Robert F. Schildgen

Robert (Rob) Schildgen is the owner and founder of Priority Energy.  Both an advocate for homeowners and a strategist for builders, Rob is dedicated to improving building performance through a combination of education, building science, better construction practices and innovative product development.

Mr. Schildgen was one of the first certified RESNET HERS Raters and BPI energy auditors in the Chicago area and one of the first training providers in Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, and Indiana. He has trained code inspectors, builders, architects, and countless students on the IECC 2012, IECC 2015 and IECC 2018 code compliance requirements and acceptable methods to meet the more stringent standards.  

A mechanical and envelope design specialist, Rob has been diagnosing and designing HVAC systems long before the Manual J requirements went into effect. “What people don’t realize is that energy efficient design, when done right, has a big impact on overall home health, indoor air quality and building performance”, says Rob repeatedly. Working in construction since he was a boy, Rob has seen thousands of poorly designed and constructed homes that have developed serious indoor health and safety issues which he wants to help others avoid.

An innovative modernist and technology enthusiast, Rob regularly researches and tests products that will improve the health and performance of the structures we live and work in. From advanced testing equipment to innovative ventilation products, Priority Energy’s lab is always in use.

With a combined background in home construction, property management and business consulting, Robert brings a unique set of skills to the building community. He has earned the trust of builders who know they can rely on him to solve their unidentifiable performance issues. Rob obtained his MBA at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at Bradley University.

HERS Rater ID# 1714906
BPI ID# 5011032