Smart Energy Voices

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 notesResources & People Mentioned McDonald’s Global Impact TeamConnect with Emma CoxEmma Gillespie Cox on LinkedInEmma 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

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 notesResources & 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 VoicesIf 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"

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 VoicesIf 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"

Celebrate the fifth anniversary of Smart Energy Decisions with this conversation between Founder and Editorial Direction John Failla and clean energy industry pioneer Jigar Shah, who has changed the way businesses approach technology to both save money and improve their impact on the environment.Jigar, who is currently President and Co-founder of Generate Capital, is the creator of “no money down solar.” While sustainable energy was once viewed as a money pit with benefits to the environment coming at the expense of the company, this innovation paved the way for businesses to access renewable energy – and enabled SunEdison to become the largest solar services company in the world.Join John and Jigar for surprising insights on Jigar’s career in the energy space, and his thoughts on where it is headedYou will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... What do you need to support a trillion-dollar industry? [3:18] How we’re doing today with our business models [14:30] Two promising technologies that are almost ready [16:30] Where is renewable thermal energy going? [21:55] What does it mean to make a change? [23:48] Emerging areas of support [30:20] What’s next for Generate Capital? [39:30] Why are people focused on local services? [45:16] Jigar’s proudest accomplishments [53:35] How Jigar’s spirituality gives him perspective at work [1:09:25] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned For sponsorship packages and details, please email tim@smartenergydecisions for more information Jigar Shah President and Co-Founder of Generate Capital Creating Climate Wealth: Unlocking the Impact Economy Larry Fink on CNBC  Plug Power Connect with Jigar Shah Follow Jigar Shah on LinkedIn Connect with Jigar on Twitter @JigarShahDC Jigar Shah is the President and Co-Founder of Generate Capital, the leading investment and operating platform for sustainable infrastructure. Founded in 2014, Generate Capital is the only “one-stop-shop” for pioneers leading the Resource Revolution. Prior to Generate, as the Founder and CEO of SunEdison (NASDAQ: SUNE), Shah pioneered “no money down solar”, which unlocked a multi-billion-dollar solar market and became the largest solar services company worldwide before its acquisition by MEMC. Shah’s decades of experience in renewable energy consistently show that business model innovation and entrepreneurship are two of the keys to proving that sustainability pays.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn

2020 has definitely produced a number of challenges, but the need for societies and organizations to move toward sustainable energy solutions has not gone away. In this conversation between Smart Energy Decisions founder, John Failla, and Greg Kandankulam, Senior Manager of Sustainability at NRG Energy, John was interested to know what the NRG team is experiencing as it works with large organizations and municipalities that are moving toward renewable energy solutions.Greg speaks about the current situation in the push for renewable energy, how and why the focus has shifted away from renewable energy procurement and toward the reduction of carbon emissions, and how sustainability consultants are playing a large role in the transition. It’s an interesting and informative conversation you’ll find very helpful.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... The ever-changing nature of sustainability roles inside organizations [1:44] How NRG began offering sustainability advisory services for large power users [2:58] A shift away from renewable energy procurement targets toward carbon emission reduction targets [6:05] 2021 brings challenges when shifting to a focus on carbon emissions reduction [8:57] How cities are addressing sustainability issues [14:25] Click here for detailed show notesResources mentioned in today's episode NRG Energy The Paris Climate Agreement 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 GregFollow Greg Kandankulam on LinkedIn Greg Kandankulam is a Senior Manager, Sustainability at NRG where he leads the Sustainable Energy Advisory team. This team of sustainability advisors assists clients in driving their organizations toward a cleaner energy future. He has 15 years’ experience in strategic analysis, financial modeling and project management with a sustainability focus. Mr. Kandankulam has a strong background in public-private partnerships, smart grid assets, climate risk and utility regulatory policy. He has presented on the future of the grid to public and private sector audiences throughout the country. Greg holds an MBA from Presidio Graduate School in sustainable management and a BSAST in nuclear engineering from Thomas Edison State University. Mr. Kandankulam has previously held positions as a program manager of a public-private partnership for the Dutch government, based on sustainable energy projects, and as a chief nuclear mechanical operator in the U.S. Navy for six years. He also served for 4 years as Sustainability Commissioner for the City of Sausalito in California.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

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 AmericaFollow 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 VoicesIf 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

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 RizzoFollow 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

Decarbonization is one of the primary goals many companies are trying to achieve in their operations. The reason is simple… science has shown that the world is facing an urgent carbon problem. If we don’t curb emissions and temperatures continue to climb, science tells us that the results will be incomprehensible.Microsoft is leading the way in the realm of corporate leadership, setting its Carbon Negative Pledge as a standard to follow. One of the leading voices on the Microsoft team is Vanessa Miler-Fels, Director of Energy Innovation and Impact. Her astute insights and clear way of describing the “carbon math” the Microsoft team has done to empower their own efforts and extend their approach to their own supply chain partners come through loud and clear in this conversation. Listen to hear the generous and ambitious contributions Microsoft is poised to make to the world’s energy future.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Vanessa’s role at Microsoft as Director of Energy Innovation and Impact [2:51] Microsoft’s goals: “The World’s Next Moonshot” [3:49] Interim goals on the way to Carbon Negative [6:36] The important role Microsoft’s Scope 3 goals play in global decarbonization [14:24] How Microsoft plans to employ digital innovation on behalf of customers [17:20] Vanessa’s advice to those who need to take the first step in their organization [21:08] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People MentionedMicrosoft’s carbon negative pledge statement  Connect with Vanessa Miler-Fels, Director of Energy Innovation and Impact at MicrosoftFollow Vanessa Miler-Fels on LinkedIn Vanessa Miler-Fels is Director of Energy Innovation and Impact at Microsoft. She works with Microsoft’s Chief Environmental Officer on cross-company energy topics engaging with our operations, customers, and supply chain. Before that, for the last five years, Vanessa worked on the CO+I Energy and Sustainability team on renewable energy procurement for Microsoft Datacenters. Before joining Microsoft, she worked at a green-infrastructure private equity fund based in London and at the French Ministry of Finance. Vanessa is French and Indian, from Paris-Pondicherry, holds a Master in international affairs from Sciences-Po Paris, an MBA from ESCP, and is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale d'Administration.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn  If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Virtual Innovation Summit taking place on March 22-25th, 2021, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com" Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In light of recent national events, it is a great time to be focused on renewables. In this episode, Rob Collier, Vice President of Developer Relations at LevelTen Energy, provides his five predictions for the Corporate Renewable Energy Market for 2021. LevelTen Energy provides transaction infrastructure for renewable energy buyers, advisors, and sellers. Rob ensures buyers and advisors have access to the latest data on utility-scale renewable energy projects under development. His team also enables developers to have the latest market intel to help them make strategic pricing and development decisions. Prior to joining LevelTen, Rob worked for utility-scale solar developer OneEnergy Renewables as Director of Development. He recently wrote an article outlining his five predictions for the corporate renewable energy market in 2021 and is talking with us about that topic in more detail on this episode of Smart Energy Voices.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...  The goal of LevelTen Energy. [4:13] One of LevelTen’s biggest focus areas right now. [7:18] Social justice and renewables procurement. [10:31] What buyers are focusing on when it comes to social justice concerns in the industry. [14:28] The impact a move toward social justice in renewables will have on diversity and inclusion in the industry. [17:17] More companies will become 100% renewable. [20:19] More companies committing to reducing their scope 3 emissions. [30:00] Storage being added to PPA portfolios. [37:52] How the need for speed will be driving innovation. [45:04]  Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned LevelTen Energy Rob’s Article: 5 Predictions for the Corporate Renewable Energy Market in 2021 3Degrees, Inc. Salesforce’s More than a Megawatt Google’s 24/7 by 2030: Realizing a Carbon-free Future Renewables Forward Initiative LevelTen Q3 PPA Price Index  Connect with Rob CollierFollow Rob on LinkedIn  LevelTen Energy provides transaction infrastructure for renewable energy buyers, advisors, and sellers. At LevelTen, Rob leads the developer relations team, ensuring buyers and advisors have access to the latest data on utility-scale renewable energy projects under development, and that developers have the latest market intel to help them make strategic pricing and development decisions. Prior to joining LevelTen, Rob worked for utility-scale solar developer OneEnergy Renewables as director of development. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn  Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesTo become a Sponsor Partner of Smart Energy Voices Season 2, please reach out to tim@smartenergydecisions.com for packages, pricing and further details.

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