Steve Rypka is president of GreenDream Enterprises and is dedicated to "Helping people live lighter on the planet." He consults individuals and businesses on various topics relating to sustainability, including solar electric and hot water systems, high performance green buildings, hybrid vehicles and other ways to make a positive impact on the environment and community.

Originally from San Francisco, he has lived in the Las Vegas valley since 1978. As a surfer, scuba diver, skier, hiker, sailor and photographer, Steve has always been deeply aware of the fundamental connections we share with our environment. He has studied environmental issues for many years, including the climate crisis. He has focused on green building and renewable energy as key solutions to this critical issue.

Recognizing the need for more awareness about these topics, Steve was a co-founder of the U.S. Green Building Council - Nevada Chapter (USGBC-NV) and at the very first meeting of Solar NV, the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. He currently serves on the board of directors for both organizations. He is immediate past president of Solar NV, where he led the teams that produced the first and second annual Southern Nevada Solar Home Tours.

He writes a Green Living column that appears bi-weekly in the Las Vegas Review Journal. Steve was recently honored by the U.S. Green Building Council for his leadership in community outreach. He is a LEED accredited professional, teaches classes on green living and is an occasional guest lecturer at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas and other venues.

Steve and his wife of twenty four years, Marsala, are the recipients of a 2006 Water Hero Award from the Southern Nevada Water Authority. They have directly reduced their personal carbon dioxide “footprint” by approximately 75%. They live and work in a net-zero energy, solar-powered home and have driven hybrid vehicles since 2000. They offset the remaining carbon they generate by supporting renewable energy development and are therefore carbon neutral both personally and professionally. Steve believes in the power of Gandhi’s words to, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”