Smart Energy Voices (Smart Energy Decisions )

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Solar Energy Industries Association American Association of Blacks in Energy Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance Dice ESG Report - The Kroger Co. Environmental Justice PPA Connect with Gilbert Campbell On LinkedIn Connect with Cheryl D. Comer On LinkedIn Connect with Denis George On LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Peter Kelly-Detwiler GMs RE100 Goals The Renewable Energy Buyer’s Alliance 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Nikola and TC Energy Sign Joint Development Agreement Connect with Mona Dajani On Linkedin Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes. Resources & People Mentioned Green Houston EVolve Houston eIQ Mobility Houston Auto Show EVOLVE | RISE Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned General Mills: Purpose Better Plants | Better Buildings Initiative 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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 detailed 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. Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com 

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) Click here for detailed show notes 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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 Follow Constellation on LinkedIn  Follow Chuck Hanna on LinkedIn Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio 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

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 Virginia PACE Authority PACENation Abacus Property Solutions 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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 Arcosa Mohawk Industries Kirkhill Connect with Victoria Lopez-Whitley On LinkedIn Connect with Scott Bargerstock On LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Marquez On LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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 EnergyWorks LLC McKinney-James and Associates Follow Rose on LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned The Green Hydrogen Coalition Hydeal Ambition Connect with Janice Lin Janice Lin on LinkedIn Strategen 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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"

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Penelope Canan - Sociology IDEAS For Us - Advancing Environmental Action Worldwide Climate First Bank Buddy Dyer Epcot Theme Park Kenneth LaRoe - Founder & CEO - Climate First Bank Paris to Pittsburgh 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Blackrock’s annual letter to CEOs Constellation Technology ventures 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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" Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio

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) Click here for detailed show notes 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. Connect with Constellation Follow Constellation on LinkedIn  Follow Chuck Hanna on LinkedIn Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn

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 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Grants to Green - CFGA Southface Institute Better Buildings Challenge Atlanta Year of the Youth Connect with Chandra Farley On LinkedIn On Twitter 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.  Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for more detailed show notes 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Green Cincinnati Plan - Environment & Sustainability 'A cleaner future.' Officials break ground on Cincinnati's massive new solar array project Vistracorp Dynegy  TXU Energy https://www.txu.com/en/business/medium-large-business/sustainable-energy-solutions.aspx Brent Spence Bridge Connect with Michael Forrester On LinkedIn 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned A Brief History of Time: Stephen Hawking Energy Transition Plan | Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Solar carport initiative earns national attention | Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Better Buildings Challenge 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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 SSA Marine Our Zero Emissions Future - Port of Long Beach About the Plan | Clean Air Action Plan 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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 Dollar Tree, Inc. CSX Local Bounti

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. 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. Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio 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

Through his work as founder of Smart Energy Decisions, John Failla has worked alongside many of the movers and shakers who have committed their lives to the energy transition taking place in our world today. Over that time, he’s marveled at the commitment and passion these amazing professionals have demonstrated to make the transition to clean energy a reality. It’s these “too good not to be heard” stories, that motivated John to begin a podcast profiling the role these individuals have played so far and to help you set your sights higher when it comes to the part you and your organization might play in the transition to clean energy. Listen to get a taste of what is happening behind the scenes of the energy transition.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Why we are producing episodes to educate, inspire, and connecting [0:35] John’s goals for your experience with this podcast [1:51] A sneak peek into the first season’s content and guests [2:11] How you can ensure you receive these important conversations [6:01] Connecting those committed to making the Energy Transition Since 1990, Smart Energy Decisions has connected with hundreds of people and has published thousands of stories about the steps being taken to produce and consume energy sustainably. These connections provide a unique perspective that the average person doesn’t have — until now. Smart Energy Voices provides a voice for the people behind the scenes, profiling the initiatives they have spearheaded and the roles they have played in producing the changes that have happened so far. In these episodes, you’ll hear how solar power initiatives have been driven forward, how utility companies are changing the way they procure and produce energy, and many other needle-moving projects. Helping you make better energy decisions as a business leader As a business leader, you can make a vast difference in the transition from planet-destroying sources of power to clean, sustainable sources of energy. How? By considering the way your organization procures and consumes energy and making changes that promote and stabilize the renewable energy sector. In these episodes, you will hear story after story of companies that have made that decision, but more importantly, you’ll hear the reasons behind those decisions and the path that was pursued to carry them out. It’s an inspirational opportunity to hear what’s already been done, what’s possible, and to learn ways you can integrate clean energy into the operations of your organization. Consumers benefit when clean energy is the go-to resources As a consumer, it can be hard to believe that your relatively minor amount of energy consumption is making a dent in the overall energy picture. But take a moment to consider this… your small piece of the energy pie, when added to hundreds of thousands, if not millions of other users makes a huge difference on the large scale. Smart Energy Voices will empower you to understand what’s going on behind the scenes at the power companies and help you understand the increasing number of options you have as a consumer when it comes to your energy needs. You’ll be encouraged to know the ways you can make a difference that contributes to the overall changes that need to be made in the world.  Join us each Friday for a new episode of Smart Energy Voices. Subscribe today! Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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) Click here for detailed show notes 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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) Click here for detailed show notes 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes  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.   Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn

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 Lobo Energy Incorporated University Research Park Economic Development Act Orgs. | 501(c)(3) EnergyCAP EnergyCAP Expands Offering to Include Financial-grade Carbon Accounting 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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. For detailed show notes click here 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 Purpose-led Performance | McCormick Corporation How McCormick is making sustainability its secret spice Constellation Signs 175 MW Solar Agreement to Supply an Aggregation of Three Commercial Customers | Business Wire 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. For detailed show notes click here Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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 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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned GM at the Consumer Electronic Show Purdue College of Engineering 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.  Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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"

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Evergy Energy Partners - Creative and Flexible Energy Strategies Evergy: Renewables Direct Evergy | Wind farm powers KCI, large businesses 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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 WISE Awards - Diversified Communications Jackie Buck - Project Manager - Diversified Communications HQ Connect with Kulsoom Khan On LinkedIn Connect with Kate Peterson On LinkedIn Connect with Ibolya Yolas On LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Mars' Sustainability Plan Renewable Energy Forum - Summer 2021 Renewable Thermal Collaborative 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Rob Roy GreenPeace NV Energy Gigawatt 1, World's 'Largest Behind-the-meter Solar Project' 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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 Click here full show notes visit our website Connect with Andy Smith On LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned COP26 Save Our Shores HP Inc. Announces Closing of Its Inaugural $1 Billion Sustainability Notes Offering ENGIE 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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) Click here for detailed show notes 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 Follow Constellation on LinkedIn Follow Chuck Hanna on LinkedIn Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio 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 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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned The Business Case for More Diversity - WSJ The Energy within Us The American Association of Blacks in Energy 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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"

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 show notes Resources: Kingspan Certifications Planet Passionate Program 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. Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio 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

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 Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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 Build for the Future Sustainability Fellowship Programs | UTRGV Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | NRG Energy Connect with Jennifer Brunelle On LinkedIn Connect with Marianella Franklin On LinkedIn Connect with Charles Marshall On LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Clayco Zurich North America Headquarters Saint-Gobain to Invest $91 Million in its Montreal Gypsum Plant 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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   https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices   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" Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes   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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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" Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com  Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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"

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Smart Energy Voices- Episode 25 Mary Barra - Chair and Chief Executive Officer - General Motors | LinkedIn General Motors Keynote | CES 2022 Wabtec and GM to Develop Advanced Ultium Battery and HYDROTEC Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solutions for Rail Industry Anthony Davis - Manager, North America Portfolio Planning | LinkedIn BrightDrop: All-Electric Delivery System | General Motors Brian Janous - Board Member - Western Washington University | LinkedIn Our Renewable Energy Journey | General Motors 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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) Click here for detailed show notes 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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] For full show notes, click here. Resources & People Mentioned Project Gigaton Greenhouse Gas Protocol UNFCCC The Paris Agreement 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Beyond the Meter Cal Poly’s master plan Second nature climate leadership commitment CHESC 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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. Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Guest host: Peter Kelly-Detwiler Novartis Business Services Beyond The Meter podcast Connect with James Goudreau James Goudreau on LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes   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 https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices   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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned EDF Renewables Powering Progress | Sustainable Energy in North America Exxon: At least 2 board members lose seats in fight over climate change PowerFlex: Home 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned NRG's decarbonization goal announcement Connect with Scott Hart On LinkedIn NRG Energy: Welcome to NRG 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development Smart Energy Decisions 2021 Sustainability Report Connect with Alexandra Failla By Email On LinkedIn 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Next OMB Post: The Path to Achieving Justice40 Coalition for Green Capital - US National Green Bank FERC Order No. 2222: Fact Sheet American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) BOSS Connect with Dana Clare Redden On LinkedIn Connect with Ajulo E Othow, Esq. On LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Starbucks Deal to Power with Renewable Energy New York state will consolidate billing for community solar customers 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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 IKEA: A sustainable everyday BrainBox AI Ecopilot 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Honda of America Manufacturing Inc Edison Energy 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 Smart Energy Decisions Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio

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]   For detailed show notes, click here.   Resources & People Mentioned Heating and Air Conditioning | Trane Commercial HVAC Energy Tracking and Reporting 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.    Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices   If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com   Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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) Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned: DOE Better Buildings Better Climate Alliance 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Stanford University | Institutions | STARS Reports Stanford Energy System Innovations (SESI) New Central Energy Facility - Sustainable Stanford 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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. Connect with Constellation Follow Constellation on LinkedIn Follow Chuck Hanna on LinkedIn Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions   Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com.

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 Sustainable Development Goals | United Nations Development Programme PCAF Net-Zero Banking Alliance – United Nations Environment Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero Sustainable Markets Initiative Connect with Beth Wytiaz On LinkedIn BIO GOES HERE Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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   https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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"

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Electric Vehicle Charging is the Next Billion-Dollar Market | WIRED  TeraWatt Infrastructure Anaheim Resort Transportation 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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 Caroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com" Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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.  Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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"

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] Click here for detailed show notes   Resources & People Mentioned Richard Sandor Evolve Houston NRG Energy   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.   Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn

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 Microsoft Constellation Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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) Click here for detailed show notes 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. Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio 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

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) Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned: Energy Equity Group Sadie Bronk Energy Bees 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com.

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Energy Advisory Services NRG Products and Services Rob’s Blog on Looking Ahead 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] For detailed show notes, click here.   Resources & People Mentioned VF Corporation Jeannie Renne-Malone - Vice President, Global Sustainability - VF Corporation | LinkedIn 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Celanese Corporation University of Maryland Energy storage recharges the transition I Siemens Gamesa A highly efficient microalgae-based carbon sequestration system to reduce CO2 emission from power plant flue gases 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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: ClimRR Portal  AT&T’s Goals and Progress AT&T Environmental Sustainability Website AT&T Carbon Neutrality Work Webpag  AT&T Climate Resilience Webpage   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.   Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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 Congebec Smart Energy Decisions Announces 2023 WISE Award Winners Global Cold Chain Alliance Energy Excellence Program - Global Cold Chain Alliance 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.  Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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) Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned: Nielsen IQ 2022 Study about Sustainability Sustainable Brands 2021 Study about Sustainable Behaviors 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.  Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Nick Brod - Senior Vice President - DNV Dan Reicher Saudi Arabia Green Hydrogen Larry Fink’s CEO Letter 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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"

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 General Motors and DTE Energy are Making Michigan a Clean Energy Powerhouse GM Ventures Textron Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned: 2024 WISE Award Winners ConnexFM INFLATION REDUCTION ACT OF 2022 | Department of Energy Red Deer Polytechnic Connect with Renée Yarmy On LinkedIn Connect with Eryn Beddoes On LinkedIn Connect with Leigh Pearson On LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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) Click here for detailed how notes 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 Follow Constellation on LinkedIn Follow Chuck Hanna on LinkedIn Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Microsoft will be carbon negative by 2030 About the Henry Hub 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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) Click here for detailed show notes 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio 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.

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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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 The Energy Switch: How Companies and Customers are Transforming the Electrical Grid and the Future of Power - Peter Kelly-Detwiler WhyPKD - YouTube Channel Longi reveals plans to open 5 GW solar module factory in US market Thin Film Technology Corp Cypress Onshore Wind Turbine Platform | GE Renewable Energy Farasis Energy expects model with its sodium-ion battery to be available in 2023 Form Energy 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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 Caroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com" 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.

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned DOE Releases Solar Futures Study Providing the Blueprint for a Zero-Carbon Grid SunShot Vision Study Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) FACT SHEET: President Biden Takes Executive Actions to Tackle the Climate Crisis Jigar Shah | Department of Energy 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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] Click here for detailed show notes 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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" Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Austin Energy Duke Energy Renewables Connect with our guests Teresa Kanter on Linkedin  Erika Bierschbach on Linkedin Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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 Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

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 Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center Switch - Las Vegas 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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) Click here for detailed show notes. Resources & People Mentioned: Smart Energy Decisions Kicks Off 2024 with Net Zero Forum Spring Hourly Carbon-Free Energy Matching | Constellation Constellation LevelTen Energy Microsoft ComEd FedCenter - EO 14057 ICE Regulatory Assistance Project EPRI Clean Energy Accounting Project (CEAP) - CRS 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com.

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] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Climate Action 100+ Science Based Targets: Ambitious corporate climate action The LEAF Coalition Pachama Nori Carbon Removal Marketplace 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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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

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) Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned: Metabolic KL&A 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. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

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] Click here for detailed show notes. Resources & People Mentioned Simran Sethi Cheryl D. Comer Duke Energy Beyond the Meter - Episode 17: Collaborating to Drive Diversity in Clean Energy DiCE  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 https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices 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