Smart Energy Voices

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

In this episode, John speaks with Ron Pernick, the founder and managing director of Clean Edge. Ron has over 30 years of experience in high-tech sectors, the last 20 of which have been in clean tech. He founded Clean Edge to be an analyst organization focused on this emergent sector. Since 2001, they’ve collected and processed data from dozens of successful clean tech organizations. Find out how this information can be used to invest in the future of clean tech.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Ron Pernick’s career trajectory [1:55] The beginning of Clean Edge [8:58] How did Ron get involved with stock indexing? [12:13] The future of clean tech adoption [19:37] What surprised Ron about his past predictions? [24:11] Growth predictions for 2030 [27:00] What’s required for a grid transformation? [31:26] Volatility in clean-tech stocks [40:25] Ron’s points of pride in his career [44:45] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Nick Brod - Senior Vice President - DNV Dan Reicher Saudi Arabia Green Hydrogen Larry Fink’s CEO Letter Connect with Ron PernickRon Pernick on LinkedInRon Pernick is the founder and managing director of Clean Edge, Inc., where he oversees the development and production of the company’s thematic stock indexes tracking clean energy, transportation, water, and the grid. Financial products tracking the firm’s energy transition and sustainable infrastructure indexes exceed $3 billion in assets under management (as of January 2021). Ron is also the co-author of two books on clean-tech business and innovation, Clean Tech Nation (HarperCollins, 2012) and The Clean Tech Revolution (HarperCollins, 2007). Ron co-authored the first report to identify the business and financial opportunities of clean technology (Clean Tech: Profits & Potential, 2001) and has since helped to popularize the term and advance the sector. He has taught MBA-level clean-tech innovation courses at Portland State University and New College and is a regular speaker at industry events. Prior to Clean Edge, Ron worked in the high-tech and telecommunications sectors. He holds a BA from Michigan State University, including a year of international studies at Konan University in Kobe, Japan.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy 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"

Not all ideas for reducing carbon emissions are created equal - what works well for one company won’t work for another. So how does a company start on the path to clean energy? SED’s Debra Chanil talks with Stephanie Harris about that very issue. Stephanie Harris is a Director on 3Degrees’ Carbon Markets team where she helps organizations create customized plans for climate action. For over 15 years, 3Degrees has been helping companies strategically establish and achieve their carbon emission goals. Listen in as they discuss this practical approach to reducing residual emissions.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Defining residual emissions [2:45] How are companies addressing residual emissions? [5:50] Goals that make sense for your organization [7:50] The portfolio approach to reducing residual emissions [10:40] The challenges of net-zero [12:45] 2020’s impact on the voluntary carbon market [15:35] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned3Degrees: Renewable Energy Partner - Sustainability ConsultingConnect with Stephanie HarrisLinkedIn profileStephanie Harris is a Director on 3Degrees’ Carbon Markets team, where she is responsible for managing the company’s voluntary carbon offset portfolio. Stephanie first joined 3Degrees in 2015 as a REC Trader on the Environmental Markets team. She shifted over to the Carbon Markets team in 2018 and has been instrumental in crafting customized portfolios to help corporate sustainability leaders address their Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions and achieve their climate goals. Prior to joining 3Degrees, Stephanie completed a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she also obtained a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Communication. Her studies provided a strong foundation in renewable energy policy and energy conservation. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn

Renewable energy is becoming increasingly affordable every day but it hasn’t yet become accessible to everyone. ENGIE is working to change that. John Failla speaks with Chief Commercial & Industries and M&A Officer for ENGIE North America, André Canguçú about what they’re doing to expand access to renewable energy for smaller entities and those new to the field. André explains how ENGIE is working to simplify the process of obtaining renewable energy. Listen to hear how they’re making a difference in the ever-evolving industry of renewable energy.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... André Canguçú’s career progression [2:50] How prepared for change is the renewable industry? [5:35] New structures André Canguçú has in mind for the future [9:10] Matching energy demand with consumption [12:03] ENGIE’s customer focus beyond energy [13:11] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned VPPA PortfolioRE Connect with André CanguçúOn LinkedIn André joined ENGIE in May 2002 and has served ENGIE in several finance roles, including Chief Financial Officer for Latin America (2010-2015) and Chief Financial Officer for Peru (2004-2010). In 2016, he became Chief Business Developer for ENGIE North America. In that position, André was responsible to oversee all of ENGIE’s Business Development activities in the United States and Canada. He has been the Chief Commercial & Industries and Merger & Acquisitions Officer since the beginning of 2020. André has more than 15 years of experience in the power industry, in supporting activities or direct management roles.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn