Smart Energy Voices

Glade Gunther is the Global Market Manager for Composites in the Advanced Air Mobility and Electronics/Industrial markets at Syensqo, formerly part of Solvay Group. In this role, he provides technical expertise in product and manufacturing development of composite materials, partnering with customers to identify the best solutions for their unique requirements.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the composites industry, Glade has held positions as a business development manager, sales account manager, and in process engineering and manufacturing. His strong background in materials, manufacturing, and process design has enabled him to support a wide range of industries, including automotive, defense, aerospace, sporting goods, electronics, and medical.

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Sustainability & Climate Resilience at the City of Hollywood

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil welcomes Elaine Franklin, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Hollywood, Florida. Franklin shares how the city is advancing its sustainability action plan through clearer accountability, innovative digital tracking tools, and regional collaboration to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. She discusses Hollywood’s emissions reduction strategy, climate resilience planning, and adaptive reuse projects, including the transformation of the historic Armory into a modern community center. Franklin also highlights initiatives to expand tree canopy, provide community cooling centers, and otherwise mitigate extreme heat, underscoring how sustainability and resilience save both money and lives.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

● Lessons from Hollywood’s 2017 Sustainability Action Plan (02:54)

● Using the Kausal platform for accountability and transparency (03:59)

● Importance of a living document (06:27)

● Goals and strategies to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (09:21)

● Overview of an adaptive reuse project (14:20)

● Climate resilience and heat mitigation at the City of Hollywood (16:16)

For full episode show notes, click here.

Connect with Elaine Franklin

Elaine has a master’s degree in conservation biology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She brings years of diverse experience to the role of Environmental Sustainability Coordinator.

Prior to her life in Florida, Elaine developed and delivered an environmental sustainability curriculum to youths in Eswatini/Swaziland, Southern Africa, through her own company. She earned her Permaculture Design Certification in South Africa and guided low-income residents in establishing abundant, diverse and sustainable food gardens in their own yards. She has studied the impacts of human activities on birds throughout the world, most recently coauthoring a paper on the effects of a new transportation project on bird communities in Equatorial Guinea. Elaine is a CLEO Climate Speaker, a facilitator of the En-ROADS climate simulator, a Florida Master Gardener, and an avid cyclist.

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Heard at SED Forum Summer: How Much Will It Cost To Replace All Fossil Fuels & How Much Will We Gain?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil introduces a keynote session from the Smart Energy Decisions Summer Forum featuring Dr. Wolfgang Bauer, where he tackles two vital questions: How much will it cost to replace all fossil fuels, and how much will we gain? With compelling data and economic analysis, Bauer outlines the feasibility of a complete global transition to renewable energy. He also explores energy efficiency, the capacity and costs of various renewable sources, storage technologies, and the consequences of inaction on climate, emphasizing that transitioning to renewables not only benefits the planet but also increases global prosperity.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Why “energy is money” and how pricing varies regionally (02:52)
Why energy conservation is the greenest energy strategy (03:44)
How much usable energy fossil fuels provide (08:35)
Capacity factors and costs of renewables (11:52)
The role of nuclear and emerging technologies (15:22)
Dispatchable renewables and storage solutions (18:15)
Making the case for a $32 trillion investment (22:13)
Rising global temperatures and dangers of climate inaction (25:21)

Connect with Wolfgang Bauer

Dr. Bauer has served in various capacities at Michigan State University, most recently as University Distinguished Professor and as President of the MSU Research Foundation. He is one of the authors of the MSU Energy Transition plan, owns renewable energy power plants, and has done extensive research and consulting on renewable energy sources. Dr. Bauer serves on the Advisory Board of Smart Energy Decisions.

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● Presentation Slides: “Stop Saying You Can’t Find Money for Energy & Sustainability Projects”

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Grid Chaos and Data Centers: Where To Go From Here

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Plugged In, host Chuck Hanna welcomes Brian Janous, Co-founder of Cloverleaf Infrastructure and former leader of Microsoft’s global energy team. They explore the energy sector’s changing dynamics, driven by skyrocketing demand from data centers and a shift in emphasis from buying energy to securing capacity. Janous shares insights from his 25-year career in the power and utilities industry, highlighting the current strain on the grid, the role of utilities, and the importance of building energy resilience.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Janous’s career journey (01:10)
Grid challenges today (02:59)
Short-term and long-term viability of the new technologies (04:38)
Alternatives for resilient backup power (07:21)
Cloverleaf Infrastructure’s business model (08:29)
Competitive vs. regulated markets (13:55)
Outlook on the grid’s future (18:38)

For full episode show notes, click here. Connect with Brian Janous

On LinkedIn

Brian is the Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Cloverleaf Infrastructure. Cloverleaf aims to solve the critical problem of expanding grid capacity to support the largest electric customer loads to spur economic growth and investment. Previously, Brian served as VP of Energy at Microsoft, supporting the development and execution of Microsoft’s global cloud and AI energy strategy. This included oversight of energy policy, procurement, renewable energy, distributed generation, and overall environmental impact. Prior to Microsoft, Brian worked as a consultant at Brubaker & Associates, assisting Fortune 500 companies with energy procurement, policy, and sustainability matters.

Brian serves on the board of VEIR, a pioneer in superconducting transmission technology, and Protect Our Winters. He also holds advisory board positions with LineVision, a leader in dynamic line rating technology, LevelTen Energy, operator of the largest marketplace for renewable energy buyers, and the Institute for Energy Studies at Western Washington University. Brian holds an MBA from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Missouri.

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New Approaches to Demand Response with GridBeyond, Plugged In Ep. 8

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Plugged In, Abhinav Krishna talks to Joe Hayden, Executive Vice President for North America at GridBeyond, to explore the evolving opportunities and challenges of energy flexibility in today’s world. As the conversation dives into how commercial and industrial customers can unlock new revenue streams and support grid stability through demand response programs, Hayden shares why traditional approaches to demand response are being replaced by data-driven, AI-enhanced, and incremental strategies — especially in industries like data centers, cold storage, steel and manufacturing. From the challenges of backup power integration to opportunities in real-time flexibility, Hayden explains where we are in the transformation of the grid’s generation and management of costly peak events, and breaks down how GridBeyond helps customers future-proof their energy strategies.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The big picture of what demand-side management looks like today (03:02)
What being a qualified scheduled entity looks like in practice (08:54)
Learning how isolating “headroom” enhances value (16:00)
How GridBeyond’s operational DNA helps them anticipate challenges (21:00)
Discovering how changing grid conditions impact electricity costs (26:15)
AI’s role in mitigating the risk of future volatility (27:59)

To read full episode show notes, click here.

Resources:

Grid Beyond

Connect with Joe Hayden

On LinkedIn

Joe Hayden is the VP of Revenue for North America for Dublin, Ireland-based GridBeyond. He has led businesses supporting the electric utility sector for over 20 years and in demand response over the last eight years, during what has been the fourth major electricity grid transformation.

Connect with Abhinav Krishna

On LinkedIn

As Vice President of Commercialization and Development, Abhinav Krishna helps Constellation’s customers meet their environment, energy and operational goals. With deep experience coming from 15+ years spent at the forefront of the energy industry in leadership roles across Commercialization, Product Development, Structuring, Risk and many others, he continues to leverage his expertise in sustainability and energy markets to help companies meet their renewable energy and efficiency goals.

Connect with Constellation

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Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart RadioIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decisions Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

Heard at SED Forum Spring: Stop Saying You Can’t Find Money for Energy & Sustainability Projects, Ep. 120

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Trevor Joelson, Enterprise Energy Services Account Executive at Trane, explores how organizations can secure funding for energy and sustainability projects by aligning proposals with business priorities and stakeholder needs. He outlines several innovative funding sources and strategies and the impact of stacked incentives from federal, state, and utility programs that can make it easier to embed sustainability into an organization. Throughout the presentation, Joelson emphasizes the importance of understanding the larger goals that drive organizational decisions, such as profitability, safety and reputation — encouraging sustainability professionals to become effective connectors across business units.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

● Successful funding strategies for energy and sustainability projects (08:38)

● Stacking incentives to improve project economics (16:34)

● Importance of understanding organizational priorities (23:09)

● Case study of EnerSys’ corporate leadership (27:12)

Resources:

● EnerSys Climate Action Plan Roadmap

Connect with Trevor Joelson

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Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA)

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Heard at SED Forum Spring: Embedding Sustainability in Sports & Entertainment Venues, Ep. 119

Fri, 30 May 2025 08:00:00 -0000

This episode of Smart Energy Voices features a live conversation exploring the unique sustainability challenges and opportunities within sports and entertainment venues with Bill Squires, Board Member of Green Sports Alliance and Chief Venues and Operation Officer for FIFA Men’s World Cup 2024/New York & New Jersey Host Committee, and Danielle Doza, Senior Director of Sustainability for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The discussion, which was presented at SED Forum Spring 2025, highlights how organizations like GOAL and the Green Sports Alliance are helping sports teams lead with environmental responsibility and use their platform to influence sustainability at scale. Doza shares how the Cavaliers are embedding sustainability into their operations through data-driven energy management, internal culture change, and fan engagement efforts. She emphasizes the importance of shifting mindsets among long-tenured building operators and leveraging the competitive spirit of sports to drive sustainable innovation. Squires reflects on his experience managing large venues like MetLife Stadium, underlining the critical role of ownership buy-in and the financial case for sustainability initiatives.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Importance of data collection and analysis in the sports industry (05:27)
Doza’s journey to sports sustainability (13:41)
The moral responsibility of sustainability (15:00)
Why ownership buy-in matters for sustainability (16:12)
Cleveland Cavaliers’ sustainability efforts (18:25)
How sports teams engage fans in sustainability efforts (20:22)

For full episode show notes, click here. Connect with Danielle Doza

On LinkedIn

Connect with Bill Squires

On LinkedIn

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CEBA on Supporting Clean Energy , Plugged In Ep. 7

Fri, 09 May 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Plugged In, Chuck Hanna welcomes Rich Powell, CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), to discuss the future of grid infrastructure and associated emerging technologies. Powell highlights the importance of enhancing the current grid through innovative technologies like dynamic line rating, advanced conductors, and virtual power plants. He emphasizes the need for better utilization of existing assets and explores how grid-enhancing technologies can improve efficiency and support clean energy generation. Powell also touches on the role of policy shifts in enabling these advancements, sharing insights into the ongoing legislative efforts around tax incentives for clean energy. He stresses the potential impact on electricity prices and the importance of maintaining support for new clean energy generation. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Overview of CEBA's sustainability vision for 2030 and beyond (02:36)
Addressing regulatory changes and industry shifts (07:29)
How CEBA balances near-term needs with long-term vision (11:34)
CEBA initiatives and their impact on corporates (14:35)
Key emerging grid-enhancing technologies (18:12)
Tech-neutral tax credits and their possible effects (23:03)

For full show notes, click here.

Resources:

Connect with Rich Powell

On LinkedIn

Rich Powell is the CEO of Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA). Prior to CEBA, he was the CEO of ClearPath and ClearPath Action, the DC-based organizations advancing policies that accelerate breakthrough innovations to reduce emissions in the energy and industrial sectors. Powell advises policymakers on investing wisely in energy innovation, removing roadblocks to building and exporting American clean energy and industrial technology, and maintaining and promoting our flexible clean energy resources. He frequently testifies before Congress on climate change and energy innovation.

His work has been published in the Wall Street Journal, FoxNews.com, Washington Examiner, The Hill, Morning Consult, RealClear Energy, and several regional publications. His views are regularly featured in national publications including the National Review, NPR, Politico, USA Today, Axios, E&E, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, LA Times, Houston Chronicle, MIT Tech Review, Bloomberg, Green Tech Media, Utility Dive, the Guardian, and many others. Powell serves on the boards of the 2040 Foundation and the Conservative Climate Foundation, is a Strategic Advisor to the Silverado Policy Accelerator, and is part of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center’s Advisory Group. Rich served on the Advisory Committee to the Export Import Bank of the United States from 2019 to 2021.

Previously, Powell was with McKinsey & Company in the Energy and Sustainability practices. He focused on corporate clean energy strategy, government low carbon growth strategy, and clean tech market entry.

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REI's Quadruple Bottom Line for Sustainability, Ep. 118

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil speaks with Andrew Dempsey, Director of Climate at REI, about the cooperative’s evolving approach to sustainability. Andrew shares REI’s commitment to local and accessible renewable energy and how the co-op is working to ensure its energy procurement has meaningful community impact. They explore the growing convergence of energy and climate within corporate structures, and how REI’s climate strategy is directly tied to protecting the outdoor experiences that define its brand. Andrew discusses the role corporates can play in advancing climate solutions beyond compliance by leading with voluntary commitments and supporting innovation.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

REI’s cause and its structure as a co-op (01:29)
How REI approaches its sustainability work (04:51)
How REI’s corporate sustainability team operates (07:05)
The co-op’s renewable energy journey and strategy (10:10)
REI’s climate programs and tools to achieve their goals (14:15)
REI’s approach to community impact and accessibility (20:45)
Role of corporates in driving climate action (24:43)

For detailed show notes, click here.

Connect with Andrew Dempsey

On LinkedIn

Andrew Dempsey is the Director of Climate at REI, where he focuses on driving transformational change throughout the organization by leading the co-op’s climate, energy, and waste strategies. His work is centered on achieving impactful outcomes for REI’s business, employees, and broader community of members. Prior to REI, Andrew worked at Google, focusing on sustainable design and organizational strategy at the intersection of technology, experience, and human health. Andrew holds a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

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Hackensack Meridian Health’s Sustainability Strategy, Plugged In Ep. 6

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In today's episode of Plugged In, host Chuck Hanna speaks with Kyle Tafuri, Vice President of Sustainability at Hackensack Meridian Health, about the organization’s ambitious sustainability initiatives. Kyle shares perspectives on balancing long-term environmental goals with the immediate challenges of operating a healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships, incremental progress, and innovative solutions like offsite solar, carbon capture, and geothermal energy. He also discusses Hackensack Meridian Health’s proactive approach to supply chain sustainability, energy efficiency, and patient-centered environmental strategies.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The challenges of incorporating sustainability into healthcare operations (02:04)
Implementing key energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives (06:24)
How Hackensack measures its sustainability success (09:50)
Balancing long-term sustainability goals with practical progress (14:50)
How Hackensack is expanding sustainability efforts (18:39)

For detailed show notes, click here.

Connect with Kyle Tafuri

On LinkedIn

Kyle Tafuri, Vice President of Sustainability at Hackensack Meridian Health, is not just a leader in healthcare sustainability – he's a visionary. For over a decade, Kyle has been instrumental in weaving sustainability into the very fabric of Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), transforming the health system into an industry leader in environmental responsibility.

Under Kyle's leadership, HMH and its hospitals were the first in the country to receive the Joint Commission Sustainability Certification. The flagship hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, has been recognized as one of the top 25 green hospitals by Practice Greenhealth for nine consecutive years. All of HMH’s hospitals are in the process of implementing 30 MW of on-site solar and battery storage, which is the most of any health system in the U.S. His dedication to green building, sustainable food practices, waste reduction, and responsible purchasing has set a new standard for healthcare institutions nationwide.

Connect with Constellation

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If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decisions Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

The Water-Energy Nexus, Ep. 117

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil sits down with Matt Howard, Vice President of Water Stewardship at The Water Council, for perspectives on the evolving landscape of water stewardship and its critical role in corporate sustainability. From record-breaking droughts to new regulations, Matt unpacks the challenges companies face, strategies to build resilience, and why water stewardship goes beyond conservation.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Importance of water stewardship (01:33)
The nexus of water and energy efficiency (04:35)
Why water is key to climate strategy (09:50)
Balancing AI growth with water sustainability (12:18)
What water stewardship should look like (22:36)

For detailed show notes, click here

Connect with Matt Howard

On LinkedIn

Matt Howard oversees The Water Council’s stewardship initiatives including WAVE: Water Stewardship Verified, water stewardship advisory services and comprehensive professional water stewardship training. Previously, TWC helped establish the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) System globally with specific oversight of North America. Matt created the world’s first professional credentialing program for water stewardship professionals and made the business case for use of the International Water Stewardship Standard (“AWS Standard”) in the North American marketplace. His 15+ years in sustainability program development and management include serving as Milwaukee’s sustainability director and leading sustainable manufacturing initiatives during his time in Washington, D.C., where he worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce and as a staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has an MA from George Washington University and a BA from Valparaiso University. He is AWS and Lean Six Sigma accredited and serves on the WELL Water Advisory and the Wisconsin Governor’s Wetlands Study Council. He served on the U.S. EPA’s National Advisory Council on Environmental Policy and Technology from 2014 to 2019.

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The Evolution of Data Centers & Sustainability, Plugged In Ep. 5

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Plugged In, Chuck Hanna speaks with Pat Lynch, Executive Managing Director at CBRE Data Center Solutions, about the evolving data center and AI landscape. They discuss the rapid growth of AI and its significant impact on data centers, including the shift from large training models to inference-based AI and private AI, which demands more distributed, latency-sensitive facilities in urban areas. Pat emphasizes the growing need for infrastructure investments in connectivity and power to support AI advancements and cloud growth. They also explore the challenges of meeting energy demands, the emergence of enterprise-built data centers, and innovations in sustainable practices–offering a forward-looking perspective on the industry’s exciting trajectory.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Companies embracing technology solutions (01:55)
Challenges and opportunities in data center development (04:38)
Innovations in data center to enhance efficiency (06:58)
How CBRE is supporting clients in managing sustainability initiatives (11:52)
Differences and overlaps between AI and data centers (18:19)
Ramp-up schedules of large data centers and AI facilities (22:56)
Pat’s favorite data center location (24:43)
Insights on how the industry is evolving (27:34)

For full episode show notes, click here.

Connect with Pat Lynch

On LinkedIn

Pat Lynch, Executive Managing Director for CBRE’s Data Center Solutions, acts as an advisor, advocate, and partner in navigating the dynamic technology needs for his clients. Pat and his team of professionals develop custom mission-critical strategies that address specific industry challenges and help meet business objectives. Through creative problem-solving and transaction structuring, clients experience improved reliability and expense management, and operational efficiencies. CBRE’s Data Center Solutions has experienced significant growth under Pat’s leadership, resulting in a diverse client base in terms of size and industry.

Prior to joining CBRE in 2011, Pat led global real estate services for a number of technology companies including Level 3 Communications, Carlyle Group/Coresite, First Data Corporation, and MFS Communications. Having successfully completed multimillion-dollar transactions for site acquisitions and developments, his professional acumen includes data center and mission-critical facilities, global corporate service delivery, portfolio optimization, and leadership as a senior manager. Pat volunteers as a coach for a competitive junior high boys basketball team. He also serves on the board for the rocky mountain region chapters of the Association for Data Center Management (AFCOM) and CoreNet Global.

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Smart and Connected: AT&T’s Carbon-Neutral Future, Ep. 116

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil speaks with Shannon Carroll, AVP of Global Environmental Sustainability at AT&T, about the company’s innovative approach to sustainability and its commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral future. Shannon highlights AT&T’s ambitious goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2035 and reduce their business customers' emissions by one gigaton by 2035 through Smart Climate Solutions. He discusses the challenges businesses face, such as capital allocation and energy optimization, and how AT&T addresses these with solutions that reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. Shannon also shares insights into efforts to enhance climate resilience through advanced climate data tools and its contributions to the circular economy.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

AT&T's environmental sustainability portfolio (05:05)
Initiatives to achieve AT&T’s goals (07:28)
Approaches to renewable energy (10:46)
Smart Climate Solutions and AT&T’s gigaton goal (15:20)
Challenges in driving sustainability (17:51)
The importance of climate data and how it works (19:28)
Circular economy initiatives (24:41)
Next steps in sustainability and climate resilience (27:16)

For detailed show notes, click here.

Resources:

Connect with Shannon Thomas Carroll

On LinkedIn

Shannon Thomas Carroll is AVP of Global Environmental Sustainability at AT&T. He is responsible for overseeing the company’s environmental leadership strategy, including its 2035 goals to be carbon neutral across its global operations and to save its business customers a gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions through AT&T connectivity solutions. The company is also using cutting-edge climate projections to build a more climate-resilient network and sharing that data publicly to help communities better prepare for extreme weather events. Shannon brings over 20 years of broad AT&T experience to his current role, including expertise in sustainability program management and supply chain sustainability.

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Meeting the Energy Challenges of Data Centers, Plugged In Ep. 4

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Plugged In, Constellation’s Managing Director Melissa Zimmerman speaks with Ed Socia, Director, North America at datacenterHawk, about the evolving energy demands and sustainability challenges of data centers. Ed discusses trends such as the growing influence of AI, increasing rack densities, and the adoption of liquid cooling to optimize energy use. He highlights the role of real-time monitoring tools like SCADA and DSIM in improving efficiency while addressing regional variations in energy strategies and the balance between carbon reduction goals and business viability. He also touches on the potential of emerging technologies like small modular reactors and green hydrogen, the importance of adaptive reuse of sites, and the need to enhance grid reliability as the industry continues to grow rapidly.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Trends in data centers and energy demand (02:00)
Energy procurement today and on-site generation methods (03:59)
Monitoring energy usage in data centers (12:04)
Sustainability challenges and regional variations (14:38)
Teams involved in siting, sourcing, and building data centers (16:38)
Innovative energy solutions for data centers (19:59)
The importance of grid reliability (22:42)

For detailed show notes, click here.

Connect with Ed Socia

On LinkedIn

Hailing from Syracuse, New York, Ed has a background in sustainability, focusing on renewable power generation and the growth of digital infrastructure. Before joining datacenterHawk as its Director for North America, Ed was the Director of Research for North America at CBRE. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his fiancée Brittany and their pug, Sherman.

Connect with Melissa Zimmerman

On LinkedIn

Melissa Zimmerman is a seasoned professional with over 17 years in the energy industry, currently serving as the Director of Commercial Strategy at Constellation. In this role, she supports the growth of Constellation's commercial business, which markets electricity, natural gas, and other energy-related products and services to various customer segments, including wholesale, commercial, industrial, and residential clients. Prior to her current position, Melissa held several key roles within the company, including Chief of Staff, Manager of the Mid-Atlantic Sales Support team, and Account Manager for commercial real estate customers in the DC and MD area. She began her career at Constellation as a pricing analyst, where she was responsible for pricing and validating energy contracts for retail customers. Melissa holds a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Economics from Towson University and a Master of Science degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University.

Connect with Constellation

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Driving Circularity in the U.S., Ep. 115

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil speaks with Mike Van Brunt from ReWorld and Sean Trambley from the Circular Economy Coalition about the integration of circular economy principles in the energy sector. Both guests emphasize the economic and environmental benefits of circularity, including waste reduction and energy efficiency, and offer advice for businesses starting to embrace circular economy practices.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Circularity and how it differs from other sustainability practices (02:57)
Overview of U.S. Circular Economy Coalition (05:20)
What a circular economy would look like in the U.S. (07:41)
How the federal government defines a circular economy (09:40)
How Reworld is incorporating circular economy policies (15:15)
The federal government's role in building a more circular economy (18:55)
Benefits of incorporating circular economy practices (25:27)
Ways to approach circularity (28:27)

For detailed show notes, click here.

Resources:

Federal Circularity Audit and Report

Connect with Michael Van Brunt

On LinkedIn

Michael Van Brunt is currently VP Environmental and Sustainability at Reworld Waste, where he is responsible for corporate sustainability strategy and reporting and environmental compliance, permitting, and monitoring. He leads Reworld’s lifecycle analysis team and is a licensed professional engineer with over twenty years of experience in industry and consulting. He is currently the board chair of the Circular Economy Coalition. He earned a B.S. and Masters in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Cornell University.

Connect with Sean Trambley

On LinkedIn

With more than a decade of government relations and strategic communications experience. Sean Trambley began his career in Washington, D.C. as Sr. Policy Advisor to former Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-CA). Since 2016, Sean has worked as a California-based consultant and strategist. In 2020, Sean joined the Breakthrough Institute as Communications Director, a global research center focused on energy, agriculture, and technological solutions to climate change. He earned a B.A. in American Studies and Legal Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

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Dynamics of Data Reporting With Iron Mountain, Plugged In Ep. 3

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Plugged In, host Chuck Hanna talks with Chris Pennington, Director of Energy and Sustainability for Iron Mountain Data Centers, about the company's ambitious decarbonization efforts and commitment to 24/7 carbon-free energy. They dive into the challenges and solutions of tracking and achieving hourly energy matching, the changing landscape of clean energy products, and the importance of granular data in setting sustainability goals. Chris also shares insights on the growing intersection of environmental and business performance, offering valuable lessons for organizations at all stages of their sustainability journey.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Changes in global reporting requirements (01:34)
Data centers and “digital footprints” (04:52)
Tracking carbon at a granular level (08:42)
Shifting to hourly energy matching goals (11:30)
Data tracking and reporting tools (15:12)
Insights for companies starting their sustainability journey (18:06)

Connect with Chris Pennington

On LinkedIn

Chris Pennington is the Director of Energy and Sustainability for Iron Mountain Data Centers. In this role, Chris oversees global energy procurement and aligns this with wider Sustainability objectives. In 2021 Chris received the Leader of the Year award from the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) for work in developing innovative retail supply contracts and developing onsite solar at Iron Mountain Data Centers. Today Chris leads Iron Mountain's work on grid interactive data centers, developing demonstrator projects at two sites that he hopes will catalyze further deployment of on-site storage to convert data centers into flexible grid resources.

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Heard at Net Zero Forum: The Current State of Clean Energy, Ep. 114

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Peter Kelly-Detwiler delves into the latest advancements and challenges in decarbonization and clean energy across the U.S. He highlights progress in geothermal energy, nuclear energy, and long-duration storage solutions while addressing efficiency hurdles. Kelly-Detwiler explores the rising energy demands of AI-driven data centers and their implications for power grids, alongside updates on electric vehicles, hydrogen projects, and virtual power plants as utilities shift toward decentralized capacity. He also examines the volatility of voluntary carbon markets due to credibility issues and stresses the need for collective effort and innovative strategies to tackle the complexities of decarbonizing our global economies.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The evolving gen mix (02:57)
Geothermal energy updates (15:25)
The rapid growth of AI-driven data centers (20:16)
Insights on EVs (25:20)
The credibility of carbon markets today (28:11)

For full episode show notes, click here.

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On the Frontier of Carbon-Free Resources with Microsoft, Plugged In Ep. 2

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Plugged In, Host Chuck Hanna from Constellation talks with Adrian Anderson, General Manager of Carbon-Free Electricity, Renewable Energy & Carbon Dioxide Removal at Microsoft, about advancing carbon-free energy and data-driven sustainability. Adrian shares Microsoft’s sustainability goals, including their 100% renewable energy targets and the crucial role of data granularity for accurate carbon reporting. He highlights Microsoft’s investments in carbon reduction and innovation, such as the company’s Carbon Innovation Fund and its work in long-term power offtake agreements. They also cover the challenges and strategies around Scope 3 emissions, building carbon-free infrastructure, and fostering collaboration with utilities to support a sustainable future.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Importance of data in energy management (03:47)
Microsoft’s initiatives to achieve targets (08:53)
Microsoft’s Carbon Innovation Fund (13:46)
Scope 3 emissions and building infrastructure challenges (15:38)
Collaboration with utilities to address constraints (16:25)

Connect with Adrian Anderson

On LinkedIn

Adrian Anderson is General Manager of Carbon-Free Electricity, Renewable Energy & Carbon Dioxide Removal at Microsoft. He has worked for a decade at the intersection of hyperscale and clean energy for Apple, Amazon, Google, and now Microsoft. Prior to leading teams in this capacity, he worked in renewable energy for a decade. In his current role, Adrian leads the organization within Microsoft responsible for all wholesale carbon-free electricity purchases and carbon dioxide removal programs.

Connect with Constellation

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Reaching Net Zero: Kingspan’s Planet Passionate Program, Ep. 113

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Brent Trenga, Director of Sustainability at Kingspan North America, shares the company’s ambitious Planet Passionate program and its progress over the first four years of this 10-year initiative. Brent dives into the challenges they faced and the innovative solutions they have implemented to overcome them. He also highlights the value of benchmarking, setting aggressive sustainability targets, and internal buy-in from company leadership and employees to drive impactful change in sustainability efforts for this global building products manufacturer.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Overview of Kingspan’s Planet Passionate program (03:08)
Earning company-wide engagement in sustainability (05:23)
Kingspan’s approach to whole life carbon (13:42)
Challenges in implementing the Planet Passionate program (16:42)
Advice for companies starting sustainability programs (21:23)

Click here for detailed how notes

Resources:

Connect with Brent Trenga

On LinkedIn

Brent Trenga has truly run the construction industry gamut serving in various roles including architect, developer, and even project owner, allowing him to fully understand the sustainability ecosystem. As Sustainability Director for Kingspan North America, Brent is committed to reducing the environmental impact of business operations, products, and services through continuous improvement and environmental transparency.

Since 2015, Brent has led Kingspan North America’s material health and transparency program while driving a culture of healthier building, healthier planet, healthier people across Kingspan’s global footprint. Brent also leads Kingspan’s global Planet Passionate 2030 program looking after the Americas, supports strategic planning for the business development group, and provides insight on current and future sustainability initiatives keeping Kingspan at the forefront of our industry.

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The Evolving Landscape of Nuclear Technologies, Plugged In Ep. 1

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the first episode of Plugged In: Exploring Energy. In this podcast miniseries, host Chuck Hanna from Constellation sits down with Benton Arnett from the Nuclear Energy Institute to discuss how nuclear power is transforming to meet today’s energy needs. They also explore emerging tech like small modular reactors (SMRs) and the growing demand for clean energy in sectors like AI and data centers.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Changes in the nuclear energy sector over the past decade (01:23)
Role of SMRs in meeting future energy needs (06:28)
Tech giants and the shift to clean nuclear power (11:00)
Evolving role of microreactors in various industries (14:58)
Policy and regulatory actions for nuclear advancement (18:26)

Connect with Benton Arnett

On LinkedIn

Benton Arnett, Senior Director of Markets and Policy at the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), leads the development and execution of policy advocacy strategies to advance the interests of the nuclear energy industry. With over a decade of experience in government affairs, issues management, and strategic partnerships, he has a proven track record of influencing policy outcomes, building coalitions, and effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders. Arnett holds a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Texas A&M University, where he specialized in energy, transportation, and technology policy. He is passionate about promoting energy policy that supports national security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Connect with Constellation

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Heard at REF: Renewable Thermal — The Next Frontier in Decarbonization, Ep. 112

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Zephyr Taylor, Global Commercial Head and Category Director for Renewable Energy at Mars, Inc., takes a close look at the topic of Scope 1 emissions and industrial heat decarbonization. While many companies are comfortable sourcing renewable electricity for their Scope 2 targets, Scope 1 — specifically the challenge of decarbonizing industrial heat — is a different story. This episode tackles the technology, economics, and internal company dynamics required to make progress in this area.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Understanding Scope 1 decarbonization (02:37)
Technological solutions for renewable thermal (05:01)
Challenges and market dynamics of renewable thermal (09:11)
Mars' renewables projects (13:30)

Connect with Zephyr Taylor

On LinkedIn

As the Global Commercial head for Renewable Energy & Carbon Credits at Mars Inc., Zephyr Taylor oversees Mars’ renewable energy sourcing throughout the world – including market assessment, supplier engagement, deal structuring and negotiation, and key internal stakeholder partnering, alongside team oversight and organizational alignment. Zephyr has led the development and execution of strategic sustainability initiatives in the public and private sector globally. His expertise spans policymaking, commercial negotiation, project development and transaction structuring, and thought leadership on organizational reform and stakeholder mobilization. Zephyr holds an MBA and Master of Environmental Management degrees from Yale University. He received his undergraduate degree with Highest Honors in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Google’s Climate Journey – Decarbonization Within Reach, Ep. 111

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Savannah Goodman, Data and Software Climate Solutions Lead at Google, talks about Google's ambitious 24/7 carbon-free energy goal and the innovative tools Google is developing to decarbonize not only its operations but also to influence the broader energy grid. She reveals their use of Time-Based Energy Attribute Certificates (T-EACs) and how this technology can change the procurement of energy across all industries and deliver clean energy to the grid in times and places where it’s needed.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Google’s commitment to using 24/7 carbon-free energy (02:19)
Google’s Time-Based Energy Attribute Certificates (T-EACs) (05:54)
Load flexibility and demand response solutions at Google (09:15)
Impact of smart energy programs on small companies (11:20)
Broader net-zero goals by 2030 (13:02)

Connect with Savannah Goodman

On LinkedIn

Savannah Goodman leads the team that incubates data and software solutions to enable Google and our partners to meet ambitious climate targets, including Net Zero and 24/7 Carbon-free energy by 2030. Her ultimate goal is to accelerate system-level grid decarbonization. In addition to incubating new solutions, her team spearheads technical ecosystem development and thought leadership, as well as drives strategic direction and expertise across Google.

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Heard at REF: Beyond ESG — Making Renewable Energy a Business Priority, Ep. 110

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 08:30:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Charles Benisch, Director of Renewable Advisory at

ENGIE Impact, covers how to move from admirable renewable energy goals to actionable

strategies that align with executive priorities, as well as the rising risks of climate-related

lawsuits, the impact of skyrocketing energy costs, and the looming pressure on supply chains.

For organizations committed to sustainability, he outlines how innovative solutions like

community solar programs and tax credit transfers can be leveraged to create budget-free paths to achieving green goals while still benefiting the bottom line.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

● The concept of exponential growth in the renewable energy industry (02:18)

● Challenges in scaling renewable energy (03:45)

● Climate-related risks, lawsuits,and reputational risks (05:29)

● Energy costs and operating profits (11:12)

● Scope 3 emissions and supply challenges (14:07)

● The use of tax credits to support sustainability goals (18:54)

● Flexible solutions for advancing renewable energy (23:32)

Connect with Charles Benisch

On LinkedIn

Charles Benisch is the Director of Renewable Advisory at ENGIE Impact where he helps F500 companies and institutional buyers develop and manage renewable energy portfolios. Charles brings 12+ years’ experience in the renewable energy market, and he specializes in the development of renewable energy strategies that reduce cost, drive earnings, and manage risk. Building upon years in product development and commercial strategy at two of the world’s largest renewable advisory companies, Charles is an expert in helping clients develop business cases, communicate value internally, and align stakeholders. Prior to his role at ENGIE Impact, Charles helped build and scale Enel X’s renewable advisory practice.

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Heard at REF: How to Plan Your Optimal Clean Energy Roadmap at Least Cost, Ep. 109

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, listen to insights from a session at the 2024 Renewable

Energy Forum (REF) featuring Seyed Madaeni, co-founder and CEO of Verse. Madaeni

discusses the complexities of planning an optimal clean energy roadmap at the lowest cost. He

outlines the various factors that organizations need to consider when planning their

sustainability programs and the importance of understanding the financial implications of these

decisions.

Live polling at REF revealed insights into attendees’ experiences with PPAs and their

organization's clean energy goals. Among those results, many organizations responded that

they have clean energy goals, but there is still a need for more robust strategies to achieve

them, including technology-driven solutions.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

● The complexities of a clean energy goal (05:23)

● Important questions in setting up a clean energy program (09:21)

● A case study on evaluating approaches to sustainability (13:10)

● The importance of data-driven insights (18:34)

Connect with Seyed Madaeni

On LinkedIn

Seyed has been building software products to optimize the electricity sector for 10+ years. Before founding Verse, he served as the Chief Digital Officer at Fluence, where he played a central role in the company’s successful $5B+ IPO, overseeing its digital business unit. Seyed was instrumental in growing Fluence’s renewable portfolio to over 10GW. Earlier in his career, Seyed was the CEO of AMS, where he pioneered a flagship market bidding product that eventually led to the company’s acquisition by Fluence. Seyed also contributed significantly to Tesla, SolarCity, and PG&E, providing technical oversight for several groundbreaking wholesale market-facing software applications. Seyed holds a BS and MS in electrical engineering from the University of Tehran and a PhD in Systems Engineering (Operations Research) from Ohio State University.

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The Intersection of AI and Sustainability, Ep. 108

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil sits down with Megan Lorenzen, Director of Climate and Energy at Salesforce, to discuss the intersection of AI, energy and sustainability. Megan shares insights on Salesforce's efforts in clean energy deployment, including their 100% renewable energy commitment and their role in the global energy transition. They also explore Salesforce's innovative approaches to AI, including the balance between AI's potential to drive climate action and its environmental impact. Megan shares Salesforce’s new sustainable AI policy principles and discusses their engagement with policymakers to promote effective climate legislation, while providing a comprehensive look at how leading technology firms are navigating the complex landscape of energy and AI for a sustainable future.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Salesforce's 100% renewable energy commitment (02:57)
The rise of AI and its impact on the electricity grid (08:11)
The intersection of AI and sustainability (11:14)
Salesforce’s best practices (12:36)
AI as a tool to drive climate action (15:30)
Sustainable AI policy principles (18:04)
Guidance for companies or organizations exploring AI (27:54)

Connect with Megan Lorenzen

On LinkedIn

As Director of Climate & Energy at Salesforce, Megan Lorenzen leads Salesforce’s global climate policy program, advocating for policies that set the world on a path to a just transition to a 1.5-degree future. Megan also leads the company’s power sector decarbonization efforts. This includes catalyzing new, high-impact, renewable energy projects to maintain Salesforce’s global 100% renewable energy commitment and deploying the company’s cross-functional energy transition strategy.

Megan has a BS from Santa Clara University and an MBA from CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business. Megan is the co-author of More than a Megawatt: Embedding Social & Environmental Impact in the Renewable Energy Procurement Process.

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Heard at REF: The Continued Evolution of Offsite Renewable Purchasing, Ep. 107

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil welcomes Luke Penne, Senior Business Development Manager at Constellation Energy, in an interview from the 2024 Renewable Energy Forum, “The Continued Evolution of Offsite Renewable Purchasing.” This insightful episode covers recent developments in offsite renewable purchasing, including factors affecting the rising prices of power purchase agreements (PPAs), the importance of more impactful renewable purchases, and increasing demand for PPAs and integrated solutions as companies face challenges in meeting their 2025 and 2030 sustainability goals.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Impactful PPA transactions (05:51)
The increased demand for PPAs and integrated solutions (07:42)
Meeting the challenges of increasing demand (09:41)
Navigating the changing market (11:59)
Hourly carbon-free electricity (12:59)

Connect with Luke Penne

On LinkedIn

With 10 years of energy and finance experience, Luke is currently a Senior Business Development Manager for Constellation, helping businesses decarbonize their operations hour-by-hour. Prior to his current role, Luke held several positions, both with Constellation and a sell-side investment bank, in energy and fixed-income trading operations. Luke achieved a master's in finance through the University of Baltimore and also holds a Bachelor of Science from Towson University.

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If you're interested in participating in Net Zero Forum Fall this September, visit sednetzeroforum.com/fall or email our team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com to get started.

Heard at REF: PIVOT! How to Keep Advancing Your Strategy When Everything Changes, Ep. 106

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Sarah Johnston, Managing Director of Marketing and Carbon Differentiated Strategy at Calpine, discusses corporate sustainability targets and the challenges of achieving them, particularly among the recent changes in SEC and SBTi guidelines. This was the opening keynote at SED’s recent Renewable Energy Forum.

Drawing from 15 years at Calpine, Johnston explores proactive and prescriptive planning to mitigate risks and optimize energy strategies in an uncertain environment. She also touches on corporate challenges in Scope 3 emissions, advocating for supply chain collaboration to reduce carbon footprints.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Corporate challenges in sustainability (04:25)
Changes impacting energy markets (08:33)
How the energy market is aligned with the housing market (16:13)
A tactical approach to sustainability strategy (19:28)
Scope 3 emissions and how to reduce them (22:26)

Click here for full show notes

Connect with Sarah Johnston

On LinkedIn

Sarah Johnston began her career at Calpine in 2009, focusing on reporting and analysis for risk management clients. As the Managing Director of Marketing and Carbon Differentiated Strategy, Ms. Johnston manages a roster of Calpine Energy Solutions’ Portfolio Risk Management clients with complex and expansive footprints or portfolios. She is responsible for analyzing data on macroeconomic trends, commodity market influences, and broader energy markets while ensuring that Calpine’s key clients’ electricity portfolios are balanced and well-managed. Her expertise in sustainability and energy portfolio management guides clients through the use of advanced risk analytics, evaluation of strategy performance, and guidance in creating and executing energy policies and strategies that concurrently manage impacts to cost, risk, and carbon. Ms. Johnston is also a frequent speaker on the topics of corporate sustainability, renewable energy strategy, energy portfolio management, and commodity risk management. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, Elmhurst College; Graduate Certificate, Corporate Sustainability and Innovation, Harvard University.

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Navigating Building Regulations and Incentives to Empower Sustainability, Ep. 105

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil speaks with Melissa Banks, Regulatory and Utility Advocacy Director at Trane Technologies, about the complex landscape of building decarbonization and sustainability. Banks discusses the increasing importance of regulatory compliance, utility incentives, and tax benefits in making energy efficiency projects financially viable for businesses and building owners.

She explains the significance of understanding local utility incentives and shares examples of utility programs that offer substantial rebates for energy-efficient upgrades and emphasizes leveraging these incentives and working with experts to help maximize the financial benefits of their sustainability efforts — making the path to decarbonization both achievable and affordable.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

How regulations are impacting organizations’ decarbonization efforts (02:09)
National, state and local energy codes (03:47)
Building performance standards, electrification policies, and climate and emissions reporting regulations (06:06)
Available incentives to reduce emissions (14:52)
How to leverage tax incentives (18:39)

Connect with Melissa Banks

On LinkedIn

As the Regulatory and Utility Advocacy Director at Trane Technologies, Melissa Banks is responsible for leading Trane’s climate-related regulatory thought leadership, market intelligence, and influence in the energy sector. She has over 15 years of experience in helping industry stakeholder groups advocate for sustainable and resilient community infrastructure solutions.

Melissa holds a B.S. in Public Relations from California State University and an M.B.A. from Rutgers University. She can be found hiking trails throughout the Pacific Northwest with family in her spare time.

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Circular Economy and Sustainable Deconstruction: A Unique Approach at the City of Boulder, Ep. 104

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Debra Chanil welcomes Emily Freeman, Circular Economy Policy Advisor of the City of Boulder. Freeman highlights strides in three core principles of the circular economy and how Boulder's initiatives align with the city's ambitious climate action goals.

As Boulder continues its journey towards carbon neutrality, Freeman's insights offer a blueprint for other cities and organizations seeking to integrate circular economy principles into their sustainability strategies and policies.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

The role of a Circular Economy Policy Advisor (04:21)
The value of building material reuse in reaching net-zero goals (06:02)
City of Boulder’s sustainable deconstruction ordinance (08:07)
The deconstruction of Boulder Community Hospital (9:40)
Future applications of the ordinance (19:48)
The City of Boulder as a circular economy leader (22:00)

Resources & People Mentioned:

Connect with Emily Freeman

On LinkedIn

Emily Freeman is a Circular Economy Policy Advisor for the City of Boulder. She oversees the success of Boulder’s deconstruction ordinance to keep carbon-intensive building materials available for reuse and recycling. Since ordinance implementation, Boulder has diverted 85%, or 111,168,000 pounds, of building materials from the landfill. Boulder’s landmark hospital deconstruction saw 93.5% diversion with the true highlight being the innovative approach to direct structural steel reuse from the hospital into new city construction. Emily leads efforts to identify policy mechanisms to further deconstruction opportunities, engage with contractors, and drive progress towards the city’s climate goals. Emily is an experienced public and private sector sustainability professional adept at developing sustainability roadmaps, analyzing waste audits, managing environmental management systems, and developing circular economy policies. She holds a Masters in Sustainability from Arizona State University. She currently serves on the Board of Build Reuse and is a Commissioner for Colorado’s Solid & Hazardous Waste Commission. In her downtime, Emily enjoys getting outside with her husband and their dog and loves teaching her three-year-old to ride a bike.

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The Evolution of Building Performance Standards, Ep. 103

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil sat down with Marshall Duer-Balkind, Director of Policy Programs at the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), to talk about building performance standards (BPS) and their implications for the energy transition. He also gives an overview of IMT's mission and work, focusing on their efforts to improve the efficiency and performance of buildings through policy development and equitable decarbonization.

Duer-Balkind delves into the specifics of BPS policies and the need for long-term planning by building owners and tenants to meet their requirements, emphasizing that "doing nothing ain't free." He discusses how building performance standards intersect with other market trends such as climate change mitigation, financial considerations, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements, as well as the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to achieve sustainability goals.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

BPS policies, and their implications to owners and tenants (04:29)
How BPS policies intersect with other market trends (20:30)
The importance of long-term planning (27:46)

Resources & People Mentioned:

Connect with Marshall Duer-Balkind

On LinkedIn

Marshall Duer-Balkind is the Director of Policy Programs at IMT, where he works to develop and implement policies for driving high-performance buildings, grounded in community priorities and technical quality.

Marshall is an international expert in policies and technologies to improve the energy and carbon performance of buildings and communities, with over a dozen years of experience in the for-profit, government, and non-profit sectors. Prior to starting his current role with IMT in April 2023, he worked as a consultant at the deep green engineering firm Introba, where he managed cutting-edge decarbonization plans and policies for over 20 cities and 15 institutions across North America. He has also worked for the District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), where he built and ran one of the first benchmarking and disclosure programs in the U.S., supported the groundbreaking Clean Energy DC plan, and evaluation, measurement, & verification of the DC Sustainable Energy Utility’s energy savings and other performance targets. Prior to that, he was one of IMT’s first “City Advisors” embedded in a local government.

Marshall is a key contributor to the first building performance standard programs in both the U.S. and Canada, as Co-Chair of Washington, D.C.’s Building Energy Performance Standards Task Force, and a member of the City of Vancouver’s Carbon Pollution Limits Technical Advisory Committee. Marshall holds a Master’s of Environmental Management degree from the Yale School of the Environment and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Computer Science from Oberlin College. He is proudly born and raised in Washington, D.C.

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Heard at Net Zero Forum: The Decarbonization Journey Begins With Energy Efficiency, Ep. 102

Fri, 17 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil welcomes Sharon L. Nolen, Program Manager & Fellow, Global Natural Resource Management at Eastman Chemical, for a dive into Eastman's journey toward decarbonization, emphasizing the pivotal role of energy efficiency in their strategy. Sharon highlights Eastman Chemical's commitment to sustainability, focusing on mitigating climate change, mainstreaming circularity and caring for society.

Sharon outlines Eastman Chemical's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy usage by 2030, providing examples of energy efficiency projects across analytics, utility systems, distribution, and manufacturing processes, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability benefits.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Eastman Chemical’s decarbonization journey (02:21)
Energy efficiency initiatives (04:45)
Goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (07:28)
Technological innovations in decarbonization (09:24)

Click here for detailed show notes.

Resources & People Mentioned:

Connect with Sharon L. Nolen

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Sharon L. Nolen is an Eastman Fellow and leads Eastman’s Global Natural Resource Management program as well as one of the company’s three Sustainability Subcouncils. She represents Eastman in the DOE Better Plants Program and the ENERGY STAR® Industrial Partner Program and serves on the Industrial Advisory Board for the National Alliance for Water Innovation. Nolen was recently selected by U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to lead the Industrial Technology Innovation Advisory Committee (ITIAC), which is charged with helping to decarbonize America's industrial sector.

Sharon is a frequently invited speaker at national and international energy conferences. She has been published in Chemical Engineering Progress and Chemical Processing and authored a chapter in the book, “Energy Management and Efficiency for the Process Industries.” She was named the 2019 International Energy Manager of the Year by the Association of Energy Engineers and received the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ Energy and Sustainability Award in 2020. Sharon is a Professional Engineer and a Certified Energy Manager.

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Heard at Net Zero Forum: What's Old, New, and Next for Hourly Carbon-Free Matching Products, Ep. 101

Fri, 03 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we join experts during the opening session of the Net Zero Forum Spring for important updates on hourly carbon-free energy matching. The session, titled "What's Old, New, and Next for Hourly Carbon-Free Matching Products" and presented by Constellation, sheds light on the changing landscape of clean energy and the importance of hourly 24/7 carbon-free energy as a new industry standard.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Defining hourly carbon-free matching (5:06)
Policy tailwinds and the future of clean energy procurement (7:15)
Customer perspectives and the evolution of the energy market (10:35)
The future of granular certificates and energy trading (16:00)

Resources & People Mentioned:

Connect with Brian Megali

On LinkedIn

Brian Megali leads the Clean Energy Policy team in the Public Policy group at Constellation. His team is responsible for providing power sector forecasting and analysis of existing and proposed environmental policies, climate change policies, market design initiatives, and policies designed to promote low- and emissions-free energy resources. Brian’s team also coordinates advocacy efforts at the state, regional, and federal levels.

Connect with Katie Soroye

On LinkedIn

Katie Soroye is VP of Granular Procurement Solutions at LevelTen Energy, the industry’s leading provider of renewable transaction infrastructure. She leads the business strategy and development behind LevelTen’s granular certificate solutions, designed to accelerate clean energy transactions and decarbonize at scale. A self-proclaimed energy nerd, Katie has worked in the energy industry for more than 15 years, including leadership roles at an investor-owned utility, B Corporation, and early-stage start-ups. Outside of work, Katie enjoys lots of R&R (reading and running) in Seattle.

Connect with Chuck Hanna

On LinkedIn

Chuck Hanna is the Vice President of National Accounts and Solutions Sales at Constellation. In this role, he leads a team of sales professionals in providing comprehensive energy solutions to commercial and industrial retail customers across the nation including two-thirds of the Fortune 100. This includes leadership and management of associations where Constellation is the endorsed energy supplier.

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Heard at Net Zero Forum: Women in Smart Energy, Ep #100

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0000

We’re celebrating the 100th episode of Smart Energy Voices with a showcase of women leaders who are driving sustainability in the energy sector. As recorded at the recent Net Zero Forum Spring, 2024 WISE (Women in Smart Energy) winners Renée Yarmy, Eryn Beddoes and Leigh Pearson discuss advancing net-zero efforts, workforce development, the value of mentorship, improving gender diversity in STEM and energy, and their personal motivations.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Innovative projects and sustainability goals [02:09]
A closer look at WISE winners' contributions [07:16]
Challenges/opportunities for women in energy and sustainability sectors [16:41]
Gender diversity and collaboration in the energy transition [29:27]

Resources & People Mentioned:

Connect with Renée Yarmy

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Connect with Eryn Beddoes

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Connect with Leigh Pearson

On LinkedIn

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Seizing the Day: Decarbonization as an Organizational Opportunity, Ep. 99

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Debra Chanil welcomes back Becky Wacker, the Director of Energy Services Sales at Trane Commercial. In Episode 88, they dug into the challenges and opportunities that commercial building operators face today in light of their decarbonization efforts.

In this new episode, Becky discusses how to seize decarbonization as an organizational opportunity and provides a framework for navigating complexity and prioritizing where to turn decarbonization into a competitive advantage.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Regulatory push for decarbonization (2:42)
Impact of decarbonization in different areas of an organization (6:46)
Breaking down silos within organizations (10:23)
Cost savings and improved operational efficiency (13:05)

Resources & People Mentioned:

Connect with Becky Wacker

On LinkedIn

Becky Wacker is the Director of Sales for Energy Services at Trane by Trane Technologies, leading acquisition and implementation of complex facility programs and projects. She has 15 years of experience helping customers leverage their buildings to better meet their organizational goals, with a particular passion for decarbonization and efficiency.

Becky received her Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Minnesota while winning two Division I National Championships with the Women’s Ice Hockey team. She sits on the board for Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO), and can often be found in a sports venue playing, watching, or coaching in her spare time.

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An Entrepreneur's Journey in Clean Energy, Ep #98

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Debra Chanil speaks with Brittney Boyd, founder and CEO of the Energy Equity Group (EEG). Brittney shares her personal journey, from growing up in a low-income neighborhood to becoming an influential figure in the clean energy industry, and delves deeper into the mission and goals of the Energy Equity Group.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Energy Equity Group’s mission and goals (07:41)
Role of corporate partnerships (09:28)
Importance of authenticity and integrity (13:23)
Corporate responsibility and additionality (15:55)

Resources & People Mentioned:

Connect with Brittney Boyd

On LinkedIn

Brittney Boyd is the CEO and Founder of The Energy Equitable Group (EEG), offering authentic and meaningful environmental justice services to corporations committed to an equitable and just transition to clean energy. She holds an associate degree in business administration and has over 15 years in the sales industry and 11 years in enterprise partnership management.

Brittney Boyd's educational foundation is rooted in her studies at Temple University's Fox School of Business. She excelled in the workforce, showcasing exceptional communication skills, adaptability, and a data-driven approach in both B2B and B2C sales environments. She led multiple successful sales partnership teams across various regions for AT&T Telecommunications, a Fortune 10 company.

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Energy and Equity with Emily Schapira, Ep #97

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil welcomes Emily Schapira, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. She’s also a recent winner of the DEI Impact award in the Catalyst for Change category. They discuss how the Philadelphia Energy Authority is making great strides in the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Learning about the Philadelphia Energy Authority [01:25]
Emily’s background in the energy industry [02:50]
Renewable energy and the job market [05:38]
The Philadelphia Energy Authority and the federal government [09:45]
The priorities of the Philadelphia Energy Authority [12:43]
How its partnerships are created and structured [16:03]
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace [19:37]
What’s next for Emily and the Philadelphia Energy Authority [26:35]

Click here for detailed show notes

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Emily Schapira

On LinkedIn

Emily has led the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) as its President and CEO since 2016. PEA is an independent municipal authority building a robust, equitable clean energy economy in Philadelphia. PEA has supported over $800M in energy efficiency and clean energy programs and projects so far, creating over 7,000 jobs. PEA's work has been nationally recognized as a model for other states and municipalities. It covers City infrastructure, the School District of Philadelphia, housing, small businesses, and commercial and industrial properties. Prior to joining PEA, Emily led energy efficiency work across commercial and industrial customer portfolios for WESCO and Aelux and served in sustainability roles with Wharton, Intel, and Verizon. She chairs the board of the Philadelphia Green Capital Corp, Philly's green bank.

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Heard at NZF #4 Insights from the Health Care Sector, Ep #96

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0000

At its recent Net Zero Forum, Smart Energy Decisions conducted live interviews with energy customers at various stages of their decarbonization strategies. This episode of the Heard at NZF mini-series focuses on energy customers in healthcare. The interviews feature Scott Czubkowski, the National Director of Energy and Facility Performance at Medxcel Facilities, and Cory Pouliot, the Senior Director of Facilities Operations at Boston Medical Center.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

National solutions for sustainable healthcare [02:05]
Making data-based decisions [07:41]
Sustainability and DEI in healthcare facility construction [11:25]
Bringing the community on board [13:43]

Connect with Scott Czubkowski

On LinkedIn

Scott Czubkowski PE, CHC is the Director of Energy and Facility Performance at Medxcel. His specialties include large-scale demand side reduction strategies resulting in utility savings and lower carbon emissions (GHG), supply side management procurement strategies that leverage large portfolio aggregation which supports RE strategies and facility performance programs that optimizes existing assets while optimizing maintenance costs.

Mr. Czubkowski entered the energy arena in 1990 as a nuclear plant construction engineer on 688 Los Angeles Class submarines and has supported hospital demand side programs since 1994 through various roles as a BAS controls engineer, HVAC system design builder, professional MEP consultant. Most recently, he manages over 1.9 TWh of emissions.

He is a licensed trainer for Florida CILB continuing education programs, an adjunct professor for DeVry University and has spoken at regional engagements related to energy and HVAC system operations.

Geographical regions served: SE & Central US, Caribbean Islands, Switzerland, Holland, France and Canada.

Connect with Cory Pouliot

On LinkedIn

Cory Pouliot is the Senior Director of Facilities Operations at Boston Medical Center. Cory possesses strong leadership and organizational competencies combined with strategic planning skills to ensure functional and sustainable program development and implementation, for both clinical and ancillary support/service areas.

Cory holds a Master’s degree in Facilities Management from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a MBA in Healthcare Administration from Anna Maria College. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and Facilities and Plant Engineering; both from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Cory is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Cory is also an Adjunct Professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology, teaching various courses in numerous undergraduate and graduate programs in their Facilities Management and Construction Management programs.

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Heard at NZF #3 Insights from the Commercial Sector, Ep #95

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0000

At its recent Net Zero Forum, Smart Energy Decisions conducted live interviews with energy customers at various stages of their decarbonization strategies. This episode of the Heard at NZF mini-series features interviews with energy customers in the commercial space. The guests are Joshua Witte, Director of Energy Sustainability and ESG at Dollar Tree stores, Rebecca Hensley, Senior Manager of Environment Programs at CSX, and Gary Hilber, Chief Sustainability Officer at Local Bounti.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Dollar Tree’s first steps in sustainability [01:42]
Landlord and internal buy-in [06:48]
CSX Transportation’s emission reduction efforts [11:49]
Renewable diesel and alternative fuels in the rail industry [13:50]
Local Bounti’s sustainable commitment [17:36]
Sustainability progress in agriculture [25:39]

Find detailed show notes here

Resources & People Mentioned

Balancing Profitability and Sustainability at IKEA, #94

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0000

At Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Net Zero Forum, Adrian Avino, Engineering Construction Manager for IKEA Property, North America Real Estate/US, gave an overview of how IKEA plans to meet its sustainability goals. Adrian shares IKEA’s holistic approach including the company’s strategy to use renewable heating and cooling for projects across its North American portfolio.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

IKEA’s sustainability goals [01:36]
Renewable solutions for commercial buildings [03:12]
Decarbonizing existing buildings [11:01]
Holistic sustainability [14:25]

Click here to read detailed show notes

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Adrian Avino

On LinkedIn

Adrian holds a civil engineering and an MBA finance degree, is a voting member of the Climate Positive Forum, and is the lead Engineer for IKEA North America in the US. In this role, he spearheads the approval, research, and development of Sustainability Projects. Adrian and his team have approved over $500 million in large-scale Sustainability Investments, among PV, ESS, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Heating and Cooling projects, with the ambition to eliminate the use of fossil fuels by 80%. Adrian is also an ambassador for the IKEA Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, and collaborates with diverse partners and organizations on renewable energy investments and sustainable development to combat climate change.

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DEI Impact Awards Part 2, Ep #93

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Smart Energy Voices, we continue to highlight the winners of the 2023 DEI Impact Awards, recognizing power users driving the energy transition while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We speak with Sandeep Blah about the PSE&G Clean Energy Jobs Program, Bambi Ingram about the success and educational value of the UAB Solar House and Sustainable Community project, and Scott Gerba and Ashif Hassan about the Colin Powell Bloom Energy Fellowship.

Each of these winners shares their insights on empowering individuals, sustainable living, and fostering diversity in clean energy leadership and how their particular program helped move the needle in those ways. Listen to gain insight into integrating DEI into operations and encourage support and participation in your energy transition efforts. The DEI Impact Awards were sponsored by NRG.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Sandip Blah, representing PSE&G, winner of a Partnership award for their Clean Energy Jobs Program. [2:05]
Bambi Ingram, representing the University of Alabama at Birmginham’s award-winning UAB Solar House and Sustainable Community [14:00]
Ashif Hassan and Scott Gurba, representing The Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at CCNY, winner of the One to Watch award

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DEI Impact Awards Part 1, Ep #92

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

At its recent Net Zero Forum, Smart Energy Decisions hosted the 2023 DEI Impact Awards, recognizing large power users’ company-wide efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion while powering the energy transition. This two-part series will celebrate the winners of these awards and highlight their efforts. The DEI Impact Awards were sponsored by NRG.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Energy-saving programs for public housing in the US [02:05]
Funding opportunities for public housing programs [06:39]
Expanding access to energy programs [11:38]
Inclusivity in sustainability efforts [16:28]
UTRGV’s emphasis on DEI [17:52]
Mentorship and sustainability in higher education [20:55]
Diversity, equity, and inclusion impact at NRG [30:39]

For detailed show notes and guest bios, click here

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Jennifer Brunelle

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Sustainability, Reliability, and Security while Managing Costs- a View from Microsoft & Constellation Ep #91

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

At Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Net Zero Forum, Michelle Lancaster, Microsoft’s Director of Global Sustainability Strategy and GTM, and Chuck Hanna, Vice President of National Accounts and Solutions Sales, gave a keynote discussing how Microsoft is working with Constellation to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy reliability – all while managing costs.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Sustainability and renewable energy partnerships [03:49]
Reliability in a growing industry [06:27]
Reducing the carbon footprint of data centers [10:12]
Technology partnerships for sustainability [16:06]
Energy policy and advocacy [20:10]
Sustainability management [24:07]

Click here for show notes

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Chuck Hanna

On LinkedIn

Chuck Hanna has extensive experience in the energy sector including competitive retail markets, wholesale markets, and transmission and distribution businesses. He serves as the Vice President of National Accounts and Solution Sales at Constellation. In this role, he leads a team of sales professionals in providing comprehensive energy solutions to commercial and industrial retail customers across the nation including two-thirds of the Fortune 100. This includes leadership and management of associations where Constellation is the endorsed energy supplier. With nearly 20 years of experience in the energy sector, Chuck has deep expertise in the energy markets and the long-term trajectory and forward-looking trends.

Prior to his current role, Chuck worked as Vice President of Mid-Atlantic Sales and East Regional Sales at Constellation Energy Company, which is the competitive retail business within Exelon Generation Company, LLC. Chuck was responsible for leading over 50 sales professionals across the Mid-Atlantic, New York, and New England electricity, natural gas, demand response, renewable energy, energy efficiency and other services directly to commercial and industrial customers. Prior to the merger of Exelon and Constellation, Chuck led the retail sales team for all regions at Exelon Energy. With experience in sales, marketing, and origination across many geographic regions.

He is a graduate of the University of Delaware where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He earned his Master of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Bath in England, which he attended as a Rotary Foundation Scholar.”

Connect with Michelle Lancaster

On LinkedIn

Michelle Lancaster currently leads Microsoft’s GTM, customer engagement, and product strategy for sustainability. In this role, she has helped scope and close customer agreements focused on decarbonization, driving $500M+ revenue; launched a global seller training and customer engagement program; shaped the company’s product roadmap and initial SKUs on sustainability solutions; formed and launched strategic partnerships including Transform to Net Zero; and most recently, led the creation of Microsoft’s first sustainability report.

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Heard at Net Zero Forum Insights from the Higher Education Sector Ep #90

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

At its recent Net Zero Forum, Smart Energy Decisions recorded onsite interviews with energy customers at various stages of their decarbonization strategies. This episode features conversations with energy customers in higher education. This series of interviews aims to provide listeners with insights and inspiration to help them on their clean energy journeys.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Michigan State’s energy transition plan [03:01]
Energy challenges at Michigan State [08:36]
Bard College at Simon’s Rock’’s energy projects and goals [14:56]
Proving a business case at private colleges [16:39]
Sustainability at California State [25:19]
Funding challenges at a large public university [30:19]
Inclusivity and sustainability goals [37:46]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Dr. Wolfgang Bauer

On LinkedIn

Dr. Wolfgang Bauer is a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, where he has been on the faculty since 1988, holding a dual appointment at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. He was chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy from 2001 to 2013 and Founding Director of the Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research from 2009 to 2013. From 2013 to 2020 Dr. Bauer served as Senior Consultant and Associate Vice President, driving the implementation of the Energy Transition Plan at Michigan State University. In 2019 he was also President of the MSU Foundation. Dr. Bauer is co-owner of several businesses in the renewable energy sector and has consulted on renewable energy issues for the fossil fuel industry and hedge funds. He has published over 200 research articles, conference proceedings, and books, and has given over 400 invited presentations in 25 countries.

Connect with Jason Maronde

On LinkedIn

Jason Maronde is a Facilities Management Professional from Bard College at Simon's Rock. He loves to explore new energy technology and find the potential for energy improvements in every situation. Jason is an active volunteer firefighter and lives on top of a mountain.

Connect with Lindsey Rowell

On LinkedIn

Lindsey Rowell is the Chief of Energy, Sustainability & Transportation for the California State University system in the Office of the Chancellor. Her department is responsible for issuing policy directives, program development and serves in an advisory capacity to support the 23 CSU campuses in achieving their carbon neutrality, energy efficiency and alternative transportation goals. The department also works closely with campuses to address issues of climate equity and strategies to address the worsening climate crises. Prior to this role Lindsey served as the Deputy Director for Sustainability for the CA Department of General Services and has worked developing sustainability and energy management programs for public agencies for the last 15 years.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s of Science in Neurobiology with a minor in Environmental Science from Sacramento State University, and Master’s of Public Administration and Master’s of Business Administration from CSU Dominguez Hills and CSU Monterey Bay, respectively.

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Heard at the Net Zero Forum: Insights from the Industrial Sector Ep #89

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0000

At its recent Net Zero Forum, Smart Energy Decisions recorded onsite interviews with energy customers at various stages of their decarbonization strategies. Today’s inaugural episode features conversations with multiple energy customers in the industrial energy space. This series of interviews aims to provide listeners with insights and inspiration to help them on their clean energy journeys.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Sustainability challenges for Mohawk Industries [02:10]
Global footprint strategies [08:11]
Prioritizing energy efficiency projects [11:40]
ESG initiatives and sustainability at Arcosa [17:47]
Accountability in energy initiatives [20:51]
Sustainability and pioneering at Kirkhill [29:28]
Opportunities in clean energy [35:57]

Focusing on energy efficiency first

Mohawk Industries has many customers that hold sustainability as a high priority. For example, within its commercial product division, which includes carpets used in the hospitality industry, the industrial industry, and government, some customers have net zero goals built into their contracts. In addition, Mohawk itself has set a net zero goal for 2035 and is also working toward a way to apply those goals to its global market.

Mohawk’s sustainability team is currently focusing on energy efficiency projects, using both internal and external capital when necessary. The company wants to reduce its footprint as much as possible before initiating its greater energy goals. The energy efficiency projects reduce emissions while providing a favorable return on investment.

Sustainability in a young company

Arcosa has been a publicly traded company for five years. From the start, it made ESG a company priority. In 2022, Arcosa published its first sustainability goal: a 10% emissions intensity reduction by 2026. Within the first year, the company almost met that goal. As a young, acquisitive company early in its journey, Arcosa is looking to make a solid commitment to sustainability that mostly avoids making exceptions or exclusions.

Many companies early in their sustainability journeys are still tracking progress in spreadsheets. With the future of regulation becoming increasingly clear, that business process is not sustainable. Arcosa has helped plants operationalize their data and provides a specific emissions target rather than a broad aspiration.

Communication and interconnection

Kirkhill is primarily a rubber manufacturing business supplying commercial aircraft, defense and space. The company has several California businesses, where the escalating cost of energy and the increasing availability of incentives are making the ROI of energy projects similar to that of other productivity projects, so it’s become easier to make energy a priority.

Among other clean energy projects, including a small energy storage battery and LED lighting, Kirkhill has installed microturbines that are functionally ready but waiting for utility approval. The company’s next project is carport PV solar. Ultimately, it is working toward building an onsite microgrid one piece at a time. After facing expediency challenges with its utility, Kirkhill advises anyone starting an energy project to begin early on the interconnection process.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Victoria Lopez-Whitley

On LinkedIn

Connect with Scott Bargerstock

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Connect with Charlie Marquez

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For detailed show notes, click here.

The value of a holistic approach to decarbonizing your building infrastructure, with Becky Wacker Ep #88

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, produced in partnership with Trane, host Debra Chanil welcomes Becky Wacker. Becky is the Director of Energy Services Sales for Trane Commercial Americas. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that commercial building operators face today in light of decarbonization.

Disclaimer: Trane does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material is for informational purposes only and it should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax law is subject to continual change. All decisions are your responsibility, and you should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors. Trane disclaims any responsibility for actions taken on the material presented.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Shifting focus to decarbonization [03:01]
How to approach energy targets [05:08]
Organizational alignment [10:56]
Regulations and local laws [14:05]
Funding and financing [16:16]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Becky Wacker

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Leadership Renewables and Water Conservation, with Alise Porto Ep #87

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil talks with Alise Porto, SVP of Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives at Switch and two-time winner of SED’s WISE (Women in Smart Energy) Award. They discuss how Switch has driven sustainability through innovative water conservation and renewable energy initiatives.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Alise’s journey to Switch [02:28]
The Regional Water Improvement Pipeline [04:10]
Switch’s ESG strategy [08:20]
Advice for women in sustainability [12:10]

Prioritizing sustainability

Switch is a technology infrastructure ecosystem corporation with a core business to design, construct, and operate the most advanced data centers. While headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Switch also has locations in Northern Nevada, Michigan, Atlanta, and Texas. CEO and founder, Rob Roy, has prioritized sustainability since he founded the company. Switch believes data runs the planet and that working together can ensure it doesn’t harm the planet.

Regional Water Improvement Pipeline Project

Switch can now cool all of its data centers at its Northern Nevada campus on 100% recycled water while being powered by 100% renewable power. The company’s Northern Nevada campus in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center is situated approximately 16 miles away from a water reclamation facility. This facility caters to the Reno and Sparks region, as well as Washoe County. Recognizing the potential benefits, Switch established a pipeline spanning 16 miles from the pump station.

This pipeline will provide over 4,000 acre-feet of water to the industrial park, allowing the construction of around 30,000 more homes in the area. Furthermore, it will save ratepayers $30 million in maintenance costs for the water reclamation facility. Using water cooling is 30% more efficient than electricity.

Working together for sustainability

Switch collaborated with the State of Nevada and Storey County to establish a tax increment area to secure funding for the construction of a pipeline, which cost nearly $40 million. This successful collaboration involved numerous stakeholders, including Tesla and Google, and allowed for the use of 100% recycled water while promoting sustainability. This opportunity was a win for everyone involved as it helps each company with sustainability initiatives.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Alise Porto

On LinkedIn

Alise Porto joined the Switch team in 2015 and has held several key senior management roles, currently serving as Vice President of Sustainability & Strategic Initiatives. As an invaluable member of the Sustainability Team, she is responsible for the oversight of Switch’s environmental, social, and governance initiatives (ESG) and implementing sustainable energy and resource management strategies that align with the company’s overall policies and goals of being environmentally and socially sustainable, in partnership with the Policy team.

In addition, Porto leads Switch’s energy procurement strategy and energy resources, including Switch’s retail electric provider activities in Texas and various resource management initiatives. She similarly leads the development and execution of special projects associated with business development and innovative sustainable water resource management.

Alise received her degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and completed the University of California Berkeley Sustainable Capitalism & ESG program.

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Developing an Innovative Clean Energy Financing Tool, with Abby Johnson Ep #86

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil is joined by Abby Johnson. Abby is President of both Abacus Property Solutions and the Virginia PACE Authority. She is a winner of the 2023 WISE (Women in Smart Energy) Award in the category of Industry Veteran.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Founding the Virginia PACE Authority [02:17]
How does PACE work? [06:04]
Managing public/private partnerships [09:56]
Early wins and barriers [11:26]
Working with other states [15:34]
The future for Virginia PACE [17:38]

Click here for full show notes

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Abby Johnson

On LinkedIn

Abby is Executive Director and founder of VPA. Since 2012, Abby has specialized in PACE financing, advising commercial building owners, lenders and public sector clients in PACE project and program development including crafting of PACE legislation, creating program guidelines, and launching and administering PACE programs. She has been instrumental in developing PACE programs around the country in Pennsylvania, Texas, Illinois, Florida, New Jersey, Louisiana, Oregon, North Carolina, and the Mid-Atlantic region, including Virginia. In Virginia, she was largely responsible for expanding PACE over the last five years to include resiliency, stormwater management, commercial condos, and retroactive projects. In 2019, she founded VPA to offer Virginia localities a low-cost, nonprofit option for program administration. Through Abby’s leadership, VPA has received multiple grants, including one that is funding the creation of a web-based platform that connects lenders with borrowers to fund resiliency and clean energy projects. In her capacity as an advisor, Abby works with building owners to develop “PACE-able” projects, structure PACE within the capital stack, and source senior debt as needed.

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University of New Mexico's Unique Energy Solution, with Matt Cherrin Ep #85

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil talks with Matthew Cherrin, Vice President of Lobo Energy Incorporated - a company owned by the University of New Mexico. Matthew explains this innovative business model and the university’s $140 million conservation story.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Matt’s role at Lobo Energy [01:44]
Seeing measurable results [05:34]
Community buy-in [10:12]
Telling the story of sustainability [14:45]
Essential partners of the programs [19:34]
Creating a sustainable energy plan [25:17]

Sustainable energy on campus

Lobo Energy is a 501(c)(3) owned by the Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico and falls under the University Research Park Economic Development Act. This legislation has allowed the university to have a district energy plant on its main campus. The plant creates chilled water, electricity, and steam that it sends to the buildings on the main campus.

The university needed a reliable and more efficient system to ensure its hospital would have energy. Lobo Energy has different procurement options than the university, allowing the company to make decisions and receive approval much more quickly than through a normal procurement process.

Monitoring success

After Lobo Energy and the University of New Mexico invested in the infrastructure of its district energy system, they also installed some smart metering. Every building has submeters providing data that Lobo Energy uses to measure success. Many people working at Lobo Energy have been there for 14 years, so they understand the buildings, where zero to low-cost energy conservation measures are possible, and where upgrades need to happen.

Because of its monitoring, Lobo Energy is the eyes and ears of the university. The company uses the data to perform an audit and then communicates that effort to the right personnel, whether maintenance or engineers. The engineers, facility management, and planning department can then spend their time on the bigger upgrades while Lobo Energy takes care of the smaller details that add up.

Communication and community buy-in

A great part of why Lobo Energy is successful is community buy-in. The university would not have seen some of its accomplishments so soon without the people in the buildings communicating and supporting their efforts. At first, people were uncomfortable with the company seemingly trying to turn the lights off on people. As more savings have been reported, they have been able to see the impact of these changes. Now Lobo Energy is seen as part of the University of New Mexico’s team.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Matt Cherrin

On LinkedIn

Matthew Cherrin is Vice President of Lobo Energy, Incorporated, which is a University of New Mexico-owned non-profit company. He has been part of a team that has helped UNM achieve over $140 million in cost avoidance and 26 percent energy reduction since 2008. Matthew holds an undergrad degree in Communications and Journalism, with a minor in Business and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He has a wife and two children, ages four and one.

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Building Corporate Energy Awareness Through Mentorship, with Kulsoom Khan Ep #84

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil is joined by Kulsoom Khan, Energy Efficiency Manager at Congebec. Kulsoom won a 2023 WISE (Women in Smart Energy) Award for the Energy Ambassador Program she created at her company. Kulsoom shares her experience cultivating energy culture buy-in.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Kulsoom’s role at Congebec [02:02]
Congebec’s Energy Ambassador Program [07:02]
Employee and management buy-in [09:41]
Accomplishments of the program [16:55]
Internal employee campaigns [20:17]
First steps to start an energy program [24:23]

Click here for detailed show notes

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Kulsoom Khan

On LinkedIn

Kulsoom Khan graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 2017. Since then, she has worked mainly in construction and the food industry. Kulsoom started her career in energy management at Maple Leaf Foods and joined Congebec in 2020 as Energy Efficiency Manager. Her role is to make sure all warehouses are as energy efficient as possible with their operations, manage energy-efficiency projects, and secure government funding for energy-saving initiatives. On a personal note, Kulsoom is passionate about saving energy in her daily life at home and is always giving energy-saving tips and tricks to her family and friends.

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On The Radar Screen: Emerging Trends and Technologies to Watch, with Peter Kelly-Detwiler Ep #83

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil shares a talk from Peter Kelly-Detwiler, a long-time friend of Smart Energy Decisions and author of The Energy Switch. Peter discusses new technologies and their advantages, drawbacks, and relative state of maturation, as well as a useful framework for how to think about new technologies and how they might affect enterprises going forward.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The current state of the world of energy [02:53]
Energy storage and renewables [07:29]
Transitions in storage [16:57]
Modular nuclear reactors and hydrogen hubs [20:06]
Autonomous driving and long-haul vehicles [23:52]

Click here for detailed show notes

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Peter Kelly-Detwiler

On LinkedIn

Peter Kelly-Detwiler has 30 years of experience in the electric energy industry, with much of his career in competitive power markets. He’s currently a leading consultant in the electric industry, providing strategic advice to clients and investors, helping them to navigate the rapid evolution of the electric power grid. Mr. Kelly-Detwiler offers numerous keynotes and workshops on a wide range of topics. He has also written widely on energy issues for Forbes.com and GE, with over 300 articles to his credit. His book on the transformation of electric power markets - “The Energy Switch” - was published by Prometheus Books in June of 2021.

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Sustainability and the City of Atlanta, with Chandra Farley Ep #82

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil shares a keynote from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Net Zero Forum presented by Chandra Farley, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Atlanta. Chandra talks about the importance of public-private partnerships, the value of positive pressure, and viewing sustainability through the lens of environmental justice.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Science-based and community-informed [03:20]
The Grants to Green program [12:13]
Climate and environmental justice [17:30]
Atlanta’s Year of the Youth [22:00]
Improving quality of life in the city [25:21]

Positive pressure

The City of Atlanta Office of Sustainability and Resilience focuses on clean energy, waste diversion, and food waste recovery. Atlanta has around 200 municipal buildings, which must partner with the Office of Sustainability and Resilience. While the Office of Sustainability and Resilience sets policies, priorities, targets, and goals, those goals are operationalized through the city’s departments. The Director of Urban Agriculture and Food Systems has three or four people who sit on the Department of City Planning. That interdepartmental relationship gives the Office of Sustainability and Resilience direct access to the resources necessary to make programs work.

Atlanta’s Grants to Green program

Grants to Green provided technical assistance and funding to nonprofits for energy and water efficiency upgrades. The program funded engineers to go out and do building assessments. The community foundation partner gave nonprofits grants to implement the list of recommendations. This program proved that the more money a nonprofit saves on operations, the more money it has for programs and services.

The Grants to Green program has worked with the Boys and Girls Club to save them $12,000 annually by changing their LED lighting. That equates to an additional 300 kids whom clubs can serve every year. Some clubs could also afford to hire more teachers for their summer programs. Without these efficiency upgrades and the resulting savings, people would’ve been left behind.

Impact beyond the city

Atlanta’s community clean energy programs have helped in more rural areas where many contractors hadn’t yet experienced some of the newer, more efficient technologies. Thanks to the City of Atlanta’s strong partnerships with its lighting contractors, mentorships grew between them and the rural companies.

Working together and supporting the community with green energy projects is a way to promote environmental justice. Not only do people see a reduction in their utility bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but financial benefit is delivered directly back into the communities. These communities can then offer more programs and services.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Chandra Farley

Chandra Farley serves as Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Atlanta. In this role, Chandra leads expansion of the City’s resilience and sustainability efforts through a lens of equity, including implementation of the city’s 100% clean energy plan, creating the City’s first comprehensive food systems plan, delivering on waste diversion goals, and leveraging federal resources from the Inflation Reduction Act.

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Women In Smart Energy Series: Kulsoom Khan, Kate Peterson, and Ibolya Yolas, Ep #81

Fri, 19 May 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Debra Chanil hosts a panel discussion featuring some of Smart Energy Decisions’ Women in Smart Energy (WISE) Award winners. These women share their paths in energy and sustainability, achievements, and continuing growth as women in the energy industry.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The importance of collaboration [01:52]
Going outside of your comfort zone [06:12]
Creating allowable paths [10:38]
Mentorship programs [14:33]
Women in leadership [21:49]

An environment of collaboration

The most fruitful collaboration requires vulnerability. While knowledge, tactics, and experience are essential, stepping back and asking for clarification helps realign a collaborative effort. Asking clarifying questions is a great skill and allows others to ask what they may have been too hesitant to ask otherwise.

People collaborate in different ways. Some are more comfortable writing, while others feel comfortable in a large group setting. To facilitate the environments needed for ideal communication, companies can encourage various atmospheres, such as smaller or one-on-one meetings. Creating these opportunities ensures that everybody’s voice can be heard.

Two types of mentorship

Formal mentorship is a great way to pass down information to younger generations and improve retention. Non-structured mentorship can also be valuable. That happens when people meet for a common goal, with one person having more experience than the other. These mentorships can be beneficial for years. Women need good role models hey can look up to for guidance. The benefit is mutual, as mentors can also learn from their mentees.

Women rising to leadership

Women are often expected to take on an invisible load of household chores and responsibilities at home without receiving due credit. Unfortunately, this translates to the workplace as well. Women tend to say yes to menial tasks that aren’t necessarily career drivers, like being asked to take meeting notes, schedule meetings, or send follow-up emails. These are all things that need to be done but aren’t going to lead to significant career growth.

Saying no can be difficult for women who don’t want to be perceived as aggressive. However, always saying yes means that menial tasks can replace what would have been career-building opportunities. Learning to laugh it off or disseminating the load can make the situation less awkward and more positive.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Kulsoom Khan

On LinkedIn

Connect with Kate Peterson

On LinkedIn

Connect with Ibolya Yolas

On LinkedIn

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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Getting Creative to Make Net Zero Pencil, with Chris Thurston Ep #80

Fri, 05 May 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil shares a keynote from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Net-Zero forum, featuring Chris Thurston, Director of Energy and Sustainability at Lineage Logistics. As a company with a real vision for what the sustainable warehouse of the future should be, Lineage Logistics focuses on best-in-class energy efficiency, a zero emission or reduced GHG fleet, and investments in infrastructure to distribute excess clean power. Chris explains the company’s challenges on the path to a financially viable, net-zero future.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

What is cold storage? [01:59]
Lineage’s sustainability journey [03:49]
Physically focused sustainability [06:43]
Energy efficiency in cold storage [08:07]
Next steps for Lineage [10:43]
Challenges with truck charging [14:55]
Relying less on utilities [19:00]

Sustainability at Lineage

Lineage Logistics’ journey with sustainability and energy began about 10 years ago in the Avon, Massachusetts site with a one-megawatt solar project. Chris, the accountant supporting that region, was brought on to the project because it initially didn’t work correctly. The company wasn’t seeing the savings it was hoping to achieve. Chris and his team turned that project into a large, fiscally focused approach.

Making projects pencil

Lineage Logistics’ approach to sustainability projects is financially motivated. Statistics are crucial to attaining buy-in with investors and the executive team, who will pursue initiatives that make sense on paper. Because Lineage’s first solar project was successful, the company implemented 20 more similar projects.

Over time, the company began experiencing more pressure to create a sustainability strategy. Being a physical asset-focused company, Lineage decided to make its sustainability approach physically focused as well. When people visit one of Lineage’s buildings, the company wants them to see sustainability live in action. Sustainability needs to be exemplified by every carbon-emitting source on site.

Creating sustainable opportunities

Lineage is piloting the installation of biodigesters onsite to use food waste as energy. The company is also looking into ammonia generation onsite, though most of these projects are cost-prohibitive. Lineage is constantly searching for incentives, consistent with the company’s creative approach to making projects pencil. If the incentives don’t exist, the company makes every attempt to create them with local governments and customer collaboration.

Resources & People Mentioned

Lineage Logistics

Connect with Chris Thurston

On LinkedIn

Chris Thurston is the Energy & Sustainability leader for Lineage Logistics, the largest cold storage warehousing company in the world. Chris has over a decade of experience in Energy Management with an educational background in Finance & Accounting from Montclair State University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degreea in accounting. Chris has held various corporate finance roles for small to mid-sized companies in the manufacturing and logistics space. In his time at Lineage, Chris has helped develop their solar program to become the fifth largest in the US.

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Heavy Duty Cargo Handling Equipment and SSA Marine’s Movement towards Near and Zero-Emissions, with Joe Carrillo Ep #79

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil shares a talk from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Net-Zero forum featuring Joe Carrillo, Regional Vice President of SSA Marine. Joe brings his “boots on the ground” perspective as the person responsible for implementing the programs that help the company meet its goals. Joe shares SSA Marine’s plans, sustainability goals, projects, and partnerships in California.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The structure of SSA Marine [03:08]
Challenges in California [07:11]
Obstacles when starting projects [09:12]
Lessons learned along the way [17:59]
Learning to work with grants [22:30]

View Detailed show notes here

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Joe Carrillo

On LinkedIn

Joe Carrillo began his SSA career in 2007 in container operations in Long Beach. He continued his journey through SSA Marine, working in Mexico and Panama before returning to his native home in Northern California to assist operations with direct responsibility for five different business units throughout Northern California, which span maritime, transportation, and warehousing operations. Since 2017, Joe has worked on numerous zero-emission sustainability projects with a focus on larger cargo-handling equipment at two of the five business units in Northern California and operational performances. Currently, Carrix Enterprise has deployed 179+ pieces of near or zero-emission equipment globally and is leading the way in California at numerous sites.

Joe played two years of professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Club after college. His current passions are playing golf in his free time and spending quality time with his wife and two children.

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If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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Meeting Renewable Energy Goals: A Portfolio View, with Quen Howard, Ep #78

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000

This episode of Smart Energy Voices is an interview from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Renewable Energy Forum featuring Quen Howard, Indirect Procurement Manager of VF Corporation, and Debra Chanil, Smart Energy Decisions’ Director of Editorial and Research. They discuss the challenges of implementing renewables across a portfolio of consumer brands.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Quen’s position at VF [01:34]
VF’s renewables and sustainability goals [02:59]
Getting people involved [05:33]
Choosing the right suppliers [07:05]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Quen Howard

On LinkedIn

Quen Howard is a passionate procurement professional with over 17 years of sourcing experience. He has a broad range of experience across different sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture/chemicals, and textile apparel. This unique background, paired with his strong customer focus and stakeholder engagement, has been instrumental in leading complex projects. Quen is currently a procurement Manager at VF Corporation and supports packaging materials, energy, and MRO categories. During this time, he has been engaged in several of VF’s sustainability projects and initiatives.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

How General Motors Hit 100% RE in the U.S. a Generation Ahead of Schedule, with Rob Threlkeld Ep #77

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla shares a special keynote from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Renewable Energy Forum. Rob Threlkeld, Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability for General Motors, shares how General Motors reached its 100% renewable energy goal a whole generation ahead of schedule.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

GM’s goals for a zero-emission future [01:35]
Renewable goals from leadership [06:50]
The impact of the supply chain on a business [08:49]
EVs as a pathway to decarbonization [11:46]
Decarbonizing utility and transportation [21:52]

Transforming a company

The energy transformation at General Motors is the first part of the company’s bold vision of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. GM is a big energy purchaser but procurements . However, procurement accounts for only 1% of the company’s carbon emissions. Scaling zero emissions efforts requires the transportation industry’s transformation to electric vehicles. GM aims to be an all-electric vehicle manufacturer of all its light-duty vehicles by 2035. That goal requires the company, which has built ICE vehicles for the last 100 years, to transform into an all-electric vehicle manufacturer in just twelve years.

Moving transportation to decarbonization

How can the vehicle industry truly achieve zero emissions? Many changes will have to occur on the state and federal levels. Changing the car industry goes well beyond General Motors and will require everyone in the entire industry. , including the supply chain. It is critical to work closely with the supply chain to move it down the path of decarbonization. If the production of supplies is interrupted, vehicles can’t be made.

GM’s renewable energy U.S. footprint is about 3.5 terawatt hours, and the company has accumulated about 1500 megawatts of renewables across several projects over several states and RTOs. The company looks specifically for projects located within its manufacturing footprint. GM has been working with utilities to create green tariff programs and to find ways to expand those programs beyond just General Motors.

Energy solutions

GM recently announced the energy side of the business that is enabling solutions in the whole energy ecosystem. Matching these renewable solutions with manufacturing will be critical to decarbonizing utility and transportation and ultimately driving a more resilient grid. As GM grows its EV portfolio, the company needs to ensure that demand matches the generation portfolio and continues to scale.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Rob Threlkeld

On LinkedIn

Rob Threlkeld is the Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability for General Motors, leading the company’s energy procurement efforts, including the commitment to meet the electricity needs of its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Threlkeld is responsible for leading the team that supports GM energy procurement and regulatory efforts, including negotiating power purchase agreements, natural gas, green tariffs, and engineering onsite renewable solutions for GM facilities across the globe, including opportunities associated with battery storage, behind-the-meter applications, and EV integration.

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McCormick’s Recipe for Success – An 'All of the Above' Sustainability Strategy, with Jeff Blankman

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000

This episode of Smart Energy Voices is a keynote from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Renewable Energy Forum featuring Jeff Blankman. Jeff is the Sustainable Manufacturing Manager for McCormick & Company and is also an Advisory Board member for Smart Energy Decisions. Jeff’s keynote addresses McCormick’s all-of-the-above sustainability strategy and embodies the essence of the unique corporate buyer presentations only found at SED events.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

McCormick’s sustainability program [01:46]
Global climate agreements [05:16]
On-site and off-site renewables [11:18]
Limitations from a regulatory point of view [13:09]
Unbundled RECs [14:15]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Jeff Blankman

On LinkedIn

Jeff is the Sustainable Manufacturing Manager for McCormick & Company, the world’s leading producer of spices, seasonings, and flavorings. In this role, he establishes best practices for McCormick’s manufacturing and distribution facilities for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water and waste reduction, and other sustainability initiatives. Prior to his current role, he worked for over 10 years in Project Engineering at McCormick, installing packaging equipment and new packaging production lines. He has 25 years of project management experience in manufacturing. Jeff has both a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Maryland.

Jeff Blankman, Sustainable Manufacturing Manager for McCormick & Company, will review McCormick’s sustainability journey as they work towards their science-based greenhouse gas reduction goal. Using an “all of the above strategy” of energy efficiency, on-site solar arrays, and off-site renewable energy purchases, the Company is well on its way to achieving its 2030 goal and laying the groundwork for its 2050 net-zero goal. Jeff will discuss real-world case studies of implementing successful initiatives while navigating the typical challenges that companies face in their sustainability programs.

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Achieving Net Zero Across Cisco’s Value Chain, with Andy Smith Ep #75

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla shares a special keynote presentation from the inaugural Net Zero Forum featuring Andy Smith, Senior Manager of Global Energy Management and Sustainability at Cisco Systems. In his presentation, Andy provides a deep dive into the process Cisco recently went through to evaluate, establish and certify its net-zero goal through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Powering an inclusive future for all [02:22]
Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) [04:50]
Third-party verification of goals [07:05]
Cisco’s Scope 3 challenges [10:58]
Real estate transformation [13:56]
Carbon offset strategy [16:14]

Resources & People Mentioned

Cisco's net zero commitment

Connect with Andy Smith

On LinkedIn

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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Today's Net-Zero Challenges in Real Time, with Marianella Franklin, Michal Shepard, and Ryan Spies Ep #74

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

This episode of Smart Energy Voices is a panel conversation from Smart Energy Decisions' recent Net Zero forum, moderated by SED's Director of Education Programs, Peter Kelly-Detwiler. The panel covers real-time challenges that companies face on their road to net zero. This conversation is a compilation of comments and notes from peer-to-peer discussions at the event. Peter is joined by Ryan Spies, VP of Sustainability for Clayco, Marianella Franklin, Chief Sustainability Officer at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Michal Shepard, Director of Maintenance, Energy, and Engineering at Harris Teeter.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Educating higher management [03:52]
Challenges in building sustainably [09:33]
Aligning the culture for success [13:07]
Goal setting in manufacturing [18:42]

Resources & People Mentioned

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

Connect with Marianella Franklin

On LinkedIn

Connect with Michal Shepard

On LinkedIn

Connect with Ryan Spies

On LinkedIn

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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Bank of America’s Approach to Net Zero, with Beth Wytiaz Ep #73

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla shares the opening keynote presentation from the inaugural Net Zero Forum, featuring Beth Wytiaz, Net Zero Strategy Executive for Bank of America. Beth is responsible for developing and delivering the financial institution’s environmental strategy to reach net zero before 2050. In this talk, she shares Bank of America’s approach to net-zero framework and how the organization is building a robust strategy and transition plan that covers operations, supply chain, and financing activities.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Approach to zero framework [02:39]
Consistency across the financial sector [05:02]
Targets for 2030 [10:08]
Choosing targets [15:05]
Reporting and disclosing [18:27]

Net-Zero commitments

In early 2021, Bank of America committed to net zero across operations, financing activities, and its supply chain. In April 2022, it rolled out its “Approach to Zero” framework. Bank of America assists clients by creating new products and services to support client investments in climate solutions. The corporation is focused on engagement with policymakers and driving universal standards within the financial sector.

Bank of America is committed to bringing a variety of data points and transforming those into decision-useful information or metrics. While continuing to build its net-zero transition strategy, Bank of America sets milestone targets that align with the latest climate science. The organization is committed to disclosing its progress annually.

Sustainable development goals

In addition to its net-zero target, Bank of America has a $1.5 trillion target to mobilize capital towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with $1 trillion specific to the environment. These two goals are supplemental to each other. When it comes to products and services, the corporation is developing a variety of innovative climate solutions for its clients. That includes sustainable aviation, fuel, renewables, carbon capture, and hydrogen.

Thousands of bankers interact with clients daily, so educating bankers is vital to Bank of America’s success in reaching net-zero. To aid in that education, the organization has developed an ESG college internally, where it continues to expand the education for bankers.

The Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials

In financial institutions, regulatory requirements and expectations are increasing, and Bank of America is working to drive consistency across the financial sector. The corporation has been calculating emissions for the last two decades and disclosing them. However, across all three scopes, there has yet to be a universally accepted methodology within the financial sector to calculate the emissions associated with financing activities. Attempts had been made over the years, but nothing fully came together until 2020, when the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials gained traction.

Now, over 300 financial institutions have signed up to use the standard. As a core member, Bank of America has been able to help develop and shape the methodologies along the way. There is now a methodology for business loans for project finance, listed equity and bonds, commercial real estate, consumer real estate, and consumer auto loans.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Beth Wytiaz

On LinkedIn

BIO GOES HERE

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Michigan State's Renewable Energy Journey, with Dr. Wolfgang Bauer Ep #72

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Bauer, Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, to discuss the renewable journey he has led at the university. Wolfgang is also an active Smart Energy Decisions Advisory Board member.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Dr. Wolfgang Bauer’s career journey [01:42]
The history of power generation at MSU [05:32]
MSU’s Energy Transition Plan [14:54]
Solar arrays on the campus [22:58]
Saving money while saving the planet [30:43]
Leaving an impact on the industry [40:46]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Dr. Wolfgang Bauer

On LinkedIn

Dr. Wolfgang Bauer is a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, where he has been on the faculty since 1988, holding a dual appointment at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. He was chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy from 2001 to 2013 and Founding Director of the Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research from 2009 to 2013. From 2013 to 2020 he served as Senior Consultant and Associate Vice President, driving the implementation of the Energy Transition Plan at Michigan State University. In 2019 he was also President of the MSU Foundation. He is co-owner of several businesses in the renewable energy sector and has consulted on renewable energy issues for the fossil fuel industry and hedge funds. He has published over 200 research articles, conference proceedings, and books, and has given over 400 invited presentations in 25 countries.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Emissions Reduction by Design, with Ryan Spies Ep #71

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Ryan Spies, Vice President of Sustainability at Clayco. As the closing keynote speaker from Smart Energy Decisions’ Renewable Energy Forum, Ryan spoke about addressing emissions reduction through design and the role renewables should play in decarbonization strategies.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Ryan’s role at Clayco [01:52]
Focusing on building [03:15]
Embodied carbon [06:10]
Concrete and steel [08:38]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Ryan Spies

On LinkedIn

Ryan Spies leads ESG at Clayco as Vice President of Sustainability. His responsibilities include developing and implementing a holistic strategy to reduce Clayco’s overall carbon footprint, identifying sustainable business opportunities for leadership, and overseeing sustainability practices and training for the enterprise. Ryan previously served as Director of Sustainability, Energy & Stewardship at Saint-Gobain where he was responsible for ESG and renewable energy strategy for over 130 facilities. Ryan holds an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and a BS in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

City of Cincinnati's Renewable Energy Journey, with Michael Forrester Ep #70

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Michael Forrester, former Director of Environment and Sustainability for the city of Cincinnati. At SED’s recent Renewable Energy Forum, Michael shared his insights on Cincinnati’s strategy of acting like a corporation that led to implementing its 100 MW PPA.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The Green Cincinnati Plan [02:32]
The city’s motivation [05:37]
Energy initiatives [07:51]
Municipal solar array [10:37]
Monetizing capacity [16:52]
What’s next for Cincinnati? [20:11]

Resources & People Mentioned

Please Note: since this episode was recorded, Michael Forrester has moved on from his position for the City of Cincinnati.

Michael Forrester is the former energy manager for Cincinnati. He is responsible for the purchase of gas and electricity for City government and its residents through the Cincinnati Aggregation Program. These programs purchase 100% green electricity for City facilities, and residents, and was the 1st aggregation program to offer renewable natural gas to residents. Michael oversees efficiency improvements at City facilities and is working to develop 25 megawatts of solar throughout Cincinnati. In addition, he manages the City’s residential energy programs which include the Get Efficient Program and the SolarizeCincy program. He is a graduate of both Miami University and Indiana University.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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Profiles in Leadership: Dean Nelson and the iMasons Climate Accord, with Dean Nelson Ep #69

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 08:30:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Dean Nelson, Founder and Chairman of Infrastructure Masons and CEO of Cato. They discuss the creation of the iMasons Climate Accord and the community efforts for diversity and inclusion, education, sustainability, and technology.

iMasons Climate Accord will present a workshop on "Decarbonizing Data Center Power" at Smart Energy Decisions' Net Zero Forum, September 12-14 in Phoenix. Click here for more information.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Dean’s career journey [02:15]
Launching iMasons [05:32]
iMasons objectives [07:37]
Compounding impact [13:03]
The iMasons Climate Accord [17:32]
Aligning the industry in labeling standards [25:39]
Community and making a difference [30:08]

Resources & People Mentioned

Infrastructure Masons
Just Let Me Learn Foundation
Christian Belady | LinkedIn
iMasons Climate Accord will present a workshop on "Decarbonizing Data Center Power" at Smart Energy Decisions' Net Zero Forum, September 12-14 in Phoenix. Click here for more information.

Connect with Dean Nelson

Dean Nelson is a seasoned technology executive with 32 years of experience deploying $10B of digital infrastructure projects across three continents. Dean is currently the CEO of Virtual Power Systems, a software platform that unlocks stranded power in datacenters, the Founder and Chairman of Infrastructure Masons, a professional association of industry executives and technology professionals uniting the builders of the digital age, and the Founder and CEO of Dean Nelson Inc, a strategic advisory and consulting company serving startups, Fortune 500 companies and investment firms.

Previously, Dean led Uber’s Metal as a Service function supporting Uber’s ridesharing business delivering over 100 million trips a week in more than 600 cities spanning 6 continents, as well as UberEats, UberFreight, UberHealth, UberForBusiness, and Autonomous vehicle and UberAir development.

Prior to Uber, Dean worked at eBay Inc as the Vice President of Global Foundation Services, which served over 300 million active users enabling over $250Bn of enabled commerce volume annually. At the end of his tenure, his team successfully integrated, then split eBay and PayPal infrastructures into two independent internet companies. Prior to eBay, Dean worked at Sun Microsystems in various technical, management and executive leadership roles. Dean holds four US patents.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

Click here for detailed show notes.

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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Leading from Within, with Amy Bond Ep #68

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces the opening keynote speaker from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Renewable Energy Forum, Amy Bond. Amy is the Sustainability Sourcing Manager at T-Mobile. In her talk, she presents actionable tips for navigating obstacles to success in implementing sustainability strategies, including her experience in executing Sprint’s first virtual power purchase agreement.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Sustainability career in 2008 [02:45]
Who is T-Mobile? [05:55]
Overcoming misunderstandings [07:56]
Challenges vs. opportunities [12:41]
DiCE platform [15:34]
The ability to influence [17:58]
Be prepared to lead [22:16]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Amy Bond

On LinkedIn

Amy Bond is the former Energy and Sustainability Program Manager for Sprint and is now a Sustainability Sourcing Manager for T-Mobile, where she continues to drive innovation. Amy was named an Industry Leader in Smart Energy Decisions’ 2022 WISE (Women in Smart Energy) Awards and was selected as one of the top 100 energy professionals in the country by Environmental Leader.

Amy’s expertise includes clean energy power and utilities procurement, waste diversion strategies, corporate goal positioning, growing green transportation access, and carbon disclosure leadership. She is also passionate about driving diversity and equity in the renewables value chain. Amy was a founding member of the Diversity in Clean Energy (DiCE) coalition, where she continues to serve on its advisory panel to amplify the voices of diverse suppliers in the clean energy sector.

Amy is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in Psychology. She earned her MBA from Baker University and additionally is certified in Supply Chain Procurement, Logistics, and Negotiation.

Prior to her sustainability career, Amy was an award-winning weekly newspaper publisher and columnist in Washington State. She has also served as a marketing professional and special events coordinator.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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SED's Sustainability Plan, with Alexandra Failla Ep #67

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Alexandra Failla, Director of ESG and Administration at Smart Energy Decisions. Alexandra shares SED’s first Sustainability Report, which reflects SED’s commitment to align its actions and operations with The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. We hope you’ll enjoy it, and we welcome your feedback.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Walking the walk [02:41]
SED’s mission and values [03:53]
Understanding environmental impact [05:27]
Environmental opportunities [06:53]
Social opportunities [08:15]
Operating with integrity and fairness [08:40]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Alexandra Failla

Alexandra Failla is Smart Energy Decisions' Director of ESG and Administration, managing sustainability initiatives, social media, and coordinating content-related scheduling. She recently received her M.S. in Sustainability Management at Columbia University.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Women in Energy, with Creshona Armwood, Jordan Calverley, Monica Ferrer, and Kourtney Nelson Ep #66

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 08:30:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Creshona Armwood, Jordan Calverley, Monica Ferrer, and Kourtney Nelson from a panel at Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Innovation Summit conducted in concert with the inaugural Women in Smart Energy awards program. The panel was moderated by Smart Energy Decisions’ Director of Editorial and Research, Debra Chanil.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Women in Smart Energy award winners [03:04]
Working in a male-dominated industry [09:10]
The role of mentorship [16:06]
Facing bias in the workplace [23:26]
Making the room comfortable for everyone [30:35]
Asking for help is more than okay [33:58]

Resources & People Mentioned

WOLFPACK: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game

Connect with Creshona Armwood

On LinkedIn

Connect with Jordan Calverley

On LinkedIn

Connect with Monica Ferrer

On LinkedIn

Connect with Kourtney Nelson

On LinkedIn

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

Click here for detailed show notes.

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Best Practices in Vehicle Fleet Electrification with Ryan Martin and Gary Glasscock Ep #65

Fri, 20 May 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Gary Glasscock and Ryan Martin from Smart Energy Decision’s recent Innovation Summit. Gary is the Director of Fleet Management for the City of Houston. Ryan is the Interim President and Managing Partner at Evolve Houston. This panel conversation, moderated by SED’s Director of Research and Content Debra Chanil, highlights the innovative public-private partnership between the City of Houston and Evolve Houston.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Houston’s Climate Action Plan [05:20]
Public-private partnership [08:14]
The fleet study program [09:46]
EVolve Houston’s role as a facilitator [15:34]
Gary’s experience in San Antonio [20:10]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Ryan Martin

On LinkedIn

Ryan Martin is the Interim President and Managing Partner at Evolve Houston. Ryan oversees program strategy, partnership development, fundraising, governance, legal, and management activities to further advance EV adoption within the Greater Houston area.

Ryan is a member of the Board of Directors for Houston First Corporation, where he co-chairs the Procurement Committee and drives strategic board initiatives. Ryan is also a Board Member and Corporate Secretary of Legacy Community Health, and a Board Member of Houston Botanic Garden, Whitman Controls, and LDR Leadership.

Ryan is a graduate of Harvard Law School, Louisiana State University Honors College and the Beijing Language and Culture University. Ryan is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and a licensed attorney in the State of Texas. He is a member of the Houston Committee of Foreign Relations and an interviewer for Harvard University.

Ryan resides in Houston with his wife and daughter, Elizabeth and Sasha.

Connect with Gary Glasscock

On LinkedIn

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

Decarbonizing Thermal Loads - The Next Frontier, with Susan Corry, David Reid and Peter Kelly-Detwiler Ep #64

Fri, 06 May 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Susan Corry of the University of Maryland College Park, David Reid of Celanese, and Peter Kelly-Detwiler of Smart Energy Decisions from a panel at Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Innovation Summit. These three leaders discuss decarbonizing thermal loads and how different types of organizations are facing this challenge.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Hard-to-Abate emissions [02:09]
Susan Corry’s role at the University of Maryland [06:31]
David Reid’s role at Celanese [09:22]
Investigating new technologies [12:28]
Resources needed to move forward [15:00]
Enthusiasm and next steps [20:40]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Susan Corry

Susan Corry is the Director of Engineering and Energy at the University of Maryland College Park and has spent her career in the energy industry. Susan received her mechanical engineering degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is a Certified Energy Manager, Certified Demand Side Manager, and Certified Existing Building Commissioning Professional. She began her career in the energy sector, working on energy and demand-side management programs with public utilities. She then moved into higher education, working for George Mason University, leading the development of long-term conservation plans to meet energy and carbon reduction goals.

Susan moved on to the University of Maryland, where she is responsible for energy procurement, energy and carbon reduction plans, renewable energy strategies, building design standards, building performance, and management of the campus power plant. Susan leads the energy committee comprised of the University System of Maryland institutions and the Maryland Department of General Services, representing all other State agencies in energy-related matters. She has served on the advisory boards of the Maryland Clean Energy Center and Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund and was past chair of DOE’s Better Buildings Alliance Higher Education Steering Committee.

Connect with David Reid

On LinkedIn

Connect with Peter Kelly-Detwiler

On LinkedIn

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Mohawk’s Decarbonization Journey, with Scott Bargerstock Ep #63

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Scott Bargerstock of Mohawk Industries, the opening keynote speaker from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Innovation Summit. As Director of Manufacturing, Productivity, and Global Energy, Scott shares his insights on how he is building the green bridge with Mohawk Industries’ efforts to decarbonize and save money without a formal net-zero goal.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Building the green bridge [01:55]
Scott’s work at Mohawk [03:35]
Managing ESG expectations [05:03]
Making the best of high natural gas prices [08:16]
Surprising benefits of infrared [10:26]
Innovation is what moved the industry [18:08]

Resources & People Mentioned

Environmental, Social & Governance | Mohawk Industries, Inc.

Connect with Scott Bargerstock

On LinkedIn

With a widely diverse industrial manufacturing background as a senior engineer or manager, followed by almost 20 years in facility/maintenance management roles with several firms, Scott has served as managing lead engineer for new technology and capital projects in addition to successfully implementing his certified lean practitioner training at multiple firms. Industries include naval shipyard work, heavy fabrication, machining, heat treating, foundry, melting, printing, and publishing also spent several years at a nuclear power plant site followed by the direction of a profit center for two companies supplying nationwide technical services serving the nuclear power industry. This experience preceded almost twenty years of maintenance and facility management experience. Scott earned his BS in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, holding a PE for Metallurgical Engineering within the state of Tennessee.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

The Electrification of General Motors, with Rob Threlkeld Ep #62

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000

This episode of Smart Energy Voices features a keynote conversation host John Failla had with Rob Threlkeld, Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability at General Motors. In Episode 25, they talked about the future of General Motors, EVs, and Renewables. Listen in for this update on the dramatic changes at GM since their last conversation, including GM’s commitment to an electric future and how energy is driving the reinvention of the company.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Rob’s current role at GM [02:45]
Transformations in GM [06:10]
Becoming more dynamic as a company [08:21]
Culture shifts in GM [09:52]
What is BrightDrop? [12:18]
GM’s RE100 goal [16:07]
Technologies on the horizon [20:40]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Rob Threlkeld

On LinkedIn

Rob Threlkeld is the global manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability for General Motors, leading the company’s energy procurement efforts, including the commitment to meet the electricity needs of its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Threlkeld is responsible for leading the team that supports GM energy procurement and regulatory efforts. These efforts include negotiating power purchase agreements, natural gas, green tariffs, and engineering onsite renewable solutions for GM facilities across the globe, including opportunities associated with battery storage, behind-the-meter applications, and EV integration.

As part of GM’s Sustainable Workplaces team, Threlkeld shares best practices for renewable energy procurement with internal and external audiences, offering solutions for large and small businesses alike to benefit from the use of renewables.

Threlkeld is a board member of the Renewable Energy Buyer’s Association (REBA), involved in the American Wind Energy Association and Solar Energy Industries Association, two energy groups advancing the use of these renewable forms of energy. He also serves as an industry advisor to the School of Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. He is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers, the Engineering Society of Detroit, and the Solar Power International Education Council. This year, Energy Manager Today recognized Threlkeld as one of 50 top energy managers for driving GM and the energy management industry forward.

Threlkeld began his career at GM in 2000 as manager of the powerhouse and wastewater treatment plant operations at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio Assembly Complex. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Purdue University. He is a registered Certified Hazardous Material Manager, Certified Energy Manager, and Business Energy Professional.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

The Next Chapter: Reflections from an Industry Leader, with Mary Curtiss Ep #61

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces a keynote speaker from the recent Renewable Energy Forum. As Mary Curtiss transitions from her role as HP's Global Energy Head of Energy and Sustainability to a new role at the company, she reflects on key lessons learned during her tenure as a senior leader in the field, as well as more than 20 years of related industry experience. Listen in to hear more about Mary’s amazing career and her work at HP.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Mary’s motivation [03:19]
Measuring climate success [08:22]
Strategy for 2025 goals [11:42]
Lessons from smaller projects [16:44]
Something about Mary [19:27]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Mary Curtiss

On LinkedIn

Mary Curtiss has more than 20 years of experience in the construction and sustainability industry. She is now Director of Sustainability for HP Personal Systems Services. In her previous role as HP’s Global Head of Energy and Sustainability, she was responsible for developing and driving the strategy for all matters related to renewable energy, sustainability, and energy efficiency in the global portfolio. She has also been involved in a number of industry-leading forums in the San Francisco Bay Area to drive improved efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Before HP, Mary was the National Director for Enterprise Efficiency at Siemens, where she worked with clients on energy program solutions. Mary also spent time at JLL, where she led business development and program execution for their Sustainability business and managed a team of 30 Energy and Sustainability professionals to optimize corporate portfolios. During her time there, she also helped establish JLL’s Women’s Network.

Mary received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Santa Clara University. She is also on the Board of Directors for Save our Shores with a mission to protect the marine habitats of Monterey Bay.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Challenges and Opportunities for EV Charging at Scale, with Neha Palmer Ep #60

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla has a conversation with Neha Palmer, CEO of EV charging infrastructure developer at TeraWatt Infrastructure. Many also know her as the former Head of Energy Strategy at Google. Neha recently wrote an article for Wired titled “Electric Vehicle Charging is the Next Billion-Dollar Market.” She spoke about the potential and challenges of the transition to vehicle fleet electrification. At Google, Neha drove a large part of the adoption of renewables, so you won’t want to miss out on her insight into this critical topic.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Neha’s background and current role [02:16]
Opportunities for EVs [06:56]
The gap between availability and charging [11:26]
Integrated systems as a resource for the grid [18:15]
Preparing the energy sector [22:11]
The role of utilities in electrification [29:53]
Accomplishments at Google [33:28]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Neha Palmer

On LinkedIn

Neha Palmer is the CEO and co-founder of Terawatt Infrastructure, a company that’s focused on scaling commercial EV charging infrastructure across the U.S. Neha previously served as the Head of Energy Strategy at Google, where she led the development of electric infrastructure and electricity procurement for the global data center fleet, helping to make Google the first company of its size to achieve 100% renewable energy for operations. Previously, Neha held leadership roles at Pacific Gas and Electric and worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. Neha holds an MBA in Finance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Microsoft and the Art of the Possible, with Brian Janous Ep #59

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0000

This episode of Smart Energy Voices presents the keynote speaker from the recent Renewable Energy Forum, Brian Janous - General Manager of Energy at Microsoft. As one of the world’s preeminent leaders in the energy transition, Microsoft is constantly innovating. Listen in as Brian provides a glimpse into the mindset and culture at Microsoft that has enabled its unique approach to innovation, including efforts to drive collaboration between peers, suppliers, and customers to enable broader adoption of renewable energy.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Microsoft’s climate commitments [02:09]
Starting sooner rather than later [04:32]
It’s about sustainability [07:50]
Giving back to the community [12:30]
Sustainability as a non-negotiable [15:54]
Sharing knowledge for the future [18:25]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Brian Janous

On LinkedIn

Brian is responsible for leading the development and execution of Microsoft’s global data center energy strategy. These data centers provide the foundational cloud infrastructure for Microsoft’s online and cloud services for consumers and businesses worldwide. His responsibilities include oversight of energy policy, procurement, renewable energy, distributed generation, and overall environmental impact to ensure that Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure is reliable and sustainable. Microsoft plays a critical role in the energy industry, both as a large consumer and as a provider of foundational cloud services that support grid resilience and decarbonization.

Brian joined Microsoft in 2011 after 12 years in the energy industry, where he worked as a Sr. Consultant at Brubaker & Associates, assisting Fortune 500 companies with energy procurement, policy and sustainability matters. Brian holds an MBA from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science in Finance, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Missouri. Brian has also served on the board of the American Wind Energy Association (now the American Clean Power Association). He presently serves on the board of the Institute for Energy Studies at Western Washington University.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

The Role of Customer Choice in Decarbonization Strategies, with Rob Gaudette Ep #58

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0000

This episode is made in partnership with NRG. In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Rob Gaudette, Senior Vice President of NRG Business for a discussion on the increased pressure large power users are experiencing to meet aggressive emission reduction targets. Listen in as they dive into the dynamics of this changing landscape.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Rob’s role at NRG [01:51]
NRG Business in 2022 [04:58]
Driving the customer experience [10:16]
The growing interest in customer choice [15:36]
NRG’s response to changing needs [20:58]
Customer success in energy [26:52]
Rob’s career path [30:41]
The influence of Rob’s military background [33:38]
What’s to come for the the energy industry [43:29]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Rob Gaudette

On LinkedIn

Robert Gaudette is Senior Vice President of NRG Business, where he manages the largest B2B retail gas and power platform and the top three largest provider of demand response in North America – overseeing market leading products and services, including renewable energy acquisition strategy and private load management programs. Leading an organization of energy professionals, Gaudette orchestrates business and corporate marketing, product development, origination, structuring, negotiation, and implementation of energy solutions that are designed to meet the growing needs of business customers of any size.

Gaudette and his team provide market expertise and help regional and national. customers manage their energy strategy and manage customer relationships from acquisition through execution and retention. Partnering with customers, Gaudette and his team increase efficiencies, reduce costs and manage risks—creating a more sustainable, resilient, affordable and empowering energy ecosystem for NRG customers.

Prior to joining NRG, Gaudette served as Chief Commercial Officer at GenOn Energy. Previous to GenOn, he was Vice President of Mirant's Mid-Atlantic business unit in Washington, D.C. During his career at Mirant, Gaudette worked in various other capacities including Director of West Power, Director of NYMEX Trading, Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer and NYMEX trader. He began his career at Mirant in 2001 as a Trading Analyst.

Earlier, Gaudette served four years as an army combat engineer officer in the U.S. Cavalry, including a one-year deployment to Bosnia. Before leaving military service for business school in 1999, he served as the executive officer of a combat engineer company in the Second Armored Cavalry Regiment.

Gaudette earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from The College of William and Mary and Master of Business Administration from Rice University.

He is a board member of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy. Gaudette serves on the Board of Advisors for the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. He is also a board member at St. Agnes Academy and the Children’s Museum of Houston. In addition, Gaudette serves on the regional economic development committee of the Greater Houston Partnership.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Collaborating to Drive Diverse Supplier Activity with Cheryl D. Comer, Gilbert Campbell, and Denis George, Ep #57

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla continues SED’s series on “Inspiring Diversity in Energy.” This conversation was part of the recent Distributed Energy Forum with a panel featuring Cheryl Comer, Strategic Account Manager - Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, Gilbert Campbell, Co-Founder & CEO - Volt Energy, and Denis George, Category Manager for Energy - The Kroger Company. You won't want to miss this meaningful conversation on how collaboration can help accelerate success in diversifying the supplier rosters of large electric power users. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Backgrounds and current roles [02:31]
Challenges in engaging large customers [06:35]
The importance of collaboration [12:53]
Volt Energy’s community efforts [16:36]
What is DiCE? [18:49]
Environmental Justice PPAs [26:46]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Gilbert Campbell

On LinkedIn

Connect with Cheryl D. Comer

On LinkedIn

Connect with Denis George

On LinkedIn

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Managing Energy Supply and Demand in Transportation, with Keith Warner Ep #56

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil talks with Keith Warner to discuss his role as Aviation Utilities Business Manager for the Port of Seattle and its affiliated utility. Among the topics they cover are the importance of resiliency, the push for electrification, and Keith’s unique perspective on moving from the private sector with Boeing to his current public sector role. Join us to hear Keith’s great insight on managing energy in transportation.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Keith’s role with the Port of Seattle [02:24]
Energy goals for the Port of Seattle [03:30]
Resiliency of operations within the port [08:00]
Programs for electrification [11:16]
Pre-Conditioned Air program [14:05]
Shifts in demand response [18:54]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Keith Warner

On LinkedIn

Keith Warner is the Utilities Manager at the Port of Seattle, where he leads a suite of utility services including power, water, and natural gas, serving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Seattle-Tacoma is the 8th busiest airport in the U.S. and counts as part of its vision to “be the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America.”

Before joining the Port in 2019, Keith enjoyed a 35-year career at the Boeing Company, where he spent most of that time as the corporation’s Utilities and Conservation Manager. Keith holds a B.S. degree in Engineering and an Executive MBA.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Achieving Reliability, Resilience, and Emission Reductions in Higher Ed with DERs, with Lincoln Bleveans Ep #55

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, SED's Debra Chanil discusses distributed energy resources in higher education with Lincoln Bleveans, Executive Director, Sustainability & Energy Management at Stanford University. DERs in higher education is a complex topic that can be overwhelming. Lincoln addresses the challenges of energy reliability, resilience, and creating a granular room-to-room energy plan. He also discusses the unique intersection between the university and Silicon Valley. You won’t want to miss his insightful observations.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Lincoln’s current role at Stanford University [02:55]
Sustainability goals and DERs [07:38]
Stanford’s thermal facility [12:38]
Wildfires’ effect on energy [17:34]
The intersection of Stanford and Silicon Valley [24:39]
Lincoln’s journey from municipal to university [29:48]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Lincoln Bleveans

On Linkedin
On Twitter

Lincoln Bleveans has been an executive in the global energy industry for over 25 years, focused on electric power and sustainability. His experience spans the globe and the energy value chain, from emerging technologies to independent power project (IPP) development to utility operations. He is an internationally recognized thought-leader, writer, and speaker on energy and sustainability. He is now Executive Director of Sustainability & Energy Management at Stanford University, leading the University's mission-critical operations and world-leading innovation and operations in sustainability, electricity, thermal energy, building energy management, water, and waste. Most recently, he was an executive at Burbank Water & Power, an innovative and high-performing electric and water utility in southern California. He is active as a mentor, advisor, and board for technology start-ups, infrastructure projects, and non-profits.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Clean Energy Dealmaking, with Mona Dajani Ep #55

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Mona Dajani, Global Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure, Mobility, Renewables & Water at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Mona is a prolific dealmaker in the renewable energy space and is a highly regarded, well-recognized attorney. You’ll find her extensive experience and unique perspective enlightening. Listen to learn more.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Mona’s journey to renewable energy [03:57]
Mona’s most challenging deal [13:25]
Major trends in renewable energy deals [17:24]
What’s happening in storage? [32:17]
Important factors to accelerate the market [37:40]
What drives Mona’s passion? [44:20]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Mona Dajani

On Linkedin

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Industrial Decarbonization Strategies at General Mills, with Daren Kaiser Ep #53

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla talks with Daren Kaiser, Global Energy Strategy Leader - General Mills, at the recent Distributed Energy Forum. They discuss the unique challenges related to General Mills’ ambitious decarbonization goals and the tactics Daren is employing to deliver against its sustainability commitments, such as energy optimization and CHP solutions. Listen in to hear more about industrial decarbonization strategies.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Daren’s role at General Mills [02:29]
How has General Mills’ focus shifted? [04:06]
General Mills progress and goals [08:18]
2020’s business impact [11:41]
Energy optimization efforts [12:44]
The challenges of thermal-heavy plants [16:37]
Evaluating a third-party energy service [19:37]
What’s next for General Mills? [20:57]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Daren Kaiser

By email Daren.Kaiser@genmills.com

Daren has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing. He was named General Mills’ Global Energy Strategy Leader in 2018. The company has announced a science-based goal to reach a 29% reduction in GHG emissions by 2025 compared to a 2010 baseline. Daren was Plant Tech Manager for General Mills from 1997-2017 in Buffalo, Cincinnati, Covington, GA, and Murfreesboro, TN. Previously, he was a plant tech manager for Purina and a manufacturing engineer for Frito-Lay. Daren has a BS – IEE from Iowa State University.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

Click here for more detailed show notes

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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DER's Role in Your Total Energy Management Strategy, with Doug Sansom Ep #52

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla talks with Doug Sansom, Managing Director – Distributed Energy Resources at NRG Energy, at Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Distributed Energy Forum. They discuss the tools that customers need in order to take control of their total energy management strategy. Listen in for insightful energy management strategies.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

2021 Distributed Energy Resources Survey [03:40]
Optimizing energy management [05:49]
Tools that provide more control [08:19]
Proven strategies for energy optimization [12:01]
What does overall success look like? [16:29]
Sustainability is about good substitution [21:40]

Resources & People Mentioned

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Connect with Doug Sansom

By Email at HughDouglas.Sansom@nrg.com

Doug Sansom currently serves as Managing Director of Distributed Energy Resources for NRG. He customizes Demand Response and Distributed Energy Resource solutions for North American utilities. For the past 17 years, Doug has served in executive positions with smart grid and demand response companies like Comcast, BPL Global, Compath Technologies, and Comverge. He has managed residential and large commercial & industrial demand response projects in the US and abroad for utilities like Visayan Electric Company, Pepco Holdings, and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. He has also deployed smart grid projects in Cebu City, Bangkok, Curitiba, Kuwait City, and Le Mans.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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Renewable Energy Innovations in Regulated Markets, with Robert Day and Grant Wilkerson, Ep #49

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0000

This episode of Smart Energy Voices is produced in partnership with Evergy Energy Partners. Host John Failla is joined by Evergy’s Robert Day, Executive Director of Origination, and Grant Wilkerson, Director of New Business Development to discuss how Evergy is responding to the unique needs of large power users in both regulated and deregulated markets for renewable energy. Listen to learn more about their inside perspective.

NOTICE: The views and opinions of our guests from Evergy Energy Partners today are based solely on their personal knowledge and experience in the energy industry and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinion of Evergy or the company’s opinions of the current or future energy markets.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Who are Robert and Grant? [01:42]
What do customers want in regulated markets? [04:09]
The background of Evergy [07:00]
Evergy’s renewables in regulated markets [08:37]
Customer response to tariffs [14:49]
Evergy’s unregulated market projects [17:09]
The future of Evergy [21:37]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Robert Day

On LinkedIn

As Executive Director of Origination, Robert Day supports the originators by removing roadblocks for the group, as well as the entire Evergy Energy Partner team. Robert has been with Evergy Energy Partners during his entire 16-year career with the company and says, "The best part of working with our customers is knowing we are bringing value to them while satisfying their needs."

Connect with Grant Wilkerson

By email

Grant Wilkerson is Evergy’s Director of New Business Development. This group is responsible for renewable product development and services for both retail customer programs as well as wholesale customers. The group concentrates on products and services centered around energy integration in retail tariffs as well as wholesale RTO market participation. He has been involved in more than 4,000 MW of renewable energy participation in Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) markets. Grant has over 30 years of industry experience. His experiences include roles in the electricity market including trader, marketer, market analytics, market design, tariff, and regulatory development. He began his career in the natural gas industry and includes Engineering and pipeline design, regulation station design and construction, metering, and SCADA system design.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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Blueprint for a Zero Carbon Grid: The DOE Solar Futures Study, with Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus, Ep #50

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla has a conversation with Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus, Solar Energy Technologies Office Director, Department of Energy. The DOE recently released the Solar Futures Study detailing the significant role of solar in decarbonizing the nation’s power grid. The study showed that by 2035 solar energy has the potential to power 40% of the nation’s electricity, drive deep carbonization of the grid, and employ as many as 1.5 million people without raising electricity prices. Listen in to hear from the mind and leader behind that study.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The mission of the DOE’s Solar Office [04:23]
The goals of the Solar Futures Study [07:23]
Job creation through solar deployment [14:14]
Savings potential of decarbonizing the grid [16:53]
Funding for decarbonization [21:01]
Targeting Justice 40 goals [23:11]
Where will all the new solar go? [27:37]
Grid integration obstacles [30:12]
Becca’s career in renewable energy [41:37]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus

On LinkedIn

Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus serves as the acting director for the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. She is leading a team dedicated to decarbonizing industry and increasing the competitiveness of the U.S. clean energy manufacturing sectors through process innovations, collaborations, research and development, technical assistance, and workforce training.

Dr. Jones-Albertus came to AMO from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) where she served as director. She has spent her career advancing solar technology, from fundamental research and development to advanced manufacturing. Before her tenure at the Department of Energy, Dr. Jones-Albertus was at Solar Junction where she led efforts to develop two-time world record solar cell efficiencies and to transition these technologies to manufacturing.

Dr. Jones-Albertus graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University with a B.S. in electrical engineering and holds a M.S. and Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. She has more than 10 patents and 40 technical publications.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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The State of the Voluntary Carbon Offset Market, with Kyle Harrison Ep #49

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla had the opportunity to speak with Kyle Harrison about the state of the voluntary carbon offset market. Kyle is the Head of Sustainability Research at BloombergNEF. Over the last three years, Smart Energy Decisions has had the privilege of working with BNEF and Kyle on a variety of projects and events. You won’t want to miss Kyle’s interesting and valuable perspective.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

How do carbon offsets work? [03:49]
Overall trends in the sustainability market [08:04]
The future role of carbon offsets [12:19]
Guidelines for carbon offsets [14:05]
Current carbon offset trends [19:38]
The additionality of carbon offsets [28:15]
What role do consumers play? [30:50]
Kyle’s career progression [33:18]
What impact would Kyle like to have? [40:04]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Kyle Harrison

On LinkedIn

Head of Sustainability Research, BloombergNEF

Kyle leads BNEF’s sustainability research team, which publishes content on the private sector's transition to the low-carbon economy. The team focuses on core areas like environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, target-setting, low-carbon pathways, and sustainable finance. Kyle specializes in corporate clean energy procurement, net-zero targets, and voluntary carbon offsets.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

The Power of Entrepreneurial Leadership, with Chris Castro Ep #48

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability & Resilience and Co-Chair of the ‘Future-Ready’ initiative for the City of Orlando. Chris has accomplished a tremendous amount with the city in an amazingly brief time. Listen in to learn more about the thrilling work Chris is currently doing and about this fascinating personal journey in the field of sustainability.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Chris’ beginning in sustainability [02:40]
Effectively building and creating teams [10:06]
Orlando’s sustainability program [11:21]
Seven key priority areas for urban sustainability [17:11]
Climate strategies for cities [20:52]
What’s next for Orlando? [25:30]
Chris’ entrepreneurial projects [29:18]
The biggest challenge in Chris’ career [36:20]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Chris Castro

Their website
On Twitter
On LinkedIn
On Facebook

Chris serves as the Senior Advisor to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Director of Sustainability & Resilience, and 'Future-Ready' steering committee member at the City of Orlando — developing a comprehensive set of policies & programs that has turned Orlando into one of the leading cities in America accelerating sustainability, resiliency, and climate action. Chris is best known for his entrepreneurial efforts prior to coming to the City, including as Co-founder and President of the global sustainability nonprofit, IDEAS For Us, a clean energy consulting firm Citizen Energy, and a renowned urban farming social enterprise Fleet Farming. In 2020, Chris also joined partners to launch ‘Climate First Bank’, the first B-Corp community bank in Florida working to advance ESG and local sustainable investing. Outside of work, Chris serves on many nonprofit and academic boards, including the UCF Energy Research Center, US Green Building Council of Florida, Project Greenschools, and Goodwill Industries of Central Florida. In December 2018, Chris starred in the National Geographic documentary on climate change called "Paris to Pittsburgh" to share the Orlando journey on climate action with millions of people around the World.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Creating Your Roadmap to Net Zero, with Tripp Borstel, Ep #47

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla sits down with Tripp Borstel, Head of Transformation at ENGIE Impact. They discuss key levers to work and issues relating to the use of carbon offsets. There’s a lot to cover when it comes to achieving zero emissions - and the scale of the challenge requires creating alignment across a variety of parties within an organization. Listen in to this conversation from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Renewable Energy Forum.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Tripp’s background and current role at ENGIE [01:46]
What is needed for the energy transition? [03:29]
ENGIE Impact’s definition of net-zero [06:22]
The importance of science-based targets [10:54]
Choosing the best pathway [14:50]
Green thermal and mobility [19:35]
What role should offsets play? [24:21]
ENGIE’s emission reduction commitments [29:30]

Connect with Tripp Borstel

On LinkedIn

Tripp is a Director with ENGIE Impact’s Sustainability Solutions. He has 15 years of experience as a strategy consultant to senior executives in developing climate and energy strategies. His focus is on managing the cultural dynamics of strategy and building high levels of stakeholder alignment throughout the strategy development process. Tripp has worked with corporations, non-profits, and cities. Currently, his work focuses on helping organizations develop net zero targets and strategies. He lives in Oakland, California, and has an MBA from UC Berkeley.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Inspiring Diversity in Energy, with Ajulo Othow and Dana Clare Redden Ep #46

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0000

This episode of Smart Energy Voices continues our series on Inspiring Diversity in Energy with a panel from the recent Renewable Energy Forum. Smart Energy Decisions’ Debra Chanil sat down with Ajulo Othow, co-founder and CEO of EnerWealth Solutions, LLC, and Dana Clare Redden, founder of Solar Stewards. With this experience in creating companies in the solar space, they’ll discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship and what they think is needed to bring more diversity to the solar industry. Listen in to learn what you can do to help inspire diversity.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Ajulo and Dana’s backgrounds in the energy industry [03:12]
The founding of EnerWealth Solutions [10:08]
Dana’s experience with discrimination [14:06]
Regulatory impacts on energy transition [18:10]
Success stories from Ajulo and Dana [23:19]
What is needed for more diversity in solar? [28:35]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Dana Clare Redden

On LinkedIn

Connect with Ajulo E Othow, Esq.

On LinkedIn

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

For full show notes, click here.

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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A Guide to Addressing Your Scope 3 Value Chain Emissions, with Katherine Canoy Ep #45

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil talks with Katherine Canoy, Director of Energy and Climate Practice at 3Degrees. As more organizations are making ambitious climate commitments, such as net-zero emissions, many companies grapple with the most effective way to address their Scope 3 emissions. Debra and Katherine discussed practical steps that organizations can take to tackle their value chain emissions at SED’s recent Renewable Energy Forum. Listen in on the discussion of this hot topic: reducing Scope 3 emissions.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Katherine’s experience with value chain emissions [03:23]
Defining Scope 3 value chain emissions [05:30]
The value chain emission picture [07:07]
How to address Scope 3 emissions [10:33]
The importance of perspective in climate action [14:15]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Katherine Canoy

On LinkedIn

With more than 15 years of experience in the energy, sustainability, and climate industries, Katherine Canoy has expertise in renewable energy procurement, energy efficiency, supply chain climate initiatives, and greenhouse gas measurement and reporting. Her client-focused perspective, gained from more than a decade with Walmart’s energy division and previously as an environmental compliance consultant, guides Katherine in benchmarking, goal setting, and project execution at a global scale. As part of Walmart’s goal to reduce supply chain greenhouse gas emissions by 20 million metric tons, Katherine led teams of internal and external stakeholders and managed greenhouse gas reduction projects in a variety of target industries. To help Walmart achieve its goal to be powered 100% by renewable energy, she awarded 420 MW of renewable energy contracts and managed a portfolio of 154 MW of installed onsite solar. Most recently, Katherine was at C2 Energy Capital, a distributed generation solar developer and investor.

Katherine resides in Durham, North Carolina with her husband and two kids, and spends much of her free time answering all the questions a 4-year old can conjure. She holds an MBA from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a MEM in Energy and Policy from Duke University, and a BS from University of Mary Washington.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Bucknell's Renewable Energy Journey, with Victor Udo, Ep #44

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla speaks with Victor Udo, Bucknell University’s Director of Sustainability. Bucknell University recently announced a 7-acre solar array on the campus. Victor explains how the project came about, how it fits in with their overall sustainability strategy, and what was needed to overcome the sometimes contentious process to gain local ordinance to proceed. This episode is a must-listen for other large power users, especially in higher education.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Victor’s journey to and current role at Bucknell [03:22]
The role of renewables in Bucknell’s sustainability plan [08:07]
The beginning of Bucknell’s solar array project [12:57]
What’s next for Bucknell’s sustainability journey? [16:25]
How will the utility sector need to change? [18:51]
Why is sustainability important to Victor? [22:27]
The biggest influential person in Victor’s life [26:19]
Using your opportunity to help society [31:36]
How does Nigeria move forward as a country? [34:03]

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Capitalizing on Opportunities in Community Solar, with Miro Sutton, Ep #43

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla sits down with Miro Sutton, Managing Director – Renewable Advisory, Strategy and Origination, NRG Energy. This discussion covers the state of community solar, including key trends, benefits, and common misperceptions. You’ll want to listen in to learn about NRG’s unique approach to developing community solar projects.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Miro Sutton’s background and current role at NRG [02:05]
The current state of community solar [05:21]
Benefits for community solar customers [11:20]
Misperceptions about community solar [13:59]
Community solar’s environmental benefits [17:55]
NRGs unique approach to community solar projects [20:29]
A recent example of a community solar deal [26:34]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Miro Sutton

On LinkedIn

Miro Sutton leads the Renewable Advisory team at NRG, assisting Fortune 500 customers in their renewable procurement efforts by creating customized renewable and sustainable energy solutions. He has been part of 4+GW of renewable transactions in his career. Miro has 14 years of experience working in the renewable energy industry, including seven years with NRG. Miro has originated over 1.5GW of renewable energy projects for Fortune 100 C&I customers including Ecolab, US Bank, Lowes, and other similar entities. Additionally, Miro has supported C&I customers 400+MW of Community Solar subscription agreements across four states. Miro was involved in the founding of the Carbon War Room, the promotion of PACE financing solutions, the creation of the Cash for Clunkers bill (“CARS” H.R. 1550), and the development of international programs.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Building a Global Renewable Energy Portfolio, with Zephyr Taylor Ep #42

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Zephyr Taylor, Global Director of Renewable Energy, Mars Inc. This engaging conversation took place during Smart Energy Decisions’ Renewable Energy Forum. They discussed Mars’ progress against its “Sustainable in a Generation” plan and its ambitious emissions reduction and renewable energy goals. Listen to hear more about Zephyr’s work at Mars and for bonus content exclusive to this episode only!

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Zephyr’s background and role at Mars [02:07]
Mars’ “Sustainable in a Generation” plan [04:05]
Sourcing renewables in global markets [08:26]
The biggest challenge in a global portfolio [13:42]
What’s next for Mars Inc? [16:32]
Zephyr’s journey to renewables [21:45]
Zephyr’s proudest accomplishment [28:36]
What would Zephyr like for the future? [33:10]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Zephyr Taylor

On LinkedIn

As the Global Commercial Director and Category Lead for Renewable Energy, Zephyr oversees Mars’ renewable energy sourcing throughout the world – including market assessment, supplier engagement, deal structuring and negotiation, and key internal stakeholder management alongside team oversight.

Zephyr has led the development and execution of strategic renewable energy initiatives for the public and private sectors globally. His expertise includes policy and regulation, project development and transaction structuring, and thought leadership on energy market reform and stakeholder mobilization.

Zephyr holds an MBA and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University. He received his undergraduate degree with Highest Honors in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

More Than Just Solar: The Evolving Clean Energy Needs of Large Power Users, with Raphael Declercq Ep #41

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, produced in partnership with EDF Renewables, host John Failla is joined by Raphael Declercq, Executive Vice President, Distributed Solutions & Strategy at EDF Renewables North America. Raphael has been working with EDF for 12 years, with a background in consulting and banking. Since mid-2010, his role has been to build an offering for C&I customers and other entities looking for distributed solutions. Listen as they discuss the changing needs of large electric power users and how EDF is evolving in response to those needs.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

EDF’s global footprint [03:37]
The evolving needs of recent times [08:44]
How is EDF responding to current needs? [13:21]
Powerflex’s solar component [18:53]
Storage’s role in Powerflex [22:29]
EV charging in the Powerflex model [28:04]
The essential software providing solutions [33:00]
Microgrid projects [38:12]
How can we be successful in the future? [40:50]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Raphael Declercq

On LinkedIn

Raphael leads the Distributed Solutions business unit of EDF Renewables North America and works with the President & Chief Executive Officer to craft and implement the Strategy of EDF Renewables.

Raphael has responsibility over the teams and legal entities conducting activities at the distribution level. Through a combination of acquisitions and internal growth, Raphael had a leading role in building the commercial solar, storage, and smart Electric Vehicle charging business of EDF Renewables. He now oversees the operations of this fast-growing part of our business. In his strategy role, he has a focus on identifying growth opportunities for EDF Renewables businesses in North America.

Prior to transferring to North America in 2011, Raphael worked for EDF Renouvelables in Paris as Deputy Executive Advisor. In North America, Raphael initially focused on divestitures and merger & acquisitions. Earlier in his career, Raphael was a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he primarily focused on the energy and heavy industry sectors. Raphael holds Masters in Management from HEC Paris business school and CEMS (Community of European Management Schools).

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

The Energy Switch, with Peter Kelly-Detwiler Ep # 40

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by his friend and colleague Peter Kelly-Detwiler, founder of NorthBridge Energy Partners. Peter is an active faculty member of Smart Energy Decisions and has decades of experience in the energy industry. Join as John and Peter discuss Peter’s new book: The Energy Switch.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Who is Peter Kelly-Detwiler? [02:19]
Peter’s motivation for writing his book [03:53]
Changing the face of the grid [09:14]
Enabling the grid change [17:08]
Coordinating the state and federal levels [23:43]
Adoptable pricing models [27:08]
Is a 100% carbon-free grid possible? [31:08]
Peter’s passion for clean energy [39:54]
The hopeful impact of The Energy Switch [47:39]

Resources & People Mentioned

The Energy Switch
GE Minds + Machines
IEA Net-Zero by 2050
Be one of the first 10 people to email john@smartenergydecisions.com requesting a copy of The Energy Switch and we will send you a signed copy!

Connect with Peter Kelly-Detwiler

Peter Kelly-Detwiler on LinkedIn

Peter Kelly-Detwiler - Smart Energy Decisions’ Director of Educational Programming and Principal of NorthBridge Energy Partners - has 30 years of experience in the electric energy arena, with much of his career in competitive power markets. He’s currently a leading consultant in the electric industry, providing strategic advice to clients and investors, helping them to navigate the rapid evolution of the electric power grid. Mr. Kelly-Detwiler offers numerous keynotes and workshops on a wide range of topics. He has also written widely on energy issues for Forbes.com and GE, with over 300 articles to his credit. His book on the transformation of electric power markets - “The Energy Switch” - will be published by Prometheus Books in June of 2021.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

Follow them on LinkedIn

Goodbye to Year Over Year Baselines, Hello to Predictive Modeling, Ep # 39

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

At a recent Innovation Summit, host Debra Chanil sat down with Ken Watson, a Sr. Manager of Key Accounts at Acuity Brands, and Andrew Blauvelt, the Vice President of Sales at Acuity Brands for the BuildingOS product group. In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, they discuss the shift in building industry energy metrics and establishing baselines in a world with inconsistent occupancy levels and changing public health guidelines. Listen to hear Andrew and Ken share their extensive experience and insight on best practices for navigating this dynamic shift.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Andrew Blauvelt’s and Ken Watson’s roles in their companies [02:02]
How has 2020 impacted building management? [02:50]
The solution for last year’s data [05:00]
Predictive modeling’s role in ensuring health [07:31]
Resource optimization and new technologies [10:10]
Occupant engagement dashboarding [11:10]
Next steps for energy and efficiency managers [11:49]
Where are companies headed in the coming year? [16:08]

Resources & People Mentioned

BuildingOS

Connect with Ken Watson

Ken Watson is a Sr. Manager of Key Accounts with over 10 years of experience working with enterprise organizations. Ken is an advocate for cloud-based EMIS solutions that enable clients to hit their climate and energy reduction targets using actionable data. His previous experience in managing and procuring energy gives him a deep understanding of the needs building operators have to improve overall energy performance. Prior to his current role as a Senior Manager of Key Accounts at Acuity Brands, Ken worked as a Business Development Manager for Digital Services at Siemens. He's a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Energy Procurement Professional through the Association of Energy Engineers and a LEED Green Associate. Ken holds a Bachelors of Business Administration/Finance from Illinois

Connect with Andrew G Blauvelt

Andrew Blauvelt is the Vice President of Sales at Acuity Brands for the BuildingOS product group. He works closely with building owners, operators, consultants and systems integrators to provide a platform which aggregates, normalizes and benchmarks all building related data.

Andrew believes transparency and collaboration are essential to unlocking sustainable buildings that close the loop between owners and occupiers. Andrew has a strong background in building sciences starting as a building automation technician, working as an energy engineer for AECOM, managing business development for Siemens in energy services and analytics, and currently designing a seamless edge to cloud experience at Acuity Brands. Andrew holds a Bachelors in Physics from Albion College, a Bachelors in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Masters in Energy Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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Challenges of Energy Management for Healthcare, with Robert Berninger Ep # 38

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil discusses several innovative retro-commission projects with Robert Berninger, Director of Plant Operations, Energy and Engineering at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Bob oversees more than 4 million square feet of critical care facilities in the heart of New York City. Listen as he recounts his experience evaluating potential projects so you can benefit from the great insights Bob has to share.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Robert Berninger’s role at MSKCC [02:18]
Sloan’s innovation award [03:28]
The importance of FDD (Fault Detection & Diagnostics) [05:24]
Current retro-commissioning [09:44]
Cogeneration projects [11:11]
Sloan Kettering’s vendor vetting process [14:49]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Robert Berninger

On LinkedIn

Robert (Bob) Berninger is the Director of Plant Operations, Energy and Engineering at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). In his 15 years with MSKCC, Bob has held various positions, first as the Energy Manager, overseeing and implementing energy conservation projects, and then as Plant Operations Manager. Currently, he is a Director managing the day-to-day operations of the HVAC systems and staff, overseeing the energy management systems and energy budgets, exploring and implementing energy conservation measures. Prior to this position, Bob was the Assistant Manager of the Physical Plant at Columbia University. He holds a B.E. in Marine Engineering from SUNY Maritime College. Robert is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), and a Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CDSP). He also holds a United States Coast Guard Chief Engineer’s Steam and First Engineer Motor License. He is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers and is a past President of the New York City Chapter of AEE. Bob was awarded the International Energy Manager of the Year in 2016 by the Association of Energy Engineers.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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The State of Sustainable Finance with Goldman Sachs’ Kara Mangone Ep # 37

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Sustainable finance has emerged as a key driver in the energy transition. In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Kara Mangone, Managing Director and Global Head of Climate Strategy at Goldman Sachs. Kara has worked at the forefront of Goldman Sachs’ sustainability commitments over the years, first leading sustainability reporting and investor engagement, then as Chief Operating Officer of Goldman Sachs’ Sustainable Finance Group and now as Global Head of Climate Strategy. Listen in to learn more about Kara’s efforts at Goldman Sachs.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Kara Mangone’s role at Goldman Sachs [01:52]
What is sustainable finance? [03:48]
Growing activity around sustainable finance [08:18]
Global investments into Net-Zero [13:39]
The role of the financial community [19:49]
How did Goldman Sachs get started in sustainability? [26:42]
Sustainable finance in long-term strategy [29:15]
The future of sustainable finance [36:00]
Kara’s career path at Goldman Sachs [41:16]

Resources & People Mentioned

Goldman Sachs' Sustainability Report
CEO David Solomon’s 2019 Op-Ed
Environmental Policy Framework
OS-climate
Apple and partners launch $200 million Restore Fund

Connect with Kara Mangone

Kara Mangone on LinkedIn

Kara has spent her career at Goldman Sachs at the intersection of shareholders, policymakers, interest groups, and the firm’s leadership, helping the firm define and execute on its sustainability objectives.

Currently, she is the Global Head of Climate Strategy and is responsible for working across all divisions of the firm to deliver on the firm’s signature climate initiatives. In this capacity, she plays an integral role in the firm’s leadership on climate change, including advancing the firm’s thought-leadership, policy positions, business practices, and external engagement efforts on climate.

Previously, she was Chief Operating Officer of Goldman Sachs’ Sustainable Finance Group, which partners with the firm’s businesses to deliver sustainability-related solutions to clients. These solutions include helping clients to develop capabilities to address climate transition and drive more inclusive growth.

Prior to that, Kara was a managing director in Investor Relations, where she led engagement with the firm’s investors globally on corporate governance and sustainability and worked with management and a diverse array of external partners to develop best-in-class sustainability reporting and disclosure.

Kara earned a BS in English and Finance from Boston College and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She was named a 2020 Millennium Leadership Fellow by the Atlantic Council.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

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Cal Poly Fast-tracks Decarbonization, with Dennis Elliot Ep # 36

Fri, 28 May 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla sits down with Dennis Elliot, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at California Polytechnic State University, to discuss Cal Poly’s climate action plan and decarbonization efforts. In a recent interview Dennis had with SEV’s sister podcast, Beyond the Meter, John learned about the great work Dennis and his team are doing at Cal Poly. Listen to this follow-up interview to learn more about Cal Poly’s work and how it is changing the way academia views its climate impact.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Cal Poly’s ambitious climate action plan [03:02]
Accelerating Cal Poly’s net-zero goal [09:00]
Collaborating for net neutrality [13:44]
Santa Cruz’ model of savings [18:18]
Cal Poly’s carbon offsets [23:14]
Electrification for net-zero [28:59]
Evaluating new suppliers and solution [38:47]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Dennis Elliot

On LinkedIn

Dennis Elliot serves as the Director of Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability in the Facilities Management and Development Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Dennis holds a bachelor's degree from Cal Poly in Mechanical Engineering, is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of California, and a Certified Energy Manager. In his 37 years at Cal Poly in a variety of energy-related roles, Dennis has helped lead operation and maintenance of building HVAC and central plants; design, construction, and commissioning of new buildings and utility systems; utility metering, building automation, SCADA, and building data analytic systems; energy and water conservation programs; renewable energy projects; sustainability educational outreach and curriculum infusion initiatives; LEED Certification and AASHE STARS programs; Master Planning and Strategic Planning; Zero Waste Programs and the campus' Climate Action Plan. Dennis helped found and still mentors Cal Poly's Green Campus Program of student peer educators, serves on Cal Poly's Academic Senate Sustainability Committee, and chairs the campus Sustainability Advisory Committee.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

To become a Sponsor Partner of Smart Energy Voices Season 3, please reach out to tim@smartenergydecisions.com for packages, pricing, and further details.

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The Future of Green Hydrogen, with Janice Lin,Ep # 33

Fri, 21 May 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla talks with Janice Lin, the Founder and President of the Green Hydrogen Coalition. She has over 20 years of experience in clean energy strategy and market development. Her visionary leadership and passion for green hydrogen is inspiring change in the energy industry. Listen as Janice shares her mission for the green energy transition.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Janice Lin's role at Strategen and Green Hydrogen [01:52]
Why is hydrogen so important right now? [4:56]
How should hydrogen be used? [09:19]
How can green hydrogen be optimized? [12:53]
Establishing the infrastructure for hydrogen [16:43]
What is the Green Hydrogen Coalition [23:47]
Next steps for the GHC [29:31]
Janice's passion for green energy [31:36]
The role of collaboration in progress [38:21]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Janice Lin

Janice Lin is the Founder and CEO of Strategen and has distinguished herself as a leading clean energy changemaker and visionary. She brings over two decades of experience in clean energy strategy, market development, and corporate strategy to the organization. Janice is the Founder and President of the educational non-profit the Green Hydrogen Coalition. Janice is also the co-founder of the California Energy Storage Alliance and the Energy Storage North America Conference and Expo. Janice has won numerous industry awards, including the 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year Cleanie® Award. Janice holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BA/BS from the University of Pennsylvania.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"

Decarbonizing with Integrated Energy Management, with Scott Hart Ep # 34

Fri, 14 May 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this important episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla speaks with Scott Hart, Vice President and General Manager of NRG Business - Texas to discuss how integrated energy supply and demand management strategies, including the deployment of DERs, can effectively help large power users achieve their decarbonization goals. NRG has been actively involved in working with customers on integrated energy management programs. You’ll learn a lot from this timely conversation.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Scott Hart’s role at NRG [02:00]
Why is there a movement towards bold, decarbonization goals? [04:00]
Is decarbonization that different from previous goals? [06:00]
Implications to consider [07:14]
Energy and sustainability working together [10:53]
How is NRG meeting marketplace needs? [12:24]
DERs role for large power users [14:41]

Resources & People Mentioned

NRG's decarbonization goal announcement

Connect with Scott Hart

Scott Hart Vice President / General Manager, NRG Business - Texas Scott Hart is the Vice President / General Manager of NRG Business – Texas and leads an integrated sales organization comprised of commercial, industrial, and wholesale origination sales teams. Scott is leading the team to become a competitive participant in many retail markets to offer customized solutions and services to customers in the complex energy industry. Scott has more than 30 years of utility and competitive retail executive experience. Prior to leading the NRG Supply team, Scott was the President of Commercial Services for Green Mountain Energy before NRG acquired it in 2010. Scott has a Bachelor of Science degree from Tarleton State University and an MBA from Baylor University.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Managing Data on the Road to Net Zero, with Adam Kramer Ep # 33

Fri, 07 May 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Decisions, host John Failla speaks with Adam Kramer, former Vice President of Strategy at Switch and current CEO of sustainability and energy start-up Ledger8760. They discuss Adam’s role in helping Switch achieve 100% renewable energy and his new position at Ledger8760. Listen as they address the need for accurate data in order to successfully set and achieve sustainability goals.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Adam Kramer’s move to a start-up [01:36]
Adam’s accomplishments at Switch [03:35]
The fascinating Nevada market [07:52]
The shift to broader emission reduction goals [14:27]
Adam’s new role at Ledger8760 [17:37]
Defining company goals [22:49]
Ledger8760’s biggest challenges [27:42]
From news reporter to CEO [30:36]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Adam Kramer

Adam Kramer on LinkedIn
On Twitter @AdamInNevada

Adam Kramer is the CEO of sustainability and energy start-up Ledger8760. A globally recognized sustainability leader, Adam is the former EVP of Strategy at Switch (NYSE: SWCH), where he led the sustainability group overseeing the company’s transition in 2016 to 100% renewable energy use by developing the largest behind-the-meter solar + storage project in the world.

Prior to joining Switch, Adam was the Director of Entrepreneurship for the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce and. Before that, he was an award-winning journalist in California and Florida. In 2017, Adam received the Grand Rapids Press Newsmaker of The Year award and, in 2013, was recognized by Vegas, Inc., as one of the top 40 professionals in Vegas under 40. Adam has a B.A. from Menlo College and an M.S. from the University of Cincinnati.

Adam has served on the boards of the Renown Health Foundation, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, University of Nevada Reno Foundation Board of Trustees, and EDAWN (Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada) in Nevada.

Adam enjoys golfing, hiking, and traveling with his wife and three young children. A self-proclaimed “amateur chef,” Adam constantly refines his cooking skills for family and friends.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Intel 2030, with Marty Sedler Ep # 32

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla speaks with Marty Sedler, Director of Global Utilities & Infrastructure or Intel Corporation. Marty has been in the utility industry for approximately 40 years and has worked with Intel for more than 20 years. He was the opening keynote speaker from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Innovation Summit where he shared Intel’s 2030 goals for energy savings, alternative energy, and emissions reductions. Intel has a global scope and is constantly working on new technologies and solutions for renewable energy. Listen to learn about Intel’s goals for 2030.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Marty’s role and Intel’s global operations [2:03]
Intel’s successes to date [4:37]
The direction of Intel’s 2030 goals [6:48]
What is needed to reach those goals? [9:54]
Intel’s renewable energy deal in Oregon [12:14]
Marty’s philosophy for new technologies [17:13]
How does the grid have to evolve? [20:55]

Resources & People Mentioned

SED innovation summit

Connect with Marty Sedler

Marty Sedler - Director, Global Utilities and Infrastructure - Intel

Marty Sedler is the Director of Global Utilities & Infrastructure for Intel Corporation. Marty has been with Intel for more than 20 years, integrating Energy Management and Energy Supply Policy responsibilities within a formal process. He and his staff are responsible for all utility supply issues, ensuring the capacity, price, and reliability of utility supplies/infrastructure to Intel facilities worldwide, as well as, supporting conservation programs. Marty is responsible for evaluating/incorporating alternative energy options within Intel and establishing sustainable energy positions/strategies for renewable energy policy within Intel’s energy portfolio. He leads the utility site selection component of a corporate team that identifies and recommends potential new locations for Intel’s facility/manufacturing growth worldwide. Marty is Intel’s external energy representative in various private, public, State, and Federal energy action groups and task forces. He is a member of various DOE Steering Committees and has sat on several state Governors’ energy committees. Previous to joining Intel, he spent 14 years in the electric utility industry in a variety of functions, including; operations, rates, environmental, energy supply/engineering, power plant operation, and key account management. In 2015, Marty was honored to be the recipient of the “Green Power Leader of the Year” by the Center for Resource Solutions at the annual EPA/CSR REM event.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

The State of Retail Energy Partnerships, with Raj Bazaj Ep # 31

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices host John Failla speaks with Raj Bazaj, Executive Director of Solution Sales at Constellation. John and Raj discuss the future of retail energy partnerships and the impact that has on the energy industry. Listen to hear Raj share his personal insights on sustainability and energy solutions in retail environments. This episode is made in partnership with Constellation.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Raj Bazaj’s work at Constellation [2:29]
What do today’s customers want in a business relationship? [4:22]
Using analytics to track fluctuations [9:58]
Ways retail companies are evolving [14:15]
How is Constellation thriving? [16:50]
Constellation’s integrated product portfolio [22:00]
What should customers be thinking about? [27:18]
Raj’s passion for retail energy [30:58]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Raj Bazaj

Raj Bazaj LinkedIn
Constellation on Twitter

Learn more about Raj Bazaj

Profile

Raj manages a team at Constellation that works with a diverse group of customers assisting them in implementing solutions to help address the major shifts going on in the energy industry including sustainability, demand reduction, data analytics, and overall cost optimization.

Professional History

Raj has worked in the chemical and energy industries across a wide range of roles. He began his career in the chemical industry working with multi-national companies Bayer, Cytec Industries, and American Cyanamid. Roles included R&D, marketing, and sales before being promoted to the Director of Marketing for NAFTA where he also managed the Export and Resale sales channels. Responsibilities included managing the P&L and developing short- and long-term strategy including the production of chemicals manufactured in the U.S for export overseas.

Raj started his energy career with WPS Energy Services (later Integrys) in 2005 as the Managing Director for retail power and gas sales. The business was acquired by Constellation in 2014. Most recently Raj led the effort to develop a multi-year partnership agreement with the Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village. The agreement recognizes Constellation as the official energy provider and provides exclusive naming rights for the Constellation Center for Excellence, a key component of the development project underway in Canton, OH.

As a member of the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), Raj has attended Leadership summits at the White House under both the Obama and Trump administrations. The initiative focuses on several key areas including education, career development, business, jobs, immigration, health care, housing, and workforce leadership.

Education

Raj holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona and an Executive MBA from the University of Connecticut.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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Trends in Renewable Energy Deal Making & The Biden Administration, with Keith Martin Ep # 30

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 07:30:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla speaks with Keith Martin, a transactional lawyer with Norton Rose Fulbright. Keith worked for 146 companies last year and his firm did $145 billion in project financing. He also lobbies the US treasury and congress on policy issues and has worked for two democratic senators. Listen to learn more about clean energy from the perspective of legislative infrastructure.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

A little about Keith Martin [2:08]
The impact of Biden/Harris on wind [3:40]
The potential of freestanding ITC legislation [6:11]
The impact of Biden/Harris on renewable energy [9:47]
Carbon capture [12:22]
The most active sector in clean energy deal-making [15:18]
Keith’s passion for renewable energy [21:33]

Resources & People Mentioned

Currents podcast | Norton Rose Fulbright
Elon Musk carbon capture prize
Jigar Shaw
CERAWeek by IHS Markit | The World's Premier Energy Event
Project Finance NewsWire: published every other month and dates back to 23 years. The Project Finance NewsWire reports on new developments affecting the power sector, gas pipelines, LNG terminals, energy storage facilities, energy efficiency, biofuels, gasification, water, toll roads, bridges, ports, stadiums and other infrastructure.

Connect with Keith Martin

Keith Martin - LinkedIn

Keith Martin is a transactional lawyer in the Washington office of Norton Rose Fulbright. The firm did $145 billion in project financings and closed 331 transactions in the last three years. The prestigious Chambers directory gives Keith its sole "star" ranking among US renewable energy lawyers. Keith worked for 146 companies last year on numerous transactions. He also lobbies the US Treasury and Congress on policy issues. He has also edited the widely distributed Project Finance NewsWire for the last 24 years.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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The Future of Clean Tech Investing, with Ron Pernick Ep # 29

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, John speaks with Ron Pernick, the founder and managing director of Clean Edge. Ron has over 30 years of experience in high-tech sectors, the last 20 of which have been in clean tech. He founded Clean Edge to be an analyst organization focused on this emergent sector. Since 2001, they’ve collected and processed data from dozens of successful clean tech organizations. Find out how this information can be used to invest in the future of clean tech.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Ron Pernick’s career trajectory [1:55]
The beginning of Clean Edge [8:58]
How did Ron get involved with stock indexing? [12:13]
The future of clean tech adoption [19:37]
What surprised Ron about his past predictions? [24:11]
Growth predictions for 2030 [27:00]
What’s required for a grid transformation? [31:26]
Volatility in clean-tech stocks [40:25]
Ron’s points of pride in his career [44:45]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Ron Pernick

Ron Pernick on LinkedIn

Ron Pernick is the founder and managing director of Clean Edge, Inc., where he oversees the development and production of the company’s thematic stock indexes tracking clean energy, transportation, water, and the grid. Financial products tracking the firm’s energy transition and sustainable infrastructure indexes exceed $3 billion in assets under management (as of January 2021). Ron is also the co-author of two books on clean-tech business and innovation, Clean Tech Nation (HarperCollins, 2012) and The Clean Tech Revolution (HarperCollins, 2007).

Ron co-authored the first report to identify the business and financial opportunities of clean technology (Clean Tech: Profits & Potential, 2001) and has since helped to popularize the term and advance the sector. He has taught MBA-level clean-tech innovation courses at Portland State University and New College and is a regular speaker at industry events. Prior to Clean Edge, Ron worked in the high-tech and telecommunications sectors. He holds a BA from Michigan State University, including a year of international studies at Konan University in Kobe, Japan.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

Addressing Residual Emissions on the Path to Net Zero, with Stephanie Harris Ep # 28

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Not all ideas for reducing carbon emissions are created equal - what works well for one company won’t work for another. So how does a company start on the path to clean energy? SED’s Debra Chanil talks with Stephanie Harris about that very issue. Stephanie Harris is a Director on 3Degrees’ Carbon Markets team where she helps organizations create customized plans for climate action. For over 15 years, 3Degrees has been helping companies strategically establish and achieve their carbon emission goals. Listen in as they discuss this practical approach to reducing residual emissions.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Defining residual emissions [2:45]
How are companies addressing residual emissions? [5:50]
Goals that make sense for your organization [7:50]
The portfolio approach to reducing residual emissions [10:40]
The challenges of net-zero [12:45]
2020’s impact on the voluntary carbon market [15:35]

Resources & People Mentioned

3Degrees: Renewable Energy Partner - Sustainability Consulting

Connect with Stephanie Harris

LinkedIn profile

Stephanie Harris is a Director on 3Degrees’ Carbon Markets team, where she is responsible for managing the company’s voluntary carbon offset portfolio. Stephanie first joined 3Degrees in 2015 as a REC Trader on the Environmental Markets team. She shifted over to the Carbon Markets team in 2018 and has been instrumental in crafting customized portfolios to help corporate sustainability leaders address their Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions and achieve their climate goals.

Prior to joining 3Degrees, Stephanie completed a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she also obtained a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Communication. Her studies provided a strong foundation in renewable energy policy and energy conservation.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

Follow them on LinkedIn

Collaborating for Customer-Centricity in Achieving Sustainability Objectives, with André Canguçú, Ep # 027

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Renewable energy is becoming increasingly affordable every day but it hasn’t yet become accessible to everyone. ENGIE is working to change that. John Failla speaks with Chief Commercial & Industries and M&A Officer for ENGIE North America, André Canguçú about what they’re doing to expand access to renewable energy for smaller entities and those new to the field. André explains how ENGIE is working to simplify the process of obtaining renewable energy. Listen to hear how they’re making a difference in the ever-evolving industry of renewable energy.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

André Canguçú’s career progression [2:50]
How prepared for change is the renewable industry? [5:35]
New structures André Canguçú has in mind for the future [9:10]
Matching energy demand with consumption [12:03]
ENGIE’s customer focus beyond energy [13:11]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with André Canguçú

On LinkedIn

André joined ENGIE in May 2002 and has served ENGIE in several finance roles, including Chief Financial Officer for Latin America (2010-2015) and Chief Financial Officer for Peru (2004-2010). In 2016, he became Chief Business Developer for ENGIE North America. In that position, André was responsible to oversee all of ENGIE’s Business Development activities in the United States and Canada. He has been the Chief Commercial & Industries and Merger & Acquisitions Officer since the beginning of 2020. André has more than 15 years of experience in the power industry, in supporting activities or direct management roles.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

The Evolution of McDonald's Sustainability Roadmap, with Emma Cox Ep #26

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0000

With 37,000 restaurants in over 100 countries serving 69 million people every day, McDonald’s understands how great an impact they have. The last time John spoke with Emma Cox, North American Sustainability Manager at McDonald’s Corporation during the 2019 Innovation Summit, the company was primarily focused on energy efficiency within the U.S. Since that beginning, their focus has had a global shift that will positively affect the environment. Listen to hear how McDonald’s is changing the world one community at a time.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

McDonald’s focus on using its scale for good [2:21]
From national to global sustainability [6:15]
McDonald’s new Global Impact Team [10:32]
What’s next for McDonald’s sustainability? [13:25]
The importance of community [20:33]
Building a sustainability team [23:18]

Resources & People Mentioned

McDonald’s Global Impact Team

Connect with Emma Cox

Emma Gillespie Cox on LinkedIn

Emma Cox is the North American Sustainability Manager at McDonald’s Corporation. She leads Renewable Energy globally for the company. Last year, under Emma’s leadership, McDonald’s announced its first two PPAs, together totaling 380 MW, in the US. She believes McDonald’s can use its Scale for Good to transform the renewable energy market. After graduating from Columbia University in New York, she worked for the U.S. Green Building Council specifically on programs, events, and continuing education. From there, she moved to Chicago, where she worked for an energy and sustainability tech start-up called Green Per Square Foot—leading their Business Development & Marketing team. She went on to lead the Energy & Sustainability consulting group for Cushman & Wakefield before eventually ending up at McDonald’s, where she has the unique opportunity to use its scale for good. Having worked in many areas within Sustainability, Emma has a diverse skill set but has always had a passion for making the world a better place. At home, she is Mom to two young kids and enjoys traveling whenever they let her get away. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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The Future of GM, EVs and Renewables with Rob Threlkeld Ep #25

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0000

The future of decarbonization is in re-inventing the transportation industry. As it stands, vehicles account for 28.2 percent of greenhouse emissions. That’s an amazing opportunity for change. Imagine the reduction in carbon emissions if those vehicles were to be powered by electricity. John speaks about the potential of electric vehicles with General Motors’ Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability, Rob Threkeld. John and Rob discuss GM’s incredible carbon neutrality goal. GM wants to do its part to get the whole world involved in its future. Every company will want to join in this movement to create a cleaner future.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Who is Rob Threkeld? [1:10]
GM’s achievements of last year [6:00]
The competitive market of EVs [9:35]
GM’s commitment to carbon neutrality [12:00]
Rob’s thoughts on the future of renewables [16:00]
The role utilities need to play to reach the goal of decarbonization [23:38]
Rob’s career journey [32:44]
How Rob was able to get GM to commit to such a huge goal [43:26]
The impact Rob wants to leave on the industry [49:28]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Rob Threlkeld

LinkedIn Profile
On Twitter

Rob Threlkeld - Global Manager, Sustainable Energy, Supply & Reliability

Rob Threlkeld is the Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability at General Motors. Threlkeld leads GM’s energy procurement efforts including its commitment to meet the electricity needs of its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2040.

He is also responsible for leading the team that supports GM energy procurement and regulatory efforts, including negotiating power purchase agreements, natural gas, green tariffs and engineering onsite renewable solutions for the company’s facilities across the globe. Threlkeld’s path to managing GM's global renewable energy strategy began with a love for pancakes, when he learned in second grade that acid rain affected the production of maple syrup.

Threlkeld received both his bachelor’s and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University.

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Inspiring Diversity in Energy with Telisa Toliver, Ep # 24

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 15:07:00 -0000

The wake-up call came a few years ago when the Wall Street Journal ranked energy at 10 out of 11 fields in a survey on diversity in businesses. Since then, Smart Energy Decisions has worked to raise the profile of this issue with its series “Inspiring Diversity in Energy.” This edition features a discussion with Telisa Toliver, General Manager of Renewable Power for Chevron and Debra Chanil, SED’s Director of Research and Content. Telisa has almost 30 years of experience in the energy industry and has first-hand knowledge about the improvements necessary to move the industry to the next level. Listen as Telisa shares her insight into inspiring diversity in energy.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Telisa’s experience in the energy industry [3:18]
The internship that started Telisa’s career [5:13]
The value of mentorship [8:26]
Diversity in the energy field outside the US [10:00]
The creative aspect of oil and gas [14:38]
Telisa’s involvement with AABE (American Association of Blacks in Energy) [16:13]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Telisa Toliver

Telisa’s AABE profile
On LinkedIn

Telisa Toliver serves as General Manager for Chevron Pipeline and Power. This business unit provides technical, commercial, operational, and energy management support services globally to Chevron’s Upstream and Downstream & Chemicals businesses. Its owned and operated pipeline assets span 3,000 miles, supporting Chevron’s operations across seven U.S. states and transporting over 1.2 million barrels a day. Its power function manages or operates 900 megawatts of natural-gas-fired steam and renewable power assets. Its energy management services evaluate energy use and find solutions to improve operational efficiency, reduce cost and address Chevron’s critical energy challenges across the globe. Telisa was named to her current position in 2019 and leads the development and implementation of the Renewable Power Strategy across Chevron’s global enterprise. Telisa is also responsible for developing and implementing power market strategies that will enhance Chevron’s operations and new investments. Telisa currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Blacks in Energy. She’s also a member of the Executive Leadership Council. Recently Telisa co‐authored “The Energy Within Us” describing her career journey in the energy sector. https://www.theenergywithinus.com/

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"

Jigar Shah on Creating Climate Wealth, Ep# 23

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Celebrate the fifth anniversary of Smart Energy Decisions with this conversation between Founder and Editorial Direction John Failla and clean energy industry pioneer Jigar Shah, who has changed the way businesses approach technology to both save money and improve their impact on the environment.

Jigar, who is currently President and Co-founder of Generate Capital, is the creator of “no money down solar.” While sustainable energy was once viewed as a money pit with benefits to the environment coming at the expense of the company, this innovation paved the way for businesses to access renewable energy – and enabled SunEdison to become the largest solar services company in the world.

Join John and Jigar for surprising insights on Jigar’s career in the energy space, and his thoughts on where it is headed

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

What do you need to support a trillion-dollar industry? [3:18]
How we’re doing today with our business models [14:30]
Two promising technologies that are almost ready [16:30]
Where is renewable thermal energy going? [21:55]
What does it mean to make a change? [23:48]
Emerging areas of support [30:20]
What’s next for Generate Capital? [39:30]
Why are people focused on local services? [45:16]
Jigar’s proudest accomplishments [53:35]
How Jigar’s spirituality gives him perspective at work [1:09:25]

Resources & People Mentioned For sponsorship packages and details, please email tim@smartenergydecisions for more information

Jigar Shah President and Co-Founder of Generate Capital
Creating Climate Wealth: Unlocking the Impact Economy
Larry Fink on CNBC
Plug Power

Connect with Jigar Shah

Follow Jigar Shah on LinkedIn
Connect with Jigar on Twitter @JigarShahDC

Jigar Shah is the President and Co-Founder of Generate Capital, the leading investment and operating platform for sustainable infrastructure. Founded in 2014, Generate Capital is the only “one-stop-shop” for pioneers leading the Resource Revolution. Prior to Generate, as the Founder and CEO of SunEdison (NASDAQ: SUNE), Shah pioneered “no money down solar”, which unlocked a multi-billion-dollar solar market and became the largest solar services company worldwide before its acquisition by MEMC. Shah’s decades of experience in renewable energy consistently show that business model innovation and entrepreneurship are two of the keys to proving that sustainability pays.

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The Future of Sustainability Strategy with Greg Kandankulam, Ep #22

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0000

2020 has definitely produced a number of challenges, but the need for societies and organizations to move toward sustainable energy solutions has not gone away. In this conversation between Smart Energy Decisions founder, John Failla, and Greg Kandankulam, Senior Manager of Sustainability at NRG Energy, John was interested to know what the NRG team is experiencing as it works with large organizations and municipalities that are moving toward renewable energy solutions.

Greg speaks about the current situation in the push for renewable energy, how and why the focus has shifted away from renewable energy procurement and toward the reduction of carbon emissions, and how sustainability consultants are playing a large role in the transition. It’s an interesting and informative conversation you’ll find very helpful.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The ever-changing nature of sustainability roles inside organizations [1:44]
How NRG began offering sustainability advisory services for large power users [2:58]
A shift away from renewable energy procurement targets toward carbon emission reduction targets [6:05]
2021 brings challenges when shifting to a focus on carbon emissions reduction [8:57]
How cities are addressing sustainability issues [14:25]

Resources mentioned in today's episode

Interested in becoming a Smart Energy Voices Sponsor Partner?

To become a Sponsor Partner of Smart Energy Voices Season 2, please reach out to tim@smartenergydecisions.com for packages, pricing and further details.

Connect with Greg

Follow Greg Kandankulam on LinkedIn

Greg Kandankulam is a Senior Manager, Sustainability at NRG where he leads the Sustainable Energy Advisory team. This team of sustainability advisors assists clients in driving their organizations toward a cleaner energy future. He has 15 years’ experience in strategic analysis, financial modeling and project management with a sustainability focus. Mr. Kandankulam has a strong background in public-private partnerships, smart grid assets, climate risk and utility regulatory policy. He has presented on the future of the grid to public and private sector audiences throughout the country. Greg holds an MBA from Presidio Graduate School in sustainable management and a BSAST in nuclear engineering from Thomas Edison State University. Mr. Kandankulam has previously held positions as a program manager of a public-private partnership for the Dutch government, based on sustainable energy projects, and as a chief nuclear mechanical operator in the U.S. Navy for six years. He also served for 4 years as Sustainability Commissioner for the City of Sausalito in California.

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Ørsted’s Journey from Oil Giant to Most Sustainable Company in the World with Melissa Peterson, Ep #21

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0000

It’s not common to see a company that’s heavily vested in a particular segment of any industry make a 180-degree turn that is designed to eliminate the need for its original area of focus. It’s even more uncommon for that company to become the leader in its new niche, one that sets the standard far above what other companies have done. That’s the story of Ørsted, a Denmark-based Oil Giant that has made the transition to renewable energy like few other companies.

Joining SEV host John on this episode is Melissa Peterson, VP of Origination and Power Marketing at Ørsetead North America. She recounts the reasons and the ways that her company has made the transition to the Renewable Energy space, how it has moved into the U.S. market in massive ways, and what the company is moving toward in years to come. She also comments on the future of renewable energy in the United States and notes some key markers that need to be achieved in the next 10 to 20 years. Don’t miss it.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Melissa’s role with Ørsted [1:11]
How Ørsted became the most sustainable company in the world [4:58]
What led Ørsted into the United States market in 2016 through 2018? [9:56]
Melissa’s take on where the renewable energy space is headed in the U.S. [13:56]
Can the supply side keep up with the demand for renewables in the U.S.? [16:25]
Is offshore wind power in the future for the U.S.? [19:09]
What led Melissa into the Renewable Energy industry? [25:03]
Challenges Melissa has faced in her career so far [29:50]
The impact Melissa wants to have on the industry and her company [35:45]

Connect with Melissa Peterson, VP Origination & Power Marketing at Ørsted Onshore North America

Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

Melissa leads the Origination and Power Marketing team at Ørsted Onoshare North America. She directly manages a team of originators while also creating and sustaining lasting strategic relationships across multiple customer verticals within the power industry. Prior to joining Ørsted, she spent five years on Apex Clean Energy’s business development team and five years as a project developer for EDF. Melissa has developed over 1000 MW operating renewable energy projects. Melissa holds a Master’s degree from SUNY-Albany and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Virtual Innovation Summit taking place on March 22nd-25th, 2021, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

The Growing Importance of Renewable Energy Partnerships with Nathan Nissen and Greg Rizzo, Ep #20

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -0000

We all know that strong partnerships are essential if we are going to succeed in collaborating to accomplish a zero-carbon future. That’s because companies and organizations that work together in business relationships have more opportunities to increase efficiency in joint projects and partner to source from renewable energy sources.

This conversation features two of the players in just such a partnership. John speaks with Nathan Nissen, Principal Engineer, Sustainability at Kohler Company, and Greg Rizzo, Director of Origination at Enel Green Power.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

How Kohler Co. and Enel Green Power are moving toward a zero-carbon future [1:19]
The impact COVID-19 has had on the sustainability goals of each company [7:10]
Why Kohler reached out to Enel Green Power in the first place [10:47]
Key components of a renewable energy supply partnership [14:55]

Interested in becoming a Smart Energy Voices Sponsor Partner?

To become a Sponsor Partner of Smart Energy Voices Season 2, please reach out to tim@smartenergydecisions.com for packages, pricing and further details.

Connect with Nathan Nissen and Greg Rizzo

Follow Nathan Nissen on LinkedIn

Nathan Nissen was on the team that developed the first Kohler Co. sustainability strategy in 2007 and has led footprint reporting activities and coordinated footprint reduction activities since then. Nathan previously worked in an environmental leadership role with Kohler’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department since 1989. While working in EHS, Nathan’s career evolved through hazardous waste management and elimination, emergency response planning, environmental management systems, and industrial waste recycling. Nathan has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is an amateur beekeeper and a licensed Professional Engineer.

Follow Greg Rizzo on LinkedIn

Greg Rizzo is a Director of Origination within Enel Green Power North America’s Commercial Office. Since joining Enel Green Power in 2012, Greg has held many different roles focused on supporting Enel Green Power’s commercial strategies. Previous responsibilities included managing existing customer relationships post-PPA execution and developing risk management strategies for the company’s REC and power positions. As Enel Green Power began to establish itself as a leader in the North American renewable industry, Greg transitioned to an Origination role supporting the company’s vision for growth. In this role, Greg, together with his team, focuses on establishing partnerships with utility and corporate customers to deliver customized sustainable energy solutions. These partnerships are critical in supporting Enel Green Power’s aggressive global growth target of adding more than 14 GW of newly built renewable projects over the next three years.

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Driving Decarbonization With Digital Innovation with Microsoft's Vanessa Miler-Fels, Ep #19

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Decarbonization is one of the primary goals many companies are trying to achieve in their operations. The reason is simple… science has shown that the world is facing an urgent carbon problem. If we don’t curb emissions and temperatures continue to climb, science tells us that the results will be incomprehensible.

Microsoft is leading the way in the realm of corporate leadership, setting its Carbon Negative Pledge as a standard to follow. One of the leading voices on the Microsoft team is Vanessa Miler-Fels, Director of Energy Innovation and Impact. Her astute insights and clear way of describing the “carbon math” the Microsoft team has done to empower their own efforts and extend their approach to their own supply chain partners come through loud and clear in this conversation. Listen to hear the generous and ambitious contributions Microsoft is poised to make to the world’s energy future.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Vanessa’s role at Microsoft as Director of Energy Innovation and Impact [2:51]
Microsoft’s goals: “The World’s Next Moonshot” [3:49]
Interim goals on the way to Carbon Negative [6:36]
The important role Microsoft’s Scope 3 goals play in global decarbonization [14:24]
How Microsoft plans to employ digital innovation on behalf of customers [17:20]
Vanessa’s advice to those who need to take the first step in their organization [21:08]

Resources & People Mentioned

Microsoft’s carbon negative pledge statement

Connect with Vanessa Miler-Fels, Director of Energy Innovation and Impact at Microsoft

Follow Vanessa Miler-Fels on LinkedIn

Vanessa Miler-Fels is Director of Energy Innovation and Impact at Microsoft. She works with Microsoft’s Chief Environmental Officer on cross-company energy topics engaging with our operations, customers, and supply chain. Before that, for the last five years, Vanessa worked on the CO+I Energy and Sustainability team on renewable energy procurement for Microsoft Datacenters. Before joining Microsoft, she worked at a green-infrastructure private equity fund based in London and at the French Ministry of Finance. Vanessa is French and Indian, from Paris-Pondicherry, holds a Master in international affairs from Sciences-Po Paris, an MBA from ESCP, and is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale d'Administration.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Virtual Innovation Summit taking place on March 22-25th, 2021, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"

Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

5 Predictions for the Corporate Renewable Energy Market in 2021, with Rob Collier, Episode #18

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 14:34:00 -0000

In light of recent national events, it is a great time to be focused on renewables. In this episode, Rob Collier, Vice President of Developer Relations at LevelTen Energy, provides his five predictions for the Corporate Renewable Energy Market for 2021. LevelTen Energy provides transaction infrastructure for renewable energy buyers, advisors, and sellers. Rob ensures buyers and advisors have access to the latest data on utility-scale renewable energy projects under development. His team also enables developers to have the latest market intel to help them make strategic pricing and development decisions. Prior to joining LevelTen, Rob worked for utility-scale solar developer OneEnergy Renewables as Director of Development. He recently wrote an article outlining his five predictions for the corporate renewable energy market in 2021 and is talking with us about that topic in more detail on this episode of Smart Energy Voices.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The goal of LevelTen Energy. [4:13]
One of LevelTen’s biggest focus areas right now. [7:18]
Social justice and renewables procurement. [10:31]
What buyers are focusing on when it comes to social justice concerns in the industry. [14:28]
The impact a move toward social justice in renewables will have on diversity and inclusion in the industry. [17:17]
More companies will become 100% renewable. [20:19]
More companies committing to reducing their scope 3 emissions. [30:00]
Storage being added to PPA portfolios. [37:52]
How the need for speed will be driving innovation. [45:04]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Rob Collier

Follow Rob on LinkedIn

LevelTen Energy provides transaction infrastructure for renewable energy buyers, advisors, and sellers. At LevelTen, Rob leads the developer relations team, ensuring buyers and advisors have access to the latest data on utility-scale renewable energy projects under development, and that developers have the latest market intel to help them make strategic pricing and development decisions. Prior to joining LevelTen, Rob worked for utility-scale solar developer OneEnergy Renewables as director of development.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

To become a Sponsor Partner of Smart Energy Voices Season 2, please reach out to tim@smartenergydecisions.com for packages, pricing and further details.

Lynda Clemmons on Navigating Transition in the Energy Industry, Ep. 17

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Because the energy industry is widely diverse and constantly changing, energy companies and their partners often have difficulty keeping up with the changes. Lynda Clemmons, Vice President of Sustainable Solutions at NRG Energy, joins us for this episode to speak on how best to navigate these fast transitions within the industry. As the leader of the Sales, Sustainability, and Project Management teams, she manages three jobs ranging from Fortune 500 customer interface to actual steel-in-the-ground implementation. She is working to create a cleaner energy future through technology, renewables, and efficiency, both within the organization and with clients. She has been at NRG since 2012.

Lynda’s career journey has been characterized by a series of challenging opportunities, giving her a wealth of knowledge and experience to share on the topic of rapid change within the energy industry. Lynda started her career as an analyst in an investment bank. She then spent eight years at Enron where she started the weather derivatives business as well as the SO2 and NOx emissions trading desk. In 2000, Lynda co-founded and was COO of XL Weather and Energy (a division of XL Capital Ltd), a trading and insurance company based in Connecticut. She also co-founded and was the former President of the Weather Risk Management Association.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Lynda’s many career roles and experiences. [2:04]
The ways Lynda has seen companies face challenges and transitions. [16:20]
Role models who have inspired Lynda over the years. [23:20]
Hot energy topics of 2021. [29:37]
Concept of electrification and what it can do in our personal lives. [32:11]
What the industry will look like in the next 3-5 years. [36:15]
Her advice on people just getting started in the industry. [40:32]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Lynda Clemmons

Follow Lynda on Twitter
Follow Lynda on LinkedIn

Lynda Clemmons Vice President, Sustainable Solutions at NRG Energy

Lynda Clemmons is a Vice President in NRG Energy’s Business Solutions group. As the leader of the Sales, Sustainability, and Project Management teams, she manages three jobs ranging from Fortune 500 customer interface to actual steel-in-the-ground implementation. She is working to create a cleaner energy future through technology, renewables, and efficiency, both within the organization and with clients. She has been at NRG since 2012.

Lynda started her career as an analyst in an investment bank. She then spent eight years at Enron where she started the weather derivatives business as well as the SO2 and NOx emissions trading desk. In 2000, Lynda co-founded and was COO of XL Weather and Energy (a division of XL Capital Ltd), a trading and insurance company based in Connecticut. She also co-founded and was the former President of the Weather Risk Management Association.

Lynda holds BA degrees in History and French from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Finance from Tulane University.

To become a Sponsor Partner of Smart Energy Voices Season 2, please reach out to tim@smartenergydecisions.com for packages, pricing and further details.

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MP2 Energy's Jeff Colvin on Shell Energy's Expansion in North America, EP 16

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Jeff Colvin, Executive VP of Sales at MP2 Energy, joins John Failla of Smart Energy Decisions to discuss his career as a leader in the energy industry and his role at MP2 and its relationship with Shell Energy North America. With the growing interest that international oil companies have in the energy transition and the role that MP2 Energy is specifically playing for Shell Energy North America, this conversation provides tremendous insights.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Jeff and his role with MP2 Energy [1:38]
Shell’s interest in renewables [3:12]
Advantages of being an early mover in developing an integrated power business [5:24]
The role MP2 Energy is playing in Shell’s North American strategy [8:07]
Important considerations for shifting to renewables and sustainability goals [11:19]
How MP2 is positioned to meet expanding customer needs [13:09]
Some specific customer deployments MP2 has had success with [15:17]
How large company announcements are bringing small renewable initiatives [18:31]
How Shell’s reach has allowed MP2 to adapt and move with the company [20:23]
Where the industry is heading in terms of evolving customer requirements [22:30]
What led Jeff to start a career in the energy industry [25:10]
The pivotal point that propelled Jeff into seeking leadership positions [27:27]
How Jeff’s career has evolved and his proudest accomplishments [29:28]
Jeff’s biggest challenges [33:48]
Integration and acquisition challenges and solutions [36:29]
Jeff’s legacy in the energy industry [39:25]

Resources & People Mentioned

MP2 Energy a Shell Energy North America Subsidiary

Connect with Jeff Colvin

On Linkedin

Jeff Colvin, Executive Vice President Sales, MP2 Energy

At MP2 Energy, Jeff Colvin, EVP, Sales, has built up both the Pricing and Sales teams, improved training and coaching efforts, deployed a CRM solution, built and released a scalable Renewable Energy platform, and has been critical in leading a Sales Team that increased sales year over year every year that he has been in the organization. Most recently Jeff onboarded a new channel, a Large C&I National Direct Sales Team, something very different for MP2 historically, a business built on the backs of its Retail Brokers and Consultants. Jeff joined MP2 Energy in 2016; in April 2020, he was promoted to EVP, Sales to help guide, direct, and lead the commercial C&I business and the overarching strategy of MP2 within Shell.

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Tackling Scope 3 Emissions at Honda of America Manufacturing Inc with Alissa Yakali & Joey Lange, Ep 15

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we'll be in conversation with Alissa Yakali, Supply Chain Sustainability Manager at Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., and Joey Lange, Senior Director of Client Services at Edison Energy, for an inside look at Honda's 10 years of experience in working with their supply chain to reduce emissions and how they're currently working with Edison Energy to take their supply chain program to the next level. You won’t want to miss out on the great information within today’s show.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Meeting Alissa [1:45]
Meeting Joey [2:39]
How Honda has evolved its commitment to sustainability over the years [4:36]
What drives Honda’s commitment to sustainability? [6:18]
How Honda’s approach compares to what Joey sees in the market [7:14]
Emission reduction commitments vs renewable energy goals vs other factors [9:27]
How Honda is engaging their supply chain to reduce its scope three emissions [14:39]
Mistakes & secrets to getting suppliers to engage in a sustainability program [16:13]
Biggest challenges Alissa faced in the beginning that you may be facing now [19:39]
Building trust with suppliers [21:54]
How scorecards help with transparency and accountability [23:15]
Tools Honda has in place to set suppliers up for success then vs now [26:37]
The cloud-based energy management system Honda is developing [29:55]
Why Honda needs a partner like Edison Energy [36:05]
How Edison is meeting suppliers where they are and educating them on options [37:47]
What Joey sees going forward in terms of supply chain sustainability? [40:54]
Using green bonds to help suppliers with efficiency programs [42:46]
What does the future of the program look like for Honda? [45:10]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Alissa

Alissa Yakali on Linkedin

Alissa Yakali, Honda of America Manufacturing Inc, Supply Chain Sustainability Manager

Connect with Joey

Joey Lange on Linkedin

Joey Lange, Edison Energy, Senior Director of Client Services

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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COVID19's Impact on Deployment of Distributed Energy Resources with Matthew Walters, Ep 14

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000

How do you quantify the value of a microgrid, which in some cases can be thought of as an insurance policy? You're ensuring that your facility doesn't go down or have an outage. How much is an outage really worth and how do you value that?

In this age of Covid19, the pressure to fulfill commitments still remains high. Investor pressure remains high. Project goals remain in place. But the financing is no longer available. What should customers be looking at and exploring in the interest of managing this dilemma? Listen to the episode to hear how Matthew Walters, Head of Distributed Energy Systems, Americas at SIEMENS tackles it from a holistic approach.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Matt and his role at Siemens [1:35]
How are customers reacting to the current COVID19 environment? [3:07]
Managing the high pressure and big goals— no budget— dilemma [4:52]
What are the key elements in a holistic approach and what do they involve? [6:29]
Having a full programmatic approach for an organization's energy strategy [7:15]
The largest renewable energy project in Manhattan [9:40]
Nirvana for most energy managers today [12:09]
Using a phased approach [13:50]
Traditional grid supplies [15:22]
Exploring creative off-balance-sheet financing programs [18:43]

Resources & People Mentioned

Siemens

Connect with Matthew

On Linkedin

Matthew Walters, Head of Distributed Energy Systems, Americas at SIEMENS

Matthew leads the Distributed Energy Systems (DES), Center of Competence, which is dedicated to helping public and private sector companies make smart, sustainable investments in distributed energy systems. Matthew has over 15 years of industry experience and has spent the last ten years with Siemens. Matthew’s career has been focused on energy project development, commercial advisory, structured finance, and strategic planning. Matthew was appointed to Head the Center of Competence in 2015, driving the growth of Siemens’ broad DES portfolio including power generation, controls, technology/engineering expertise, financial offerings, new business models, and establishing Siemens as a leader in DES. Since this time, DES has become a considerable growth sector for Siemens.Matthew has extensive domestic and international experience, specializing in power plant development, cogeneration, renewable energy, project finance, and commercial structuring. His experience ranges across both public and private sectors, including commercial, industrial, institutional, and utility sectors.

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The Future of Utility Energy Services with Robert Vary, Ep 13

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Many market trends today revolve around resiliency, sustainability, and reduction in carbon emissions. These are all at the forefront of customer's minds and are driven by their own corporate ESG goals. Robert Vary, Senior Vice President Sales & Relationship Management, Duke Energy, discusses energy solutions that allow customers to conserve their own capital while providing subscription payments that allow customers to have a predictable budget on what they spend on energy efficiency.

John Failla points out that “COVID has had an impact on everyone's budgets, but the pressure to meet goals, the pressure to meet emission targets...the investor pressure related to ESG goals is unrelenting. So...we think they're going to be much more interested in these energy-as-a-service, third-party, financing-type programs.”

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Duke Energy and their Account Management and Economic Development teams [02:12]
Customer trends that are driving the energy market [07:14]
Reducing energy costs in order to focus funds on other projects [08:50]
ESG Investments [09:28]
Sustainability and decarbonization technology [09:55]
The need for resiliency options to sustain business and competitive advantage [10:57]
Energy efficiency as-a-service [13:27]
Emerging energy technology [16:00]

Connect with Robert Vary

On Linkedin

Robert Vary, Senior Vice President Sales & Relationship Management, Duke Energy

Robert Vary serves as Duke Energy’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Relationship Management.He is responsible for managing accounts and business development, and driving wholesale power, commercial renewables and distributed energy solution sales for all municipal, cooperative and investor-owned utilities, as well as large commercial and industrial customers. Robert’s team is the company’s primary customer interface, managing account relationships for Duke Energy’s top accounts, engaging customers that fit within its top commercial segments, and promoting Duke Energy’s portfolio of products and solutions to our target customers. Robert joined the company in 2019 and assumed his current role in July 2020. With more than 29 years of experience in the energy industry, Robert has held various leadership roles in sales and marketing, account management, and service in the U.S. and Europe, including head of sales for the Americas region for ABB Group. Robert serves on the boards of REC Solar and Joules Accelerator. Robert received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He grew up in West Wareham, Mass. He and his wife, Michelle, have four sons.

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The Evolution of Retail Energy with Dave Grupp, Ep 12

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, guest Dave Grupp, VP and Head of Renewable Services at Direct Energy Business, talks about his career and gives us his take on the evolution of the retail energy business, including the expanding role that renewable energy is playing within it. After 15 years in the industry, Dave has had a front-row seat to the changes that have taken place and has seen the market mature and evolve in that time.

There will be plenty to take away as he touches on many different areas of interest in his discussion with John. From challenges to successes and goals to inspirations, this is an episode with something for everyone. Energy is growing, so learning from others is one way we can grow with it!

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Who Dave Grupp is and his role at Direct Energy Business [1:43]
Some of the biggest changes that have taken place in Dave’s time [3:32]
The biggest challenges for retail energy companies evolving in a changing market [4:47]
How has customer demand for renewable energy impacted the retail business? [6:57]
Why Dave was chosen for this role and some of his goals [10:57]
Major challenges over the last 12 months [15:08]
Will reluctance to adapt to renewables cause a downgrade? [18:26]
Dave’s 1, 5, & 10 year predictions for where energy is heading [21:07]
What drives Dave Grupp? [25:50]
Who was Dave’s biggest influence and who inspires him [30:19]
Pointers on successful collaboration [34:14]

Resources & People Mentioned

Dave’s company Direct Energy Business

Connect with Dave Grupp

On Linkedin

Dave Grupp, VP, and Head of Renewable Services, Direct Energy Business

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit our website or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"

The Future of the Grid is Distributed with Doug Sansom, Ep 11

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Why is the future of the grid distributed? Customers want control over the cost of energy. They also want reliability and choice. Additionally, access to cost-efficient energy is a business necessity. These reasons combined with new lower-cost technology are the driving force behind capital spending for Distributed Energy Resources ( DERs). According to a Wood Mackenzie report, DER capacity will reach 387 gigawatts by 2025, propelled by $110 billion in investments such as battery storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, and grid-interactive appliance sales. It's shaping up to be a pretty big trend in the future, says Doug Sansom, Director of DER Sales for NRG.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Why the future of the grid is distributed [2:52]
What is driving the need for DERs? [4:00]
A day in the life of a customer dispatching DERs [6:38]
5 questions customers seeking answers should ask [8:55]
A la carte purchasing of energy and services vs hiring a management company [12:02]
What NRG is doing to bring bundled integration solutions to the market [14:09]
What type of customer would a bundled approach work for? [15:53]
What we’ll be talking about 5 years from now [19:42]

Resources & People Mentioned

Wood Mackenzie report on DER growth
Doug’s company, NRG

Connect with Doug Sansom

On Linkedin

Hugh Douglas Sansom, Director, DER Sales for NRG

‘Doug’ currently serves as Director, DER Sales for NRG. Doug customizes Demand Response solutions for North American Utilities, Commercial & Industrial customers. For the past 17 years Doug has served in executive positions with smart grid and demand response companies like Comcast, BPL Global, Compath Technologies and Comverge. He has managed residential demand response projects in the US and abroad for utilities like Visayan Electric Company, Pepco Holdings, and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. He has also deployed smart grid projects in Cebu City, Bangkok, Curitiba, Kuwait City and Le Mans.Doug has designed and operated all phases of a Demand Response project. His specialty is successfully deploying programs while managing a positive customer service experience.Doug graduated from the United States Military Academy with a concentration in math and civil engineering and from the Wharton School with a M.B.A.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

When It Comes To Renewables, There Are Few City Limits In Austin, Ep #10

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Peter Kelly-Detwiler sits down with Teresa Kanter, from Duke Energy Renewables (DER), and Erika Bierschbach, from Austin Energy (AE), to discuss the City of Austin's leadership in renewable energy procurement and their partnership with Duke Energy.

You’ll hear how Duke Energy Renewables and Austin Energy are moving forward and pushing limits in Austin. Listen to this episode of Smart Energy Voices to hear specific insights from both buyer and supplier perspectives.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Teresa, and what she does at Duke Energy Renewables [2:31]
Erika, and what she does at Austin Energy [4:17]
How Austin Energy works with Duke Energy Renewables to be 100% carbon-free [5:52]
What part of their portfolio Austin Energy is focused on and why [7:24]
How Duke works with prospects to stay on top of what they are looking for [9:02]
Advice from an industry leader on moving towards 100% carbon-free goals [11:26]
Top risks to be aware of when engaging in a sizable commitment [12:32]
How to manage geographic risk [14:08]
What should we be thinking about for tomorrow? [16:20]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with our guests

Teresa Kanter on Linkedin
Erika Bierschbach on Linkedin

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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Greening Cities Phoenix Leads The Way with Nick Brown, Ep #009

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Sure, there are solar farms but have you encountered a solar city? That’s just what you will find in Phoenix. They are building parking lot carports that not only provide coveted shade for citizens but lay a foundation for a sort of inner-city solar farm. Additionally, they are utilizing many city-owned properties to harness clean energy to light up Sun Valley.

It’s a great pleasure to have guest Nick Brown, energy manager for the City of Phoenix, on Smart Energy Voices. In this episode, you'll gain insights on the great strides made in buying clean energy and the strategies behind those purchases. Nick sat down with Smart Energy Decisions director of education programs Peter Kelly-Detweiler at the most recent Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum. You'll appreciate and relate to Nick's perspective on why his work in the energy sector is so important and meaningful.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Why Nick finds this to be one of the most fulfilling roles of his career [2:24]
Why the carbon budget is imperative [5:11]
Performance contracting using a qualified vendors list [7:59]
Values beyond energy conservation [10:04]
How big are the projects and how many are installed [12:43]
Bigger utility-scale approaches when offsetting large amounts of energy [14:57]
Advice for cities looking at decarbonization efforts like solar projects [17:14]

Resources & People Mentioned

City of Phoenix’s Sustainability Goals

Connect with Nick Brown

On Linkedin

Nick Brown, City Energy Manager, City of Phoenix

Nick Brown installed his first solar PV systems in 1980 and has worked on renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, climate action plans, and GHG inventories, as a field ecologist, university instructor, program manager, and lobbyist. He is dedicated to developing solutions to the climate crisis, to maintain the quality of life for our kids and theirs. His work at the City of Phoenix focuses on project development for utility-scale solar, EV charging, microgrids, energy efficiency, and urban community resilience. Nick sits on governance, facilities, community services, and power committees. He also works to expand the adoption of rooftop solar, reduce the company’s GHG emissions, and improve its transparency and public reporting.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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Opportunities And Risks In Long-term PPAs, Ep #008

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Portland General Electric (PGE) created their green energy future impact tariff for large scale commercial and industrial customers to help them source 100% renewable energy. The energy will be sourced from new wind and solar facilities dedicated from a PPA through PGE. This huge initiative — with about 160 megawatts — was fully subscribed within 3 minutes of its release. It's eye-opening to hear about the opportunity and unmet demand in this space. Join today’s guests Brian Faist & Tiffany Menhorn as they talk about this project, why it was so successful, and bumps along the way.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Getting to know today’s guests Brian & Tiffany [1:49]
What is PGE’s green energy future impact tariff? [3:04]
What kind of hurdles were faced along the way? [6:31]
Have you had renewable power conversations in the last 5 years? [9:25]
Best practices when going through the solicitation process? [13:19]
How might COVID affect the renewables business? [16:46]

Connect with our Guests

Tiffany Menhorn with Enel X North America
Brain Faist with Portland General Electric

Tiffany Menhorn, Senior Business Development Manager, Wholesale Energy & Renewable Procurement, Enel X North America, LLC

Tiffany Menhorn of Enel X works with commercial organizations and utilities to run competitive auctions for a wide range of commodity products. A fresh voice in the market, Tiffany is helping her forward-thinking partners secure highly competitive prices in creative ways and simplifying the process by which complex, emerging commodity products are sourced. Tiffany’s tenure in the energy field includes working in the jungles of startup culture to the peaks of an industry-leading innovator. Tiffany earned a BS from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Seton Hill University.

Brain Faist, Structuring and Origination, Portland General Electric

SInce getting his start in the accounting world, Brian has focused on providing customers of Portland General Electric access to a clean and reliable source of power. With experience in wind, solar, and energy storage, Brian has been able to deliver multiple projects to help source the utility’s power supply needs as well as those customers looking to go further, faster with participation in voluntary renewable programs.

Connect with Smart Energy Decisions

If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit our application page or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Caroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"

Innovative Approaches to Achieving Renewable Energy and Climate Goals with Valerie Cardwell, Beth Wytiaz, and Becky Sternberg, Ep #007

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000

On today's episode, you’ll get to listen in on a panel discussion from a recent forum. This exciting panel features Valerie Cardwell, with Comcast NBCUniversal’s Office of Sustainability, Beth Wytiaz, Global Environmental Operations Manager at Bank of America, and the panel is moderated by Becky Sternberg, Vice President of Energy and Climate Practice at 3Degrees.

Beth and Valerie are going to share their renewable energy and climate goals, plus their strategies for achieving them. It's a great opportunity to look behind the curtain at these two large corporate buyers of renewable energy and not only understand their sustainability commitments but the obstacles they're overcoming to make things happen.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Meeting Beth [2:34]
How Beth’s day to day role plays into Bank of America’s renewable commitment. [3:13]
Reaching a 100% renewable goal with innovation & maximum impact. [4:13]
Meeting Valerie. [5:37]
The diversity of Comcast’s footprint. [6:27]
Work being done to address Comcast’s complexity [7:55]
Enabling co-benefits from an environmental perspective. [11:15]
Aligning co-benefits with internal approval. [14:01]
Takeaways for a new approach in your organization. [21:00]
What is the biggest lesson learned? [23:00]

Valerie Cardwell, Executive Director, Office of Sustainability, Comcast NBCUniversal

Rebecca (Becky) Sternberg, Vice President, Energy and Climate Practice at 3Degrees

Beth Wytiaz, SVP, Global Environmental Operations Manager, Bank of America

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.comThe online JavaScript compressor will help you optimize your scripts for a better page loading speed.

Integrating an Offsite Renewable Purchase into Your Energy Risk Strategy with Gregory J. Kosier, Ep #006

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Today two dinosaurs in the industry Peter Kelly Detweiler and Greg Kosier — former colleagues at Constellation with nearly 50 years in the industry between them — talk about how buyers manage their energy risk in terms of legacy buying, the way it used to be done, and today’s renewable power purchase agreements.

There’s a wealth of knowledge to be gained when you have the chance to listen in on a conversation between people who have been in the industry as long as these gentlemen have. Make sure you tune in and consume all the wisdom they have offered up.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

How to manage risk in the legacy [2:43]
Determining a customer’s risk profile [4:02]
Paying for certainty [5:22]
The challenge of diversification [6:25]
Buying large amounts of a vulnerable commodity [9:14]
Adapting to accommodate a PPA being dropped in your lap [13:17]

Connect with Gregory J. Kosier

Constellation website

Gregory J. Kosier, Director, Commodities Management Group, Constellation

Gregory Kosier is Director of the Commodities Management Group for Constellation, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC). In this role, he is primarily responsible for leading a team involved in structured power and natural gas transactions for Constellation’s industrial and large commercial customers, including structured power agreements, fundamental analysis of power and fuel market trends, and risk mitigation strategies. Over his more than 25-year career in energy, Mr. Kosier has been an electricity trader, portfolio manager, and lead for Constellation’s west retail business.

Prior to joining Constellation, Mr. Kosier was the head of west electricity trading for AES and a management consultant responsible for the appraisal and valuation of utility generating stations throughout New York State. In the early days of energy deregulation, Mr. Kosier developed the models used to value a generation site’s real property assets such as generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure as well as the value of a site’s natural resources.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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Goldman Sach’s Renewable Energy Journey, Ep #5

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Renewable energy is not a new conversation at Goldman Sachs as they have found a way for the last 10 years to ensure corporate profitability alongside operational sustainability. From their new LEED Gold Certified World headquarters to Sustainable Finance, Cindy shares a comprehensive synopsis of how Goldman Sachs and it’s leadership is being “front footed” in setting an example for social equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Don’t miss hearing John Failla have a high-level conversation with Cindy Quam about ESG and how renewable energy plays into their vision of sustainability at Goldman Sachs & Co. Cindy is the Chief of Staff and Head of the ESG, Corporate and Workplace Solutions Division at Goldman Sachs, and is passionate about integrating environmental, social, and corporate governance across all their resources, including buildings, people, and communities.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Meeting Cindy Quan, Global Head of ESG, Corporate and Workplace Solutions [2:56]
Tthe “WHY” behind the ESG initiatives at Goldman Sachs? [5:38]
Two Highlights from Goldman Sachs CEO’s sustainable vision [7:53]
The Current Renewable Energy portion of ESG at Goldman Sachs [11:12]
How the US and UK energy use dominates global consumption [13:28]
Goldman Sachs’ diversity preferences for onsite or offsite wind/solar/PPA [15:11]
How RE sustainability plays into the future for Goldman Sachs? [18:03]

Resources & People Mentioned

David Soloman, CEO Goldman Sachs & CO
Why Goldman Sachs is investing $750 Billion in ESGs
Financial Times article on GS Sustainability (subscription required)

Connect with Cindy Quan

LinkedIn profile

Cindy Quan, Global Chief of Staff and Head of ESG, Goldman, Sachs & Co

As Global Chief of Staff and Head of ESG at Goldman, Sachs & Co, Cindy Quanoversees global sustainability and social initiatives including the green building portfolio, the firm's energy and carbon reduction strategy and the local community engagement and vendor diversity program. She was responsible for the LEED Gold Certification of the World Headquarters building at 200 West Street in Battery Park City in New York City. Cindy is currently a board member of CoreNet NY and the chair of the external relations committee. Cindy is also an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council's National Market Advisory Committee. Cindy received her executive MBA at Columbia University and London Business Schools in 2014. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Cindy graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Facilities Management and Policy Analysis from Cornell University.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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The Purpose Driven Organization, Ep #4

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000

It’s not uncommon these days to hear talk of businesses, large and small, developing a purpose statement that has to do with its societal responsibility. Consumers are coming to expect brands to take such a stance as well. Why is that and how should business leaders think about it? But a more important question is this: How does the issue of organizational purpose magnify and support what is happening in the renewable energy movement?

To answer that question, Smart Energy Decisions founder, John Failla invited author and consumer expert Jeff Fromm to discuss the issue, along with David Smart, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Biostar, a company that’s taking this issue of “purpose” very seriously with Jeff’s help. This is an enlightening and helpful conversation that you’re sure to enjoy.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

The concept of doing well by doing good [0:56]
How Jeff became the leading researcher on younger consumer behavior [5:24]
The level of detail necessary to define a company’s purpose [12:10]
Why it was important for Biostar to establish a relationship with Jeff’s work [15:46]
Business “wins” that happened because of Biostar's commitment to renewables [24:28]
Why Jeff created a “workbook” style resource instead of a typical research-based book [28:40]
The first steps at identifying and defining your company’s purpose [31:45]

Resources & People Mentioned

MOD Pizza - an example of a brand with a “purpose advantage”
Patagonia Group - was a purpose-driven brand that reimagined their purpose
Nike - has also focused on purpose
Seventh Generation
Bombas Socks
AtmosAir (one of Biostar’s partners)

Connect with Jeff Fromm and David Smart

About Jeff Fromm: Partner at Barkley and 4x Author

www.JeffFromm.com
Follow Jeff on Linkedin
Jeff’s author profile on Amazon
Get a free copy of David’s book: The Purpose Advance
www.BarkleyUS.com

Jeff Fromm is a Partner at Barkley where he serves as President of FutureCast, weekly contributor at FORBES and author of four books including The Purpose Advantage (Idea Press, 2019), Marketing to Millennials (Harper Collins, 2013), Millennials with Kids (Harper Collins, 2015) and Marketing to Gen Z (Harper Collins, 2018). He published the first public research study of Millennials as Consumers with the Boston Consulting Group in 2010 & 2011. He has traveled the world sharing insights on consumer trends, youth culture as well as purpose & sustainability.

In addition to Jeff’s work consulting with major brands at Barkley he serves on the Board of Directors at Three Dog Bakery.

About David Smart: Biostar Renewables

Follow David on Linkedin
Biostar Renewables

David is Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing and oversees the strategic development of energy efficiency projects, renewable energy assets and energy financing transactions across all BioStar sectors. With an extensive understanding of state/federal policy and incentives, David spearheads complex opportunities, helping his team navigate high-level negotiations, while delivering maximum value to customers in the public and private sector.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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Multiple Approaches To Address The Climate Challenge with James Goudreau, Ep #3

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Multinational corporations have the opportunity to play a unique role in the energy transition. Health care company, Novartis is taking that opportunity seriously, moving the needle significantly when it comes to the company’s own carbon footprint and power usage as well as creating opportunities that smaller organizations may be able to utilize to move their power purchases toward renewable energy faster.

James Goudreau is “Head of Climate” for Novartis and our guest on this episode. His experience in the U.S. Navy, serving as a logistics and procurement specialist enabled him to not only understand the inner workings of a large organization’s procurement operations, it also introduced him to the necessary considerations large organizations need to make regarding climate issues. Listen to hear how Novartis is making a difference in the global renewable energy transition.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

How Jim’s Navy career led him into climate-related issues and planning [05:01]
The internal corporate process of procuring power from a wind farm in Texas [11:15]
Novartis’ physical properties being considered for future energy conversion projects [15:42]
How and why Jim desires to work himself out of a job [17:33]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with James Goudreau

James Goudreau on LinkedIn

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

10 Questions About Renewable Energy With GM’s Rob Threlkeld, Ep # 2

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 08:02:00 -0000

Few people could be considered to be at the epicenter of the renewable energy transition in big business, but this episode’s guest, Rob Threlkeld is one of whom it could be said. With over 19 years of experience in the energy side of General Motors, Rob has led the charge in transitioning the company toward its goal of 100% sourcing of operations from Renewable energy. He’s also set the pace for GM’s Global Energy Efforts in Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability.

Rob believes it’s not only possible but very likely that companies like GM will lead the way toward a 100% carbon-free future. Join guest host Peter Kelly-Detwiler as he leads Rob through a rapid-fire “10 questions” format on the topic of big business and renewable energy. You won’t want to miss this episode.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Rob’s beginning of working on energy issues for GM [2:30]
The biggest challenge of greening-up GM's portfolio strategy [3:51]
Rob’s biggest surprises to date working in the sustainability sector [5:05]
The impact of COVID-19 on the renewable energy industry [6:01]
How to manage the inherent risk involved in financial contracts [7:59]
Why Rob likes to zig when others zag [9:40]
GMs strategies regarding charging of electric vehicle fleets [11:21]
The changing culture within GM regarding sustainability [13:13]
Accelerating education for smaller companies [14:28]
Cutting edge things Rob sees happening in the RE Industry[17:16]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Rob Threlkeld

Follow Rob Threlkeld on Linkedin

Rob Threlkeld is Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply and Reliability for General Motors, leading the company’s energy procurement efforts including the commitment to meet the electricity needs of its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Rob is responsible for leading that team that supports GM energy procurement and regulatory efforts including negotiating power purchase agreements, natural gas, green tariffs, and engineering onsite renewable solutions for GM facilities across the globe, including opportunities associated with battery storage, behind-the-meter applications and EV integration. As part of GM’s Sustainable Workplaces team, Rob shares best practices for renewable energy procurement with internal and external audiences, offering solutions for large and small businesses alike to benefit from the use of renewables. Rob began his career at GM in 2000 as manager of the powerhouse and wastewater treatment plant operations at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio Assembly Complex. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Purdue University. He is a registered Certified Hazardous Material Manager, Certified Energy Manager, and Business Energy Professional.

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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Inspiring Diversity In Energy, Ep #1

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 08:01:00 -0000

On this episode, you are in for a treat! Rose McKinney-James is the former President and CEO for the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources, and former Commissioner with the Nevada Public Service Commission. She has a unique and timely perspective from which to speak on the issue of diversity in the energy industry.

Rose has an extensive history in public service, private sector corporate sustainability, social impact, and non-profit volunteerism. She is the Managing Principal of Energy Works LLC and McKinney-James & Associates. Her firms provide business-consulting services and advocacy in public affairs, energy policy, strategy, and economic and sustainable development.

Rose began her career in Washington D.C., serving first in various internships and soon moved into positions within the private and public sectors in local, state, and federal govt levels. Join us for this inspiring and motivating conversation about how the energy industry can take positive steps forward in promoting diversity.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

How Rose got her start in the renewable energy movement [1:59]
Pivotal events in Nevada’s implementation of renewable energy [4:02]
Why diversity is a very REAL issue in the energy industry [10:17]
What it will take to overcome the prejudice and lack of equality that exist [15:01]
Rose’s participation in The American Association of Blacks In Energy [17:55]

Resources & People Mentioned

Get your name in the “hat” to receive a free copy of the book Rose is featured in, The Energy Within Us. Email John(at)SmartEnergyDecisions(dot)com
Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard
The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)

Connect with Rose McKinney-James

Connect With Smart Energy Decisions