The Greener Good - John Suzukida

Published on July 23, 2026

Close up of a man in an interview setting speaks to the camera while sitting on his couch

The Greener Good is a city sustainability spotlight series, where businesses and residents showcase steps that they have taken towards sustainable solutions in their workplaces and homes.

John Suzukida has put his home through a process called electrification, converting all previously gas-powered appliances in his home to electric ones. As a result, he reduced his overall home energy use by over 70% and shut off Xcel Energy gas service in 2021.

“[I’m] probably the only person who looks forward to getting Xcel Energy bills,” Suzukida jokes. He compares energy bills to report cards, reflecting his work and success in completely electrifying his home energy. He set out to electrify his biggest source of energy use: heating. He installed a ground loop heat pump, also known as a geothermal system, which uses the existing furnace ductwork. The results were “immediate and dramatic.” In 2010, he used half the amount of gas used the year prior, and his gas use decreased by an additional 25% in 2011.

his work and success in completely electrifying his home energy. He set out to electrify his biggest source of energy use: heating. He installed a ground loop heat pump, also known as a geothermal system, which uses the existing furnace ductwork. The results were “immediate and dramatic.” In 2010, he used half the amount of gas used the year prior, and his gas use decreased by an additional 25% in 2011.

A man sits on the foor and points to the heat pump while lifting away floor mats

His other energy-efficient alternatives include solar panels, heat pump water heater, heat pump washer and dryer, induction stove, and an electric vehicle. They aren’t “space-age technology,” as Suzukida says. Neither is the mere fraction of energy they use, as compared to conventional gas. The technology is actually very recognizable – heat pumps, for example, work like an air conditioner by moving air. They uniquely are able to move both hot and cool air to heat water, heat and cool homes, or dry clothes.

“I believe our future is going to need to be electrified,” Suzukida said.