Smart Energy Voices

At a recent Innovation Summit, host Debra Chanil sat down with Ken Watson, a Sr. Manager of Key Accounts at Acuity Brands, and Andrew Blauvelt, the Vice President of Sales at Acuity Brands for the BuildingOS product group. In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, they discuss the shift in building industry energy metrics and establishing baselines in a world with inconsistent occupancy levels and changing public health guidelines. Listen to hear Andrew and Ken share their extensive experience and insight on best practices for navigating this dynamic shift.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Andrew Blauvelt’s and Ken Watson’s roles in their companies [02:02] How has 2020 impacted building management? [02:50] The solution for last year’s data [05:00] Predictive modeling’s role in ensuring health [07:31] Resource optimization and new technologies [10:10] Occupant engagement dashboarding [11:10] Next steps for energy and efficiency managers [11:49] Where are companies headed in the coming year? [16:08] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned BuildingOSConnect with Ken WatsonLinkedInKen Watson is a Sr. Manager of Key Accounts with over 10 years of experience working with enterprise organizations. Ken is an advocate for cloud-based EMIS solutions that enable clients to hit their climate and energy reduction targets using actionable data. His previous experience in managing and procuring energy gives him a deep understanding of the needs building operators have to improve overall energy performance. Prior to his current role as a Senior Manager of Key Accounts at Acuity Brands, Ken worked as a Business Development Manager for Digital Services at Siemens. He's a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Energy Procurement Professional through the Association of Energy Engineers and a LEED Green Associate. Ken holds a Bachelors of Business Administration/Finance from IllinoisConnect with Andrew G Blauvelt LinkedInAndrew Blauvelt is the Vice President of Sales at Acuity Brands for the BuildingOS product group. He works closely with building owners, operators, consultants and systems integrators to provide a platform which aggregates, normalizes and benchmarks all building related data. Andrew believes transparency and collaboration are essential to unlocking sustainable buildings that close the loop between owners and occupiers. Andrew has a strong background in building sciences starting as a building automation technician, working as an energy engineer for AECOM, managing business development for Siemens in energy services and analytics, and currently designing a seamless edge to cloud experience at Acuity Brands. Andrew holds a Bachelors in Physics from Albion College, a Bachelors in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Masters in Energy Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions 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 discusses several innovative retro-commission projects with Robert Berninger, Director of Plant Operations, Energy and Engineering at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Bob oversees more than 4 million square feet of critical care facilities in the heart of New York City. Listen as he recounts his experience evaluating potential projects so you can benefit from the great insights Bob has to share.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Robert Berninger’s role at MSKCC [02:18] Sloan’s innovation award [03:28] The importance of FDD (Fault Detection & Diagnostics) [05:24] Current retro-commissioning [09:44] Cogeneration projects [11:11] Sloan Kettering’s vendor vetting process [14:49] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned 2020 Innovation Awards Local Law #87 Local Law #97 Connect with Robert BerningerOn LinkedIn Robert (Bob) Berninger is the Director of Plant Operations, Energy and Engineering at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). In his 15 years with MSKCC, Bob has held various positions, first as the Energy Manager, overseeing and implementing energy conservation projects, and then as Plant Operations Manager. Currently, he is a Director managing the day-to-day operations of the HVAC systems and staff, overseeing the energy management systems and energy budgets, exploring and implementing energy conservation measures. Prior to this position, Bob was the Assistant Manager of the Physical Plant at Columbia University. He holds a B.E. in Marine Engineering from SUNY Maritime College. Robert is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), and a Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CDSP). He also holds a United States Coast Guard Chief Engineer’s Steam and First Engineer Motor License. He is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers and is a past President of the New York City Chapter of AEE. Bob was awarded the International Energy Manager of the Year in 2016 by the Association of Energy Engineers.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions 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

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 notesResources & 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 MangoneKara Mangone on LinkedInKara 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 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 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 notesResources & People Mentioned Beyond the Meter Cal Poly’s master plan Second nature climate leadership commitment CHESC Connect with Dennis ElliotOn 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 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.comTo 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

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 notesResources & 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 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"

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 notesResources & People Mentioned NRG's decarbonization goal announcementConnect 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 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.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 notesResources & 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 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.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla speaks with Marty Sedler, Director of Global Utilities & Infrastructure or Intel Corporation. Marty has been in the utility industry for approximately 40 years and has worked with Intel for more than 20 years. He was the opening keynote speaker from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Innovation Summit where he shared Intel’s 2030 goals for energy savings, alternative energy, and emissions reductions. Intel has a global scope and is constantly working on new technologies and solutions for renewable energy. Listen to learn about Intel’s goals for 2030.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Marty’s role and Intel’s global operations [2:03] Intel’s successes to date [4:37] The direction of Intel’s 2030 goals [6:48] What is needed to reach those goals? [9:54] Intel’s renewable energy deal in Oregon [12:14] Marty’s philosophy for new technologies [17:13] How does the grid have to evolve? [20:55] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned SED innovation summitConnect with Marty SedlerMarty Sedler - Director, Global Utilities and Infrastructure - IntelMarty Sedler is the Director of Global Utilities & Infrastructure for Intel Corporation. Marty has been with Intel for more than 20 years, integrating Energy Management and Energy Supply Policy responsibilities within a formal process. He and his staff are responsible for all utility supply issues, ensuring the capacity, price, and reliability of utility supplies/infrastructure to Intel facilities worldwide, as well as, supporting conservation programs. Marty is responsible for evaluating/incorporating alternative energy options within Intel and establishing sustainable energy positions/strategies for renewable energy policy within Intel’s energy portfolio. He leads the utility site selection component of a corporate team that identifies and recommends potential new locations for Intel’s facility/manufacturing growth worldwide. Marty is Intel’s external energy representative in various private, public, State, and Federal energy action groups and task forces. He is a member of various DOE Steering Committees and has sat on several state Governors’ energy committees. Previous to joining Intel, he spent 14 years in the electric utility industry in a variety of functions, including; operations, rates, environmental, energy supply/engineering, power plant operation, and key account management. In 2015, Marty was honored to be the recipient of the “Green Power Leader of the Year” by the Center for Resource Solutions at the annual EPA/CSR REM event.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions 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.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 notesResources & 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 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"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 notesResources & 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 MartinKeith Martin - LinkedInKeith 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 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"Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com