Smart Energy Voices features conversations with leaders of the energy transition. In each episode, Smart Energy Decisions' Debra Chanil digs deep with industry movers and shakers to reveal insights you can learn from in their stories, personalities and visions for the future.
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Heard at REF: How to Plan Your Optimal Clean Energy Roadmap at Least Cost, Ep. 109
Season 6 · Episode 109
Friday, September 13, 2024 • Duration 28:55
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, listen to insights from a session at the 2024 Renewable
Energy Forum (REF) featuring Seyed Madaeni, co-founder and CEO of Verse. Madaeni
discusses the complexities of planning an optimal clean energy roadmap at the lowest cost. He
outlines the various factors that organizations need to consider when planning their
sustainability programs and the importance of understanding the financial implications of these
decisions.
Live polling at REF revealed insights into attendees’ experiences with PPAs and their
organization's clean energy goals. Among those results, many organizations responded that
they have clean energy goals, but there is still a need for more robust strategies to achieve
them, including technology-driven solutions.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
● The complexities of a clean energy goal (05:23)
● Important questions in setting up a clean energy program (09:21)
● A case study on evaluating approaches to sustainability (13:10)
● The importance of data-driven insights (18:34)
Click here for detailed show notes
Connect with Seyed Madaeni
On LinkedIn
Seyed has been building software products to optimize the electricity sector for 10+ years. Before founding Verse, he served as the Chief Digital Officer at Fluence, where he played a central role in the company’s successful $5B+ IPO, overseeing its digital business unit. Seyed was instrumental in growing Fluence’s renewable portfolio to over 10GW. Earlier in his career, Seyed was the CEO of AMS, where he pioneered a flagship market bidding product that eventually led to the company’s acquisition by Fluence. Seyed also contributed significantly to Tesla, SolarCity, and PG&E, providing technical oversight for several groundbreaking wholesale market-facing software applications. Seyed holds a BS and MS in electrical engineering from the University of Tehran and a PhD in Systems Engineering (Operations Research) from Ohio State University.
Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
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The Intersection of AI and Sustainability, Ep. 108
Season 6 · Episode 108
Friday, August 23, 2024 • Duration 32:40
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil sits down with Megan Lorenzen, Director of Climate and Energy at Salesforce, to discuss the intersection of AI, energy and sustainability. Megan shares insights on Salesforce's efforts in clean energy deployment, including their 100% renewable energy commitment and their role in the global energy transition. They also explore Salesforce's innovative approaches to AI, including the balance between AI's potential to drive climate action and its environmental impact. Megan shares Salesforce’s new sustainable AI policy principles and discusses their engagement with policymakers to promote effective climate legislation, while providing a comprehensive look at how leading technology firms are navigating the complex landscape of energy and AI for a sustainable future.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…
Salesforce's 100% renewable energy commitment (02:57)
The rise of AI and its impact on the electricity grid (08:11)
The intersection of AI and sustainability (11:14)
Salesforce’s best practices (12:36)
AI as a tool to drive climate action (15:30)
Sustainable AI policy principles (18:04)
Guidance for companies or organizations exploring AI (27:54)
Click here for detailed show notes
Connect with Megan Lorenzen
On LinkedIn
As Director of Climate & Energy at Salesforce, Megan Lorenzen leads Salesforce’s global climate policy program, advocating for policies that set the world on a path to a just transition to a 1.5-degree future. Megan also leads the company’s power sector decarbonization efforts. This includes catalyzing new, high-impact, renewable energy projects to maintain Salesforce’s global 100% renewable energy commitment and deploying the company’s cross-functional energy transition strategy.
Megan has a BS from Santa Clara University and an MBA from CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business. Megan is the co-author of More than a Megawatt: Embedding Social & Environmental Impact in the Renewable Energy Procurement Process.
Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
Smart Energy Decisions
Follow us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio
If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com
Seizing the Day: Decarbonization as an Organizational Opportunity, Ep. 99
Season 4 · Episode 99
Friday, April 5, 2024 • Duration 22:39
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Debra Chanil welcomes back Becky Wacker, the Director of Energy Services Sales at Trane Commercial. In Episode 88, they dug into the challenges and opportunities that commercial building operators face today in light of their decarbonization efforts.
In this new episode, Becky discusses how to seize decarbonization as an organizational opportunity and provides a framework for navigating complexity and prioritizing where to turn decarbonization into a competitive advantage.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…
Regulatory push for decarbonization (2:42)
Impact of decarbonization in different areas of an organization (6:46)
Breaking down silos within organizations (10:23)
Cost savings and improved operational efficiency (13:05)
Click here for detailed show notes
Resources & People Mentioned:
Nielsen IQ 2022 Study about Sustainability
Sustainable Brands 2021 Study about Sustainable Behaviors
Connect with Becky Wacker
On LinkedIn
Becky Wacker is the Director of Sales for Energy Services at Trane by Trane Technologies, leading acquisition and implementation of complex facility programs and projects. She has 15 years of experience helping customers leverage their buildings to better meet their organizational goals, with a particular passion for decarbonization and efficiency.
Becky received her Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Minnesota while winning two Division I National Championships with the Women’s Ice Hockey team. She sits on the board for Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO), and can often be found in a sports venue playing, watching, or coaching in her spare time.
Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
Smart Energy Decisions
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If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com
Greening Cities Phoenix Leads The Way with Nick Brown, Ep #009
Episode 9
Friday, October 2, 2020 • Duration 24:23
Sure, there are solar farms but have you encountered a solar city? That’s just what you will find in Phoenix. They are building parking lot carports that not only provide coveted shade for citizens but lay a foundation for a sort of inner-city solar farm. Additionally, they are utilizing many city-owned properties to harness clean energy to light up Sun Valley.
It’s a great pleasure to have guest Nick Brown, energy manager for the City of Phoenix, on Smart Energy Voices. In this episode, you'll gain insights on the great strides made in buying clean energy and the strategies behind those purchases. Nick sat down with Smart Energy Decisions director of education programs Peter Kelly-Detweiler at the most recent Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum. You'll appreciate and relate to Nick's perspective on why his work in the energy sector is so important and meaningful.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Why Nick finds this to be one of the most fulfilling roles of his career [2:24]
Why the carbon budget is imperative [5:11]
Performance contracting using a qualified vendors list [7:59]
Values beyond energy conservation [10:04]
How big are the projects and how many are installed [12:43]
Bigger utility-scale approaches when offsetting large amounts of energy [14:57]
Advice for cities looking at decarbonization efforts like solar projects [17:14]
Click here for detailed show notes
Resources & People Mentioned
City of Phoenix’s Sustainability Goals
Connect with Nick Brown
On Linkedin
Nick Brown, City Energy Manager, City of Phoenix
Nick Brown installed his first solar PV systems in 1980 and has worked on renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, climate action plans, and GHG inventories, as a field ecologist, university instructor, program manager, and lobbyist. He is dedicated to developing solutions to the climate crisis, to maintain the quality of life for our kids and theirs. His work at the City of Phoenix focuses on project development for utility-scale solar, EV charging, microgrids, energy efficiency, and urban community resilience. Nick sits on governance, facilities, community services, and power committees. He also works to expand the adoption of rooftop solar, reduce the company’s GHG emissions, and improve its transparency and public reporting.
Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
https://smartenergydecisions.com
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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"
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Opportunities And Risks In Long-term PPAs, Ep #008
Episode 8
Friday, September 25, 2020 • Duration 23:11
Portland General Electric (PGE) created their green energy future impact tariff for large scale commercial and industrial customers to help them source 100% renewable energy. The energy will be sourced from new wind and solar facilities dedicated from a PPA through PGE. This huge initiative — with about 160 megawatts — was fully subscribed within 3 minutes of its release. It's eye-opening to hear about the opportunity and unmet demand in this space. Join today’s guests Brian Faist & Tiffany Menhorn as they talk about this project, why it was so successful, and bumps along the way.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Getting to know today’s guests Brian & Tiffany [1:49]
What is PGE’s green energy future impact tariff? [3:04]
What kind of hurdles were faced along the way? [6:31]
Have you had renewable power conversations in the last 5 years? [9:25]
Best practices when going through the solicitation process? [13:19]
How might COVID affect the renewables business? [16:46]
Click here for detailed show notes
Connect with our Guests
Tiffany Menhorn with Enel X North America
Brain Faist with Portland General Electric
Tiffany Menhorn, Senior Business Development Manager, Wholesale Energy & Renewable Procurement, Enel X North America, LLC
Tiffany Menhorn of Enel X works with commercial organizations and utilities to run competitive auctions for a wide range of commodity products. A fresh voice in the market, Tiffany is helping her forward-thinking partners secure highly competitive prices in creative ways and simplifying the process by which complex, emerging commodity products are sourced. Tiffany’s tenure in the energy field includes working in the jungles of startup culture to the peaks of an industry-leading innovator. Tiffany earned a BS from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Seton Hill University.
Brain Faist, Structuring and Origination, Portland General Electric
SInce getting his start in the accounting world, Brian has focused on providing customers of Portland General Electric access to a clean and reliable source of power. With experience in wind, solar, and energy storage, Brian has been able to deliver multiple projects to help source the utility’s power supply needs as well as those customers looking to go further, faster with participation in voluntary renewable programs.
Connect with Smart Energy Decisions
https://smartenergydecisions.com
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If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit our application page or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Caroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"
Innovative Approaches to Achieving Renewable Energy and Climate Goals with Valerie Cardwell, Beth Wytiaz, and Becky Sternberg, Ep #007
Episode 7
Friday, September 18, 2020 • Duration 28:09
On today's episode, you’ll get to listen in on a panel discussion from a recent forum. This exciting panel features Valerie Cardwell, with Comcast NBCUniversal’s Office of Sustainability, Beth Wytiaz, Global Environmental Operations Manager at Bank of America, and the panel is moderated by Becky Sternberg, Vice President of Energy and Climate Practice at 3Degrees.
Beth and Valerie are going to share their renewable energy and climate goals, plus their strategies for achieving them. It's a great opportunity to look behind the curtain at these two large corporate buyers of renewable energy and not only understand their sustainability commitments but the obstacles they're overcoming to make things happen.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Meeting Beth [2:34]
How Beth’s day to day role plays into Bank of America’s renewable commitment. [3:13]
Reaching a 100% renewable goal with innovation & maximum impact. [4:13]
Meeting Valerie. [5:37]
The diversity of Comcast’s footprint. [6:27]
Work being done to address Comcast’s complexity [7:55]
Enabling co-benefits from an environmental perspective. [11:15]
Aligning co-benefits with internal approval. [14:01]
Takeaways for a new approach in your organization. [21:00]
What is the biggest lesson learned? [23:00]
Click here for detailed show notes
Valerie Cardwell, Executive Director, Office of Sustainability, Comcast NBCUniversal
Rebecca (Becky) Sternberg, Vice President, Energy and Climate Practice at 3Degrees
Beth Wytiaz, SVP, Global Environmental Operations Manager, Bank of America
Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
https://smartenergydecisions.com
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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 Caroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"
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Integrating an Offsite Renewable Purchase into Your Energy Risk Strategy with Gregory J. Kosier, Ep #006
Episode 6
Friday, September 11, 2020 • Duration 19:46
Today two dinosaurs in the industry Peter Kelly Detweiler and Greg Kosier — former colleagues at Constellation with nearly 50 years in the industry between them — talk about how buyers manage their energy risk in terms of legacy buying, the way it used to be done, and today’s renewable power purchase agreements.
There’s a wealth of knowledge to be gained when you have the chance to listen in on a conversation between people who have been in the industry as long as these gentlemen have. Make sure you tune in and consume all the wisdom they have offered up.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
How to manage risk in the legacy [2:43]
Determining a customer’s risk profile [4:02]
Paying for certainty [5:22]
The challenge of diversification [6:25]
Buying large amounts of a vulnerable commodity [9:14]
Adapting to accommodate a PPA being dropped in your lap [13:17]
Click here for detailed show notes
Connect with Gregory J. Kosier
Constellation website
Gregory J. Kosier, Director, Commodities Management Group, Constellation
Gregory Kosier is Director of the Commodities Management Group for Constellation, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC). In this role, he is primarily responsible for leading a team involved in structured power and natural gas transactions for Constellation’s industrial and large commercial customers, including structured power agreements, fundamental analysis of power and fuel market trends, and risk mitigation strategies. Over his more than 25-year career in energy, Mr. Kosier has been an electricity trader, portfolio manager, and lead for Constellation’s west retail business.
Prior to joining Constellation, Mr. Kosier was the head of west electricity trading for AES and a management consultant responsible for the appraisal and valuation of utility generating stations throughout New York State. In the early days of energy deregulation, Mr. Kosier developed the models used to value a generation site’s real property assets such as generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure as well as the value of a site’s natural resources.
Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
https://smartenergydecisions.com
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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 Caroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"
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Goldman Sach’s Renewable Energy Journey, Ep #5
Friday, September 4, 2020 • Duration 23:01
Renewable energy is not a new conversation at Goldman Sachs as they have found a way for the last 10 years to ensure corporate profitability alongside operational sustainability. From their new LEED Gold Certified World headquarters to Sustainable Finance, Cindy shares a comprehensive synopsis of how Goldman Sachs and it’s leadership is being “front footed” in setting an example for social equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
Don’t miss hearing John Failla have a high-level conversation with Cindy Quam about ESG and how renewable energy plays into their vision of sustainability at Goldman Sachs & Co. Cindy is the Chief of Staff and Head of the ESG, Corporate and Workplace Solutions Division at Goldman Sachs, and is passionate about integrating environmental, social, and corporate governance across all their resources, including buildings, people, and communities.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Meeting Cindy Quan, Global Head of ESG, Corporate and Workplace Solutions [2:56]
Tthe “WHY” behind the ESG initiatives at Goldman Sachs? [5:38]
Two Highlights from Goldman Sachs CEO’s sustainable vision [7:53]
The Current Renewable Energy portion of ESG at Goldman Sachs [11:12]
How the US and UK energy use dominates global consumption [13:28]
Goldman Sachs’ diversity preferences for onsite or offsite wind/solar/PPA [15:11]
How RE sustainability plays into the future for Goldman Sachs? [18:03]
Click here for detailed show notes
Resources & People Mentioned
David Soloman, CEO Goldman Sachs & CO
Why Goldman Sachs is investing $750 Billion in ESGs
Financial Times article on GS Sustainability (subscription required)
Connect with Cindy Quan
LinkedIn profile
Cindy Quan, Global Chief of Staff and Head of ESG, Goldman, Sachs & Co
As Global Chief of Staff and Head of ESG at Goldman, Sachs & Co, Cindy Quanoversees global sustainability and social initiatives including the green building portfolio, the firm's energy and carbon reduction strategy and the local community engagement and vendor diversity program. She was responsible for the LEED Gold Certification of the World Headquarters building at 200 West Street in Battery Park City in New York City. Cindy is currently a board member of CoreNet NY and the chair of the external relations committee. Cindy is also an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council's National Market Advisory Committee. Cindy received her executive MBA at Columbia University and London Business Schools in 2014. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Cindy graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Facilities Management and Policy Analysis from Cornell University.
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The Purpose Driven Organization, Ep #4
Episode 4
Friday, August 28, 2020 • Duration 41:46
It’s not uncommon these days to hear talk of businesses, large and small, developing a purpose statement that has to do with its societal responsibility. Consumers are coming to expect brands to take such a stance as well. Why is that and how should business leaders think about it? But a more important question is this: How does the issue of organizational purpose magnify and support what is happening in the renewable energy movement?
To answer that question, Smart Energy Decisions founder, John Failla invited author and consumer expert Jeff Fromm to discuss the issue, along with David Smart, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Biostar, a company that’s taking this issue of “purpose” very seriously with Jeff’s help. This is an enlightening and helpful conversation that you’re sure to enjoy.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
The concept of doing well by doing good [0:56]
How Jeff became the leading researcher on younger consumer behavior [5:24]
The level of detail necessary to define a company’s purpose [12:10]
Why it was important for Biostar to establish a relationship with Jeff’s work [15:46]
Business “wins” that happened because of Biostar's commitment to renewables [24:28]
Why Jeff created a “workbook” style resource instead of a typical research-based book [28:40]
The first steps at identifying and defining your company’s purpose [31:45]
Click here for detailed show notes
Resources & People Mentioned
MOD Pizza - an example of a brand with a “purpose advantage”
Patagonia Group - was a purpose-driven brand that reimagined their purpose
Nike - has also focused on purpose
Seventh Generation
Bombas Socks
AtmosAir (one of Biostar’s partners)
Connect with Jeff Fromm and David Smart
About Jeff Fromm: Partner at Barkley and 4x Author
www.JeffFromm.com
Follow Jeff on Linkedin
Jeff’s author profile on Amazon
Get a free copy of David’s book: The Purpose Advance
www.BarkleyUS.com
Jeff Fromm is a Partner at Barkley where he serves as President of FutureCast, weekly contributor at FORBES and author of four books including The Purpose Advantage (Idea Press, 2019), Marketing to Millennials (Harper Collins, 2013), Millennials with Kids (Harper Collins, 2015) and Marketing to Gen Z (Harper Collins, 2018). He published the first public research study of Millennials as Consumers with the Boston Consulting Group in 2010 & 2011. He has traveled the world sharing insights on consumer trends, youth culture as well as purpose & sustainability.
In addition to Jeff’s work consulting with major brands at Barkley he serves on the Board of Directors at Three Dog Bakery.
About David Smart: Biostar Renewables
Follow David on Linkedin
Biostar Renewables
David is Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing and oversees the strategic development of energy efficiency projects, renewable energy assets and energy financing transactions across all BioStar sectors. With an extensive understanding of state/federal policy and incentives, David spearheads complex opportunities, helping his team navigate high-level negotiations, while delivering maximum value to customers in the public and private sector.
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Multiple Approaches To Address The Climate Challenge with James Goudreau, Ep #3
Episode 3
Friday, August 21, 2020 • Duration 22:52
Multinational corporations have the opportunity to play a unique role in the energy transition. Health care company, Novartis is taking that opportunity seriously, moving the needle significantly when it comes to the company’s own carbon footprint and power usage as well as creating opportunities that smaller organizations may be able to utilize to move their power purchases toward renewable energy faster.
James Goudreau is “Head of Climate” for Novartis and our guest on this episode. His experience in the U.S. Navy, serving as a logistics and procurement specialist enabled him to not only understand the inner workings of a large organization’s procurement operations, it also introduced him to the necessary considerations large organizations need to make regarding climate issues. Listen to hear how Novartis is making a difference in the global renewable energy transition.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
How Jim’s Navy career led him into climate-related issues and planning [05:01]
The internal corporate process of procuring power from a wind farm in Texas [11:15]
Novartis’ physical properties being considered for future energy conversion projects [15:42]
How and why Jim desires to work himself out of a job [17:33]
Click here for detailed show notes
Resources & People Mentioned
Guest host: Peter Kelly-Detwiler
Novartis Business Services
Beyond The Meter podcast
Connect with James Goudreau
James Goudreau on LinkedIn
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