Episodes
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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
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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.
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Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions
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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
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As the Global Commercial head for Renewable Energy & Carbon Credits at Mars Inc., Zephyr Taylor oversees Mars’ renewable energy sourcing throughout the world – including market assessment, supplier engagement, deal structuring and negotiation, and key internal stakeholder partnering, alongside team oversight and organizational alignment. Zephyr has led the development and execution of strategic sustainability initiatives in the public and private sector globally. His expertise spans policymaking, commercial negotiation, project development and transaction structuring, and thought leadership on organizational reform and stakeholder mobilization. Zephyr holds an MBA and Master of Environmental Management degrees from Yale University. He received his undergraduate degree with Highest Honors in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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Missing episodes?
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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.
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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
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Charles Benisch is the Director of Renewable Advisory at ENGIE Impact where he helps F500 companies and institutional buyers develop and manage renewable energy portfolios. Charles brings 12+ years’ experience in the renewable energy market, and he specializes in the development of renewable energy strategies that reduce cost, drive earnings, and manage risk. Building upon years in product development and commercial strategy at two of the world’s largest renewable advisory companies, Charles is an expert in helping clients develop business cases, communicate value internally, and align stakeholders. Prior to his role at ENGIE Impact, Charles helped build and scale Enel X’s renewable advisory practice.
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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.
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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.
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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
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With 10 years of energy and finance experience, Luke is currently a Senior Business Development Manager for Constellation, helping businesses decarbonize their operations hour-by-hour. Prior to his current role, Luke held several positions, both with Constellation and a sell-side investment bank, in energy and fixed-income trading operations. Luke achieved a master's in finance through the University of Baltimore and also holds a Bachelor of Science from Towson University.
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If you're interested in participating in Net Zero Forum Fall this September, visit sednetzeroforum.com/fall or email our team at [email protected] to get started. -
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
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Sarah Johnston began her career at Calpine in 2009, focusing on reporting and analysis for risk management clients. As the Managing Director of Marketing and Carbon Differentiated Strategy, Ms. Johnston manages a roster of Calpine Energy Solutions’ Portfolio Risk Management clients with complex and expansive footprints or portfolios. She is responsible for analyzing data on macroeconomic trends, commodity market influences, and broader energy markets while ensuring that Calpine’s key clients’ electricity portfolios are balanced and well-managed. Her expertise in sustainability and energy portfolio management guides clients through the use of advanced risk analytics, evaluation of strategy performance, and guidance in creating and executing energy policies and strategies that concurrently manage impacts to cost, risk, and carbon. Ms. Johnston is also a frequent speaker on the topics of corporate sustainability, renewable energy strategy, energy portfolio management, and commodity risk management. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, Elmhurst College; Graduate Certificate, Corporate Sustainability and Innovation, Harvard University.
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In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil speaks with Melissa Banks, Regulatory and Utility Advocacy Director at Trane Technologies, about the complex landscape of building decarbonization and sustainability. Banks discusses the increasing importance of regulatory compliance, utility incentives, and tax benefits in making energy efficiency projects financially viable for businesses and building owners.
She explains the significance of understanding local utility incentives and shares examples of utility programs that offer substantial rebates for energy-efficient upgrades and emphasizes leveraging these incentives and working with experts to help maximize the financial benefits of their sustainability efforts — making the path to decarbonization both achievable and affordable.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…
How regulations are impacting organizations’ decarbonization efforts (02:09)
National, state and local energy codes (03:47)
Building performance standards, electrification policies, and climate and emissions reporting regulations (06:06)
Available incentives to reduce emissions (14:52)
How to leverage tax incentives (18:39)
Click here for full show notes
Connect with Melissa Banks
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As the Regulatory and Utility Advocacy Director at Trane Technologies, Melissa Banks is responsible for leading Trane’s climate-related regulatory thought leadership, market intelligence, and influence in the energy sector. She has over 15 years of experience in helping industry stakeholder groups advocate for sustainable and resilient community infrastructure solutions.
Melissa holds a B.S. in Public Relations from California State University and an M.B.A. from Rutgers University. She can be found hiking trails throughout the Pacific Northwest with family in her spare time.
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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
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Emily Freeman is a Circular Economy Policy Advisor for the City of Boulder. She oversees the success of Boulder’s deconstruction ordinance to keep carbon-intensive building materials available for reuse and recycling. Since ordinance implementation, Boulder has diverted 85%, or 111,168,000 pounds, of building materials from the landfill. Boulder’s landmark hospital deconstruction saw 93.5% diversion with the true highlight being the innovative approach to direct structural steel reuse from the hospital into new city construction. Emily leads efforts to identify policy mechanisms to further deconstruction opportunities, engage with contractors, and drive progress towards the city’s climate goals. Emily is an experienced public and private sector sustainability professional adept at developing sustainability roadmaps, analyzing waste audits, managing environmental management systems, and developing circular economy policies. She holds a Masters in Sustainability from Arizona State University. She currently serves on the Board of Build Reuse and is a Commissioner for Colorado’s Solid & Hazardous Waste Commission. In her downtime, Emily enjoys getting outside with her husband and their dog and loves teaching her three-year-old to ride a bike.
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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
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Marshall Duer-Balkind is the Director of Policy Programs at IMT, where he works to develop and implement policies for driving high-performance buildings, grounded in community priorities and technical quality.
Marshall is an international expert in policies and technologies to improve the energy and carbon performance of buildings and communities, with over a dozen years of experience in the for-profit, government, and non-profit sectors. Prior to starting his current role with IMT in April 2023, he worked as a consultant at the deep green engineering firm Introba, where he managed cutting-edge decarbonization plans and policies for over 20 cities and 15 institutions across North America. He has also worked for the District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), where he built and ran one of the first benchmarking and disclosure programs in the U.S., supported the groundbreaking Clean Energy DC plan, and evaluation, measurement, & verification of the DC Sustainable Energy Utility’s energy savings and other performance targets. Prior to that, he was one of IMT’s first “City Advisors” embedded in a local government.
Marshall is a key contributor to the first building performance standard programs in both the U.S. and Canada, as Co-Chair of Washington, D.C.’s Building Energy Performance Standards Task Force, and a member of the City of Vancouver’s Carbon Pollution Limits Technical Advisory Committee. Marshall holds a Master’s of Environmental Management degree from the Yale School of the Environment and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Computer Science from Oberlin College. He is proudly born and raised in Washington, D.C.
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In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil welcomes Sharon L. Nolen, Program Manager & Fellow, Global Natural Resource Management at Eastman Chemical, for a dive into Eastman's journey toward decarbonization, emphasizing the pivotal role of energy efficiency in their strategy. Sharon highlights Eastman Chemical's commitment to sustainability, focusing on mitigating climate change, mainstreaming circularity and caring for society.
Sharon outlines Eastman Chemical's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy usage by 2030, providing examples of energy efficiency projects across analytics, utility systems, distribution, and manufacturing processes, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability benefits.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…
Eastman Chemical’s decarbonization journey (02:21)
Energy efficiency initiatives (04:45)
Goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (07:28)
Technological innovations in decarbonization (09:24)
Click here for detailed show notes
Resources & People Mentioned:
DOE Better Plants Program
ENERGY STAR® Industrial Partner Program
Connect with Sharon L. Nolen
On LinkedIn
Sharon L. Nolen is an Eastman Fellow and leads Eastman’s Global Natural Resource Management program as well as one of the company’s three Sustainability Subcouncils. She represents Eastman in the DOE Better Plants Program and the ENERGY STAR® Industrial Partner Program and serves on the Industrial Advisory Board for the National Alliance for Water Innovation. Nolen was recently selected by U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to lead the Industrial Technology Innovation Advisory Committee (ITIAC), which is charged with helping to decarbonize America's industrial sector.
Sharon is a frequently invited speaker at national and international energy conferences. She has been published in Chemical Engineering Progress and Chemical Processing and authored a chapter in the book, “Energy Management and Efficiency for the Process Industries.” She was named the 2019 International Energy Manager of the Year by the Association of Energy Engineers and received the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ Energy and Sustainability Award in 2020. Sharon is a Professional Engineer and a Certified Energy Manager.
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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
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Chuck Hanna is the Vice President of National Accounts and Solutions Sales at Constellation. In this role, he leads a team of sales professionals in providing comprehensive energy solutions to commercial and industrial retail customers across the nation including two-thirds of the Fortune 100. This includes leadership and management of associations where Constellation is the endorsed energy supplier.
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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
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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.
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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.
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In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil welcomes Emily Schapira, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. She’s also a recent winner of the DEI Impact award in the Catalyst for Change category. They discuss how the Philadelphia Energy Authority is making great strides in the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Learning about the Philadelphia Energy Authority [01:25]
Emily’s background in the energy industry [02:50]
Renewable energy and the job market [05:38]
The Philadelphia Energy Authority and the federal government [09:45]
The priorities of the Philadelphia Energy Authority [12:43]
How its partnerships are created and structured [16:03]
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace [19:37]
What’s next for Emily and the Philadelphia Energy Authority [26:35]
Click here for detailed show notes
Resources & People Mentioned
Philadelphia Energy Authority
American Association of Blacks in Energy
Solarize Philly
The Green Retrofit Immersive Training (GRIT) Program
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Connect with Emily Schapira
On LinkedIn
Emily has led the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) as its President and CEO since 2016. PEA is an independent municipal authority building a robust, equitable clean energy economy in Philadelphia. PEA has supported over $800M in energy efficiency and clean energy programs and projects so far, creating over 7,000 jobs. PEA's work has been nationally recognized as a model for other states and municipalities. It covers City infrastructure, the School District of Philadelphia, housing, small businesses, and commercial and industrial properties. Prior to joining PEA, Emily led energy efficiency work across commercial and industrial customer portfolios for WESCO and Aelux and served in sustainability roles with Wharton, Intel, and Verizon. She chairs the board of the Philadelphia Green Capital Corp, Philly's green bank.
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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 [email protected] -
At its recent Net Zero Forum, Smart Energy Decisions conducted live interviews with energy customers at various stages of their decarbonization strategies. This episode of the Heard at NZF mini-series focuses on energy customers in healthcare. The interviews feature Scott Czubkowski, the National Director of Energy and Facility Performance at Medxcel Facilities, and Cory Pouliot, the Senior Director of Facilities Operations at Boston Medical Center.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...National solutions for sustainable healthcare [02:05]Making data-based decisions [07:41]Sustainability and DEI in healthcare facility construction [11:25]Bringing the community on board [13:43]Click here for detailed show notesConnect with Scott CzubkowskiOn LinkedInScott Czubkowski PE, CHC is the Director of Energy and Facility Performance at Medxcel. His specialties include large-scale demand side reduction strategies resulting in utility savings and lower carbon emissions (GHG), supply side management procurement strategies that leverage large portfolio aggregation which supports RE strategies and facility performance programs that optimizes existing assets while optimizing maintenance costs. Mr. Czubkowski entered the energy arena in 1990 as a nuclear plant construction engineer on 688 Los Angeles Class submarines and has supported hospital demand side programs since 1994 through various roles as a BAS controls engineer, HVAC system design builder, professional MEP consultant. Most recently, he manages over 1.9 TWh of emissions.He is a licensed trainer for Florida CILB continuing education programs, an adjunct professor for DeVry University and has spoken at regional engagements related to energy and HVAC system operations. Geographical regions served: SE & Central US, Caribbean Islands, Switzerland, Holland, France and Canada.Connect with Cory PouliotOn LinkedInCory Pouliot is the Senior Director of Facilities Operations at Boston Medical Center. Cory possesses strong leadership and organizational competencies combined with strategic planning skills to ensure functional and sustainable program development and implementation, for both clinical and ancillary support/service areas.Cory holds a Master’s degree in Facilities Management from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a MBA in Healthcare Administration from Anna Maria College. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and Facilities and Plant Engineering; both from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Cory is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. Cory is also an Adjunct Professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology, teaching various courses in numerous undergraduate and graduate programs in their Facilities Management and Construction Management programs. Connect With Smart Energy Decisionshttps://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on LinkedInSubscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]
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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 -
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.
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https://smartenergydecisions.com
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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 [email protected] - Show more
