student-led university permaculture gardens in the nation that supplies produce to its dining commons. Together, Harb and his students converted a traditional ¼ acre grass lawn into a thriving, productive, edible landscape that improves ecosystem health and provides education to the campus community. He is passionate about solving the world's social and environmental issues and is constantly inspired by others who are making a positive difference. Harb teaches courses in sustainable design and permaculture and is the first person in the nation to hold a Master of Science degree in Green Building. Currently he lives at Sirius Ecovillage and believes in modeling sustainability to learners of all ages. His projects are receiving national recognition.