Smart Energy Voices

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil shares a talk from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Net-Zero forum featuring Joe Carrillo, Regional Vice President of SSA Marine. Joe brings his “boots on the ground” perspective as the person responsible for implementing the programs that help the company meet its goals. Joe shares SSA Marine’s plans, sustainability goals, projects, and partnerships in California.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... The structure of SSA Marine [03:08] Challenges in California [07:11] Obstacles when starting projects [09:12] Lessons learned along the way [17:59] Learning to work with grants [22:30] View Detailed show notes hereResources & People Mentioned SSA Marine Our Zero Emissions Future - Port of Long Beach About the Plan | Clean Air Action Plan Connect with Joe CarrilloOn LinkedInJoe Carrillo began his SSA career in 2007 in container operations in Long Beach. He continued his journey through SSA Marine, working in Mexico and Panama before returning to his native home in Northern California to assist operations with direct responsibility for five different business units throughout Northern California, which span maritime, transportation, and warehousing operations. Since 2017, Joe has worked on numerous zero-emission sustainability projects with a focus on larger cargo-handling equipment at two of the five business units in Northern California and operational performances. Currently, Carrix Enterprise has deployed 179+ pieces of near or zero-emission equipment globally and is leading the way in California at numerous sites.Joe played two years of professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Club after college. His current passions are playing golf in his free time and spending quality time with his wife and two children.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 byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

This episode of Smart Energy Voices is an interview from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Renewable Energy Forum featuring Quen Howard, Indirect Procurement Manager of VF Corporation, and Debra Chanil, Smart Energy Decisions’ Director of Editorial and Research. They discuss the challenges of implementing renewables across a portfolio of consumer brands.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Quen’s position at VF [01:34] VF’s renewables and sustainability goals [02:59] Getting people involved [05:33] Choosing the right suppliers [07:05] For detailed show notes, click here.  Resources & People Mentioned VF Corporation Jeannie Renne-Malone - Vice President, Global Sustainability - VF Corporation | LinkedIn Connect with Quen HowardOn LinkedInQuen Howard is a passionate procurement professional with over 17 years of sourcing experience. He has a broad range of experience across different sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture/chemicals, and textile apparel. This unique background, paired with his strong customer focus and stakeholder engagement, has been instrumental in leading complex projects. Quen is currently a procurement Manager at VF Corporation and supports packaging materials, energy, and MRO categories. During this time, he has been engaged in several of VF’s sustainability projects and initiatives.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 shares a special keynote from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Renewable Energy Forum. Rob Threlkeld, Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability for General Motors, shares how General Motors reached its 100% renewable energy goal a whole generation ahead of schedule.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... GM’s goals for a zero-emission future [01:35] Renewable goals from leadership [06:50] The impact of the supply chain on a business [08:49] EVs as a pathway to decarbonization [11:46] Decarbonizing utility and transportation [21:52] Transforming a companyThe energy transformation at General Motors is the first part of the company’s bold vision of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. GM is a big energy purchaser but procurements . However, procurement accounts for only 1% of the company’s carbon emissions. Scaling zero emissions efforts requires the transportation industry’s transformation to electric vehicles. GM aims to be an all-electric vehicle manufacturer of all its light-duty vehicles by 2035. That goal requires the company, which has built ICE vehicles for the last 100 years, to transform into an all-electric vehicle manufacturer in just twelve years.Moving transportation to decarbonizationHow can the vehicle industry truly achieve zero emissions? Many changes will have to occur on the state and federal levels. Changing the car industry goes well beyond General Motors and will require everyone in the entire industry. , including the supply chain. It is critical to work closely with the supply chain to move it down the path of decarbonization. If the production of supplies is interrupted, vehicles can’t be made. GM’s renewable energy U.S. footprint is about 3.5 terawatt hours, and the company has accumulated about 1500 megawatts of renewables across several projects over several states and RTOs. The company looks specifically for projects located within its manufacturing footprint. GM has been working with utilities to create green tariff programs and to find ways to expand those programs beyond just General Motors.Energy solutionsGM recently announced the energy side of the business that is enabling solutions in the whole energy ecosystem. Matching these renewable solutions with manufacturing will be critical to decarbonizing utility and transportation and ultimately driving a more resilient grid. As GM grows its EV portfolio, the company needs to ensure that demand matches the generation portfolio and continues to scale. Resources & People Mentioned General Motors and DTE Energy are Making Michigan a Clean Energy Powerhouse GM Ventures Textron Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC Connect with Rob ThrelkeldOn LinkedInRob Threlkeld is the Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability for General Motors, leading the company’s energy procurement efforts, including the commitment to meet the electricity needs of its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Threlkeld is responsible for leading the team that supports GM energy procurement and regulatory efforts, including negotiating power purchase agreements, natural gas, green tariffs, and engineering onsite renewable solutions for GM facilities across the globe, including opportunities associated with battery storage, behind-the-meter applications, and EV integration.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 byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

This episode of Smart Energy Voices is a keynote from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Renewable Energy Forum featuring Jeff Blankman. Jeff is the Sustainable Manufacturing Manager for McCormick & Company and is also an Advisory Board member for Smart Energy Decisions. Jeff’s keynote addresses McCormick’s all-of-the-above sustainability strategy and embodies the essence of the unique corporate buyer presentations only found at SED events.For detailed show notes click hereYou will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... McCormick’s sustainability program [01:46] Global climate agreements [05:16] On-site and off-site renewables [11:18] Limitations from a regulatory point of view [13:09] Unbundled RECs [14:15]  Resources & People Mentioned Purpose-led Performance | McCormick Corporation How McCormick is making sustainability its secret spice Constellation Signs 175 MW Solar Agreement to Supply an Aggregation of Three Commercial Customers | Business Wire Connect with Jeff BlankmanOn LinkedInJeff is the Sustainable Manufacturing Manager for McCormick & Company, the world’s leading producer of spices, seasonings, and flavorings. In this role, he establishes best practices for McCormick’s manufacturing and distribution facilities for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water and waste reduction, and other sustainability initiatives. Prior to his current role, he worked for over 10 years in Project Engineering at McCormick, installing packaging equipment and new packaging production lines. He has 25 years of project management experience in manufacturing. Jeff has both a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Maryland.Jeff Blankman, Sustainable Manufacturing Manager for McCormick & Company, will review McCormick’s sustainability journey as they work towards their science-based greenhouse gas reduction goal. Using an “all of the above strategy” of energy efficiency, on-site solar arrays, and off-site renewable energy purchases, the Company is well on its way to achieving its 2030 goal and laying the groundwork for its 2050 net-zero goal. Jeff will discuss real-world case studies of implementing successful initiatives while navigating the typical challenges that companies face in their sustainability programs.For detailed show notes click hereConnect 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 shares a special keynote presentation from the inaugural Net Zero Forum featuring Andy Smith, Senior Manager of Global Energy Management and Sustainability at Cisco Systems. In his presentation, Andy provides a deep dive into the process Cisco recently went through to evaluate, establish and certify its net-zero goal through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Powering an inclusive future for all [02:22] Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) [04:50] Third-party verification of goals [07:05] Cisco’s Scope 3 challenges [10:58] Real estate transformation [13:56] Carbon offset strategy [16:14] Resources & People Mentioned Cisco's net zero commitmentClick here full show notes visit our website Connect with Andy SmithOn LinkedInConnect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

This episode of Smart Energy Voices is a panel conversation from Smart Energy Decisions' recent Net Zero forum, moderated by SED's Director of Education Programs, Peter Kelly-Detwiler. The panel covers real-time challenges that companies face on their road to net zero. This conversation is a compilation of comments and notes from peer-to-peer discussions at the event. Peter is joined by Ryan Spies, VP of Sustainability for Clayco, Marianella Franklin, Chief Sustainability Officer at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Michal Shepard, Director of Maintenance, Energy, and Engineering at Harris Teeter.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Educating higher management [03:52] Challenges in building sustainably [09:33] Aligning the culture for success [13:07] Goal setting in manufacturing [18:42] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Inflation Reduction Act of 2022Connect with Marianella FranklinOn LinkedInConnect with Michal ShepardOn LinkedInConnect with Ryan SpiesOn LinkedInConnect 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 shares the opening keynote presentation from the inaugural Net Zero Forum, featuring Beth Wytiaz, Net Zero Strategy Executive for Bank of America. Beth is responsible for developing and delivering the financial institution’s environmental strategy to reach net zero before 2050. In this talk, she shares Bank of America’s approach to net-zero framework and how the organization is building a robust strategy and transition plan that covers operations, supply chain, and financing activities. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Approach to zero framework [02:39] Consistency across the financial sector [05:02] Targets for 2030 [10:08] Choosing targets [15:05] Reporting and disclosing [18:27] Net-Zero commitments In early 2021, Bank of America committed to net zero across operations, financing activities, and its supply chain. In April 2022, it rolled out its “Approach to Zero” framework. Bank of America assists clients by creating new products and services to support client investments in climate solutions. The corporation is focused on engagement with policymakers and driving universal standards within the financial sector.  Bank of America is committed to bringing a variety of data points and transforming those into decision-useful information or metrics. While continuing to build its net-zero transition strategy, Bank of America sets milestone targets that align with the latest climate science. The organization is committed to disclosing its progress annually. Sustainable development goals In addition to its net-zero target, Bank of America has a $1.5 trillion target to mobilize capital towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with $1 trillion specific to the environment. These two goals are supplemental to each other. When it comes to products and services, the corporation is developing a variety of innovative climate solutions for its clients. That includes sustainable aviation, fuel, renewables, carbon capture, and hydrogen. Thousands of bankers interact with clients daily, so educating bankers is vital to Bank of America’s success in reaching net-zero. To aid in that education, the organization has developed an ESG college internally, where it continues to expand the education for bankers. The Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials In financial institutions, regulatory requirements and expectations are increasing, and Bank of America is working to drive consistency across the financial sector. The corporation has been calculating emissions for the last two decades and disclosing them. However, across all three scopes, there has yet to be a universally accepted methodology within the financial sector to calculate the emissions associated with financing activities. Attempts had been made over the years, but nothing fully came together until 2020, when the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials gained traction. Now, over 300 financial institutions have signed up to use the standard. As a core member, Bank of America has been able to help develop and shape the methodologies along the way. There is now a methodology for business loans for project finance, listed equity and bonds, commercial real estate, consumer real estate, and consumer auto loans.  Resources & People Mentioned Sustainable Development Goals | United Nations Development Programme PCAF Net-Zero Banking Alliance – United Nations Environment Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero Sustainable Markets Initiative Connect with Beth Wytiaz On LinkedIn BIO GOES HERE Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If 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 is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Bauer, Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, to discuss the renewable journey he has led at the university. Wolfgang is also an active Smart Energy Decisions Advisory Board member. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Dr. Wolfgang Bauer’s career journey [01:42] The history of power generation at MSU [05:32] MSU’s Energy Transition Plan [14:54] Solar arrays on the campus [22:58] Saving money while saving the planet [30:43] Leaving an impact on the industry [40:46] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned A Brief History of Time: Stephen Hawking Energy Transition Plan | Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Solar carport initiative earns national attention | Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Better Buildings Challenge Connect with Dr. Wolfgang BauerOn LinkedInDr. Wolfgang Bauer is a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, where he has been on the faculty since 1988, holding a dual appointment at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. He was chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy from 2001 to 2013 and Founding Director of the Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research from 2009 to 2013. From 2013 to 2020 he served as Senior Consultant and Associate Vice President, driving the implementation of the Energy Transition Plan at Michigan State University. In 2019 he was also President of the MSU Foundation. He is co-owner of several businesses in the renewable energy sector and has consulted on renewable energy issues for the fossil fuel industry and hedge funds. He has published over 200 research articles, conference proceedings, and books, and has given over 400 invited presentations in 25 countries.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 introduces Ryan Spies, Vice President of Sustainability at Clayco. As the closing keynote speaker from Smart Energy Decisions’ Renewable Energy Forum, Ryan spoke about addressing emissions reduction through design and the role renewables should play in decarbonization strategies.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Ryan’s role at Clayco [01:52] Focusing on building [03:15] Embodied carbon [06:10] Concrete and steel [08:38] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Clayco Zurich North America Headquarters Saint-Gobain to Invest $91 Million in its Montreal Gypsum Plant Connect with Ryan SpiesOn LinkedInRyan Spies leads ESG at Clayco as Vice President of Sustainability. His responsibilities include developing and implementing a holistic strategy to reduce Clayco’s overall carbon footprint, identifying sustainable business opportunities for leadership, and overseeing sustainability practices and training for the enterprise. Ryan previously served as Director of Sustainability, Energy & Stewardship at Saint-Gobain where he was responsible for ESG and renewable energy strategy for over 130 facilities. Ryan holds an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and a BS in mechanical engineering from Lehigh 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.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Michael Forrester, former Director of Environment and Sustainability for the city of Cincinnati. At SED’s recent Renewable Energy Forum, Michael shared his insights on Cincinnati’s strategy of acting like a corporation that led to implementing its 100 MW PPA.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... The Green Cincinnati Plan [02:32] The city’s motivation [05:37] Energy initiatives [07:51] Municipal solar array [10:37] Monetizing capacity [16:52] What’s next for Cincinnati? [20:11] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Green Cincinnati Plan - Environment & Sustainability 'A cleaner future.' Officials break ground on Cincinnati's massive new solar array project Vistracorp Dynegy  TXU Energy https://www.txu.com/en/business/medium-large-business/sustainable-energy-solutions.aspx Brent Spence Bridge Connect with Michael Forrester On LinkedIn Please Note: since this episode was recorded, Michael Forrester has moved on from his position for the City of Cincinnati. Michael Forrester is the former energy manager for Cincinnati. He is responsible for the purchase of gas and electricity for City government and its residents through the Cincinnati Aggregation Program. These programs purchase 100% green electricity for City facilities, and residents, and was the 1st aggregation program to offer renewable natural gas to residents. Michael oversees efficiency improvements at City facilities and is working to develop 25 megawatts of solar throughout Cincinnati. In addition, he manages the City’s residential energy programs which include the Get Efficient Program and the SolarizeCincy program. He is a graduate of both Miami University and Indiana 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.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com