Smart Energy Voices

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 notesResources & People Mentioned Climate Action 100+ Science Based Targets: Ambitious corporate climate action The LEAF Coalition Pachama Nori Carbon Removal Marketplace Connect with Kyle HarrisonOn LinkedIn Head of Sustainability Research, BloombergNEFKyle 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 VoicesIf 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.comAudio 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 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 notesResources & 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 VoicesIf 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.comAudio 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 notesConnect with Tripp BorstelOn 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 VoicesIf 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.comAudio 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 notesResources & 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 ReddenOn 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 VoicesIf 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.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.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 CanoyOn 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 VoicesIf 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.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla speaks with Victor Udo, Bucknell University’s Director of Sustainability. Bucknell University recently announced a 7-acre solar array on the campus. Victor explains how the project came about, how it fits in with their overall sustainability strategy, and what was needed to overcome the sometimes contentious process to gain local ordinance to proceed. This episode is a must-listen for other large power users, especially in higher education.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Victor’s journey to and current role at Bucknell [03:22] The role of renewables in Bucknell’s sustainability plan [08:07] The beginning of Bucknell’s solar array project [12:57] What’s next for Bucknell’s sustainability journey? [16:25] How will the utility sector need to change? [18:51] Why is sustainability important to Victor? [22:27] The biggest influential person in Victor’s life [26:19] Using your opportunity to help society [31:36] How does Nigeria move forward as a country? [34:03] Click here for detailed show notesConnect 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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio 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 notesResources & People Mentioned Starbucks Deal to Power with Renewable Energy New York state will consolidate billing for community solar customers Connect with Miro SuttonOn 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 VoicesIf 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.comAudio 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 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 notesResources & People Mentioned Mars' Sustainability Plan Renewable Energy Forum - Summer 2021 Renewable Thermal Collaborative Connect with Zephyr TaylorOn 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 VoicesIf 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.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.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 notesResources & 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 DeclercqOn 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 VoicesIf 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.comAudio 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 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-DetwilerPeter Kelly-Detwiler on LinkedInPeter 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