Smart Energy Voices - Season 2
Welcome to Smart Energy Voices: an SED Podcast
Hosted by John Failla, Smart Energy Decisions Founder.
Smart Energy Voices, an SED podcast, features conversations with leaders of the energy transition. In each episode, Smart Energy Decisions founder John Failla 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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2021
Episode 55: Achieving Reliability, Resilience, and Emission Reductions in Higher Ed with DERs
Date: 12/10/2021
Guests: Lincoln Bleveans, Executive Director, Sustainability & Energy Management at Stanford University
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, SED's Debra Chanil discusses distributed energy resources in higher education with Lincoln Bleveans, Executive Director, Sustainability & Energy Management at Stanford University. DERs in higher education is a complex topic that can be overwhelming. Lincoln addresses the challenges of energy reliability, resilience, and creating a granular room-to-room energy plan. He also discusses the unique intersection between the university and Silicon Valley. You won’t want to miss his insightful observations. Read more...
Episode 54: Clean Energy Dealmaking
Date: 12/3/2021
Guests: Mona Dajani, Global Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure, Mobility, Renewables & Water at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Mona Dajani, Global Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure, Mobility, Renewables & Water at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Mona is a prolific dealmaker in the renewable energy space and is a highly regarded, well-recognized attorney. You’ll find her extensive experience and unique perspective enlightening. Listen to learn more. Read more...
Episode 53: Industrial Decarbonization Strategies at General Mills
Date: 11/19/2021
Guests: Daren Kaiser, Global Energy Strategy Leader - General Mills
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla talks with Daren Kaiser, Global Energy Strategy Leader - General Mills, at the recent Distributed Energy Forum. They discuss the unique challenges related to General Mills’ ambitious decarbonization goals and the tactics Daren is employing to deliver against its sustainability commitments, such as energy optimization and CHP solutions. Listen in to hear more about industrial decarbonization strategies. Read more...
Episode 52: DER's Role in Your Total Energy Management Strategy
Date: 11/12/2021
Guests: Doug Sansom, Managing Director – Distributed Energy Resources at NRG Energy
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla talks with Doug Sansom, Managing Director – Distributed Energy Resources at NRG Energy, at Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Distributed Energy Forum. They discuss the tools that customers need in order to take control of their total energy management strategy. Listen in for insightful energy management strategies. Read more...
Episode 51: Renewable Energy Innovations in Regulated Markets
Date: 11/5/2021
Guests: Robert Day, Executive Director of Origination, Evergy Energy Partners
Grant Wilkerson, Director of New Business Development, Evergy Energy Partners
This episode of Smart Energy Voices is produced in partnership with Evergy Energy Partners. Host John Failla is joined by Evergy’s Robert Day, Executive Director of Origination, and Grant Wilkerson, Director of New Business Development to discuss how Evergy is responding to the unique needs of large power users in both regulated and deregulated markets for renewable energy. Listen to learn more about their inside perspective. Read more...
Episode 50: Blueprint for a Zero Carbon Grid: The DOE Solar Futures Study
Date: 10/29/2021
Guests: Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus, Solar Energy Technologies Office Director, Department of Energy
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla has a conversation with Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus, Solar Energy Technologies Office Director, Department of Energy. The DOE recently released the Solar Futures Study detailing the significant role of solar in decarbonizing the nation’s power grid. The study showed that by 2035 solar energy has the potential to power 40% of the nation’s electricity, drive deep carbonization of the grid, and employ as many as 1.5 million people without raising electricity prices. Listen in to hear from the mind and leader behind that study. Read more...
Episode 49: The State of the Voluntary Carbon Offset Market, with Kyle Harrison
Date: 10/22/2021
Guests: Kyle Harrison, Head of Sustainability Research at BloombergNEF
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. Read more...
Episode 48: The Power of Entrepreneurial Leadership, with Chris Castro
Date: 10/08/2021
Guests: Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability & Resilience, City of Orlando
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. Read more...
Episode 47: Creating Your Roadmap to Net Zero, with Tripp Borstel
Date: 10/01/2021
Guests: Tripp Borstel, Director with ENGIE Impact's Sustainability Solutions
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. Read more...
Episode 46: Inspiring Diversity in Energy Series with Ajulo Othow and Dana Clare Redden
Date: 9/17/2021
Guests: Ajulo Othow, Enerwealth Solutions, LLC
Dana Clare Redden, Solar Stewards
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. Read more...
Episode 45: A Guide to Addressing Your Scope 3 Value Chain Emissions
Date: 9/10/2021
Guests: Katherine Canoy, 3Degrees
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.. Read more...
Episode 44: Bucknell's Renewable Energy Journey, with Victor Udo
Date: 9/3/2021
Guests: Dr Victor Udo, Bucknell University
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. Read more...
Episode 43: Capitalizing on Opportunities in Community Solar
Date: 8/27/2021
Guests: Miro Sutton, NRG Energy
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. Read more...
Episode 42: Building a Global Renewable Energy Portfolio
Date: 8/20/2021
Guests: Zephyr Taylor, Mars Inc
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Zephyr Taylor, Global Director of Renewable Energy, Mars Inc. This 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. Read more...
Episode 41: More Than Just Solar: The Evolving Clean Energy Needs of Large Power Users
Date: 7/8/2021
Guests: Raphael Declercq, EDF Renewables North America
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. Read more...
Episode 40: The Energy Switch, with Peter Kelly-Detwiler
Date: 6/25/2021
Guests: Peter Kelly-Detwiler, NorthBridge Energy Partners
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. Read more...
Episode 39: Goodbye to Year Over Year Baselines, Hello to Predictive Modeling
Date: 6/18/2021
Guests: Andrew Blauvelt, BuildingOS
Ken Watson, Acuity Brands
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. Read more...
Episode 38: Challenges of Energy Management for Healthcare
Date: 6/11/2021
Guests: Robert Berninger, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, SED's 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.. Read more...
Episode 37: The State of Sustainable Finance
Date: 6/4/2021
Guests: Kara Mangone, Goldman Sachs
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. Read more...
Episode 36: Cal Poly Fast-tracks Decarbonization
Date: 5/28/2021
Guests: Dennis Elliot, California Polytechnic State University
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. Read more...
Episode 35: The Future of Green Hydrogen
Date: 5/21/2021
Guests: Janice Lin, Green Hydrogen Coalition
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. Read more...
Episode 34: Decarbonizing with Integrated Energy Management
Date: 5/14/2021
Guests: Scott Hart, NRG
In this 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.. Read more...
Episode 33: Managing Data on the Road to Net Zero
Date: 5/7/2021
Guests: Adam Kramer, Ledger8760
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. Read more...
Episode 32: Intel 2030
Date: 4/23/2021
Guests: Marty Sedler, Intel
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla speaks with Marty Sedler, Director of Global Utilities & Infrastructure or Intel Corporation. Marty 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. Read more...
Episode 31: The State of Retail Energy Partnerships
Date: 4/16/2021
Guests: Raj Bazaj, Constellation
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. Read more...
Episode 30: Trends in Renewable Energy Deal Making & The Biden Administration
Date: 4/9/2021
Guests: Keith Martin, Norton Rose Fulbright
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. Read more...
Episode 29: The Future of Clean Tech Investing
Date: 4/2/2021
Guests: Keith Martin, Norton Rose Fulbright
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. Read more...
Episode 28: Addressing Residual Emissions on the Path to Net Zero
Date: 3/26/2021
Guests: Stephanie Harris, 3Degrees
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? 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. Read more...
Episode 27: Collaborating for Customer-Centricity in Achieving Sustainability Objectives
Date: 3/19/2021
Guests: André Canguçú, ENGIE North America
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. Read more...
Episode 26: The Evolution of McDonald's Sustainability Roadmap
Date: 3/12/2021
Guests: Emma Cox, McDonald's Corporation
With 37,000 restaurants in over 100 countries serving 69 million people every day, McDonald’s understands how great an impact they have. The last time John spoke with Emma Cox, North American Sustainability Manager at McDonald’s Corporation during the 2019 Innovation Summit, the company was primarily focused on energy efficiency within the U.S. Since that beginning, their focus has had a global shift that will positively affect the environment. Listen to hear how McDonald’s is changing the world one community at a time. Read more...
Episode 25: The Future of GM, EVs and Renewables with Rob Threlkeld
Date: 3/5/2021
Guests: Rob Threlkeld, General Motors
The future of decarbonization is in re-inventing the transportation industry. As it stands, vehicles account for 28.2 percent of greenhouse emissions. That’s an amazing opportunity for change. Imagine the reduction in carbon emissions if those vehicles were to be powered by electricity. John speaks about the potential of electric vehicles with General Motors’ Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability, Rob Threkeld. Read more...
Episode 24: Inspiring Diversity in Energy with Telisa Toliver
Date: 2/26/2021
Guests: Telisa Toliver, Chevron
The wake-up call came a few years ago when the Wall Street Journal ranked energy at 10 out of 11 fields in a survey on diversity in businesses. Since then, Smart Energy Decisions has worked to raise the profile of this issue with its series “Inspiring Diversity in Energy.” This edition features a discussion with Telisa Toliver, General Manager of Renewable Power for Chevron and Debra Chanil, SED’s Director of Research and Content. Read more...
Episode 23: Creating Climate Wealth with Jigar Shah
Date: 2/19/2021
Guests: Jigar Shah, Generate Capital
Celebrate the fifth anniversary of Smart Energy Decisions with this conversation between Founder and Editorial Direction John Failla and clean energy industry pioneer Jigar Shah, who has changed the way businesses approach technology to both save money and improve their impact on the environment. Read more...
Episode 22: The Future of Sustainability Strategy
Date: 2/12/2021
Guests: Greg Kandankulam, NRG Energy
2020 has definitely produced a number of challenges, but the need for societies and organizations to move toward sustainable energy solutions has not gone away. Today John speaks with Greg Kandankulam about what the NRG team is experiencing as it works with large organizations and municipalities that are moving toward renewable energy solutions. Read more...
Episode 21: Ørsted’s Journey from Oil Giant to Most Sustainable Company in the World
Date: 2/05/2021
Guests: Melissa Peterson, Ørsted
It’s not common to see a company that’s heavily vested in a particular segment of any industry make a 180-degree turn that is designed to eliminate the need for its original area of focus. It’s even more uncommon for that company to become the leader in its new niche. That’s the story of Ørsted, a Denmark-based Oil Giant that has made the transition to renewable energy like few other companies. Read more...
Episode 20: The Growing Importance of Renewable Energy Partnerships
Date: 1/29/2021
Guests: Nathan Nissen, Kohler Co.
Greg Rizzo, Enel Green Power
We all know that strong partnerships are essential if we are going to succeed in collaborating to accomplish a zero-carbon future. This conversation features two of the players in just such a partnership. John speaks with Nathan Nissen, Principal Engineer, Sustainability at Kohler Company, and Greg Rizzo, Director of Origination at Enel Green Power. Read more...
Episode 19: Driving Decarbonization With Digital Innovation
Date: 1/23/2021
Guests: Vanessa Miler-Fels, Microsoft
Decarbonization is one of the primary goals many companies are trying to achieve in their operations. Microsoft is leading the way in the realm of corporate leadership, setting its Carbon Negative Pledge as a standard to follow. One of the leading voices on the Microsoft team is Vanessa Miler-Fels, Director of Energy Innovation and Impact. Her astute insights and clear way of describing the “carbon math” the Microsoft team has done to empower their own efforts and extend their approach to their own supply chain partners come through loud and clear in this conversation. Listen to hear the generous and ambitious contributions Microsoft is poised to make to the world’s energy future. Read more...
