The Intersection of AI and Sustainability

Welcome to the first episode of Plugged In: Exploring Energy. In this podcast miniseries, host Chuck Hanna from Constellation sits down with Benton Arnett from the Nuclear Energy Institute to discuss how nuclear power is transforming to meet today’s energy needs. They also explore emerging tech like small modular reactors (SMRs) and the growing demand for clean energy in sectors like AI and data centers.   You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Changes in the nuclear energy sector over the past decade (01:23) Role of SMRs in meeting future energy needs (06:28) Tech giants and the shift to clean nuclear power (11:00) Evolving role of microreactors in various industries (14:58) Policy and regulatory actions for nuclear advancement (18:26) Click here for detailed how notes Connect with Benton Arnett On LinkedIn Benton Arnett, Senior Director of Markets and Policy at the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), leads the development and execution of policy advocacy strategies to advance the interests of the nuclear energy industry. With over a decade of experience in government affairs, issues management, and strategic partnerships, he has a proven track record of influencing policy outcomes, building coalitions, and effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders. Arnett holds a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Texas A&M University, where he specialized in energy, transportation, and technology policy. He is passionate about promoting energy policy that supports national security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Connect with Constellation Follow Constellation on LinkedIn  Follow Chuck Hanna on LinkedIn Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions 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 Decisions Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Zephyr Taylor, Global Commercial Head and Category Director for Renewable Energy at Mars, Inc., takes a close look at the topic of Scope 1 emissions and industrial heat decarbonization. While many companies are comfortable sourcing renewable electricity for their Scope 2 targets, Scope 1 — specifically the challenge of decarbonizing industrial heat — is a different story. This episode tackles the technology, economics, and internal company dynamics required to make progress in this area. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… Understanding Scope 1 decarbonization (02:37) Technological solutions for renewable thermal (05:01) Challenges and market dynamics of renewable thermal (09:11) Mars' renewables projects (13:30) Click here for detailed show notes Connect with Zephyr Taylor On LinkedIn As the Global Commercial head for Renewable Energy & Carbon Credits at Mars Inc., Zephyr Taylor oversees Mars’ renewable energy sourcing throughout the world – including market assessment, supplier engagement, deal structuring and negotiation, and key internal stakeholder partnering, alongside team oversight and organizational alignment. Zephyr has led the development and execution of strategic sustainability initiatives in the public and private sector globally. His expertise spans policymaking, commercial negotiation, project development and transaction structuring, and thought leadership on organizational reform and stakeholder mobilization. Zephyr holds an MBA and Master of Environmental Management degrees from Yale University. He received his undergraduate degree with Highest Honors in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 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 Decisions Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Savannah Goodman, Data and Software Climate Solutions Lead at Google, talks about Google's ambitious 24/7 carbon-free energy goal and the innovative tools Google is developing to decarbonize not only its operations but also to influence the broader energy grid. She reveals their use of Time-Based Energy Attribute Certificates (T-EACs) and how this technology can change the procurement of energy across all industries and deliver clean energy to the grid in times and places where it’s needed.   You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Google’s commitment to using 24/7 carbon-free energy (02:19) Google’s Time-Based Energy Attribute Certificates (T-EACs) (05:54) Load flexibility and demand response solutions at Google (09:15) Impact of smart energy programs on small companies (11:20) Broader net-zero goals by 2030 (13:02) Click here for detailed show notes Connect with Savannah Goodman On LinkedIn Savannah Goodman leads the team that incubates data and software solutions to enable Google and our partners to meet ambitious climate targets, including Net Zero and 24/7 Carbon-free energy by 2030. Her ultimate goal is to accelerate system-level grid decarbonization. In addition to incubating new solutions, her team spearheads technical ecosystem development and thought leadership, as well as drives strategic direction and expertise across Google. 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 [email protected]

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Charles Benisch, Director of Renewable Advisory at ENGIE Impact, covers how to move from admirable renewable energy goals to actionable strategies that align with executive priorities, as well as the rising risks of climate-related lawsuits, the impact of skyrocketing energy costs, and the looming pressure on supply chains. For organizations committed to sustainability, he outlines how innovative solutions like community solar programs and tax credit transfers can be leveraged to create budget-free paths to achieving green goals while still benefiting the bottom line. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... ● The concept of exponential growth in the renewable energy industry (02:18) ● Challenges in scaling renewable energy (03:45) ● Climate-related risks, lawsuits,and reputational risks (05:29) ● Energy costs and operating profits (11:12) ● Scope 3 emissions and supply challenges (14:07) ● The use of tax credits to support sustainability goals (18:54) ● Flexible solutions for advancing renewable energy (23:32) Click here for detailed show notes Connect with Charles Benisch On LinkedIn Charles Benisch is the Director of Renewable Advisory at ENGIE Impact where he helps F500 companies and institutional buyers develop and manage renewable energy portfolios. Charles brings 12+ years’ experience in the renewable energy market, and he specializes in the development of renewable energy strategies that reduce cost, drive earnings, and manage risk. Building upon years in product development and commercial strategy at two of the world’s largest renewable advisory companies, Charles is an expert in helping clients develop business cases, communicate value internally, and align stakeholders. Prior to his role at ENGIE Impact, Charles helped build and scale Enel X’s renewable advisory practice. 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 [email protected]

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 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil welcomes Luke Penne, Senior Business Development Manager at Constellation Energy, in an interview from the 2024 Renewable Energy Forum, “The Continued Evolution of Offsite Renewable Purchasing.” This insightful episode covers recent developments in offsite renewable purchasing, including factors affecting the rising prices of power purchase agreements (PPAs), the importance of more impactful renewable purchases, and increasing demand for PPAs and integrated solutions as companies face challenges in meeting their 2025 and 2030 sustainability goals.   You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… Impactful PPA transactions (05:51) The increased demand for PPAs and integrated solutions (07:42) Meeting the challenges of increasing demand (09:41) Navigating the changing market (11:59) Hourly carbon-free electricity (12:59) Click here for detailed show notes Connect with Luke Penne On LinkedIn With 10 years of energy and finance experience, Luke is currently a Senior Business Development Manager for Constellation, helping businesses decarbonize their operations hour-by-hour. Prior to his current role, Luke held several positions, both with Constellation and a sell-side investment bank, in energy and fixed-income trading operations. Luke achieved a master's in finance through the University of Baltimore and also holds a Bachelor of Science from Towson University. 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 Net Zero Forum Fall this September, visit sednetzeroforum.com/fall or email our team at [email protected] to get started.

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Sarah Johnston, Managing Director of Marketing and Carbon Differentiated Strategy at Calpine, discusses corporate sustainability targets and the challenges of achieving them, particularly among the recent changes in SEC and SBTi guidelines. This was the opening keynote at SED’s recent Renewable Energy Forum. Drawing from 15 years at Calpine, Johnston explores proactive and prescriptive planning to mitigate risks and optimize energy strategies in an uncertain environment. She also touches on corporate challenges in Scope 3 emissions, advocating for supply chain collaboration to reduce carbon footprints. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Corporate challenges in sustainability (04:25) Changes impacting energy markets (08:33) How the energy market is aligned with the housing market (16:13) A tactical approach to sustainability strategy (19:28) Scope 3 emissions and how to reduce them (22:26) Click here for detailed show notes Connect with Sarah Johnston On LinkedIn  Sarah Johnston began her career at Calpine in 2009, focusing on reporting and analysis for risk management clients. As the Managing Director of Marketing and Carbon Differentiated Strategy, Ms. Johnston manages a roster of Calpine Energy Solutions’ Portfolio Risk Management clients with complex and expansive footprints or portfolios. She is responsible for analyzing data on macroeconomic trends, commodity market influences, and broader energy markets while ensuring that Calpine’s key clients’ electricity portfolios are balanced and well-managed. Her expertise in sustainability and energy portfolio management guides clients through the use of advanced risk analytics, evaluation of strategy performance, and guidance in creating and executing energy policies and strategies that concurrently manage impacts to cost, risk, and carbon. Ms. Johnston is also a frequent speaker on the topics of corporate sustainability, renewable energy strategy, energy portfolio management, and commodity risk management. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, Elmhurst College; Graduate Certificate, Corporate Sustainability and Innovation, Harvard University. 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 [email protected]

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil speaks with Melissa Banks, Regulatory and Utility Advocacy Director at Trane Technologies, about the complex landscape of building decarbonization and sustainability. Banks discusses the increasing importance of regulatory compliance, utility incentives, and tax benefits in making energy efficiency projects financially viable for businesses and building owners. She explains the significance of understanding local utility incentives and shares examples of utility programs that offer substantial rebates for energy-efficient upgrades and emphasizes leveraging these incentives and working with experts to help maximize the financial benefits of their sustainability efforts — making the path to decarbonization both achievable and affordable. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… How regulations are impacting organizations’ decarbonization efforts (02:09) National, state and local energy codes (03:47) Building performance standards, electrification policies, and climate and emissions reporting regulations (06:06) Available incentives to reduce emissions (14:52) How to leverage tax incentives (18:39) Click here for full show notes Connect with Melissa Banks On LinkedIn As the Regulatory and Utility Advocacy Director at Trane Technologies, Melissa Banks is responsible for leading Trane’s climate-related regulatory thought leadership, market intelligence, and influence in the energy sector. She has over 15 years of experience in helping industry stakeholder groups advocate for sustainable and resilient community infrastructure solutions.    Melissa holds a B.S. in Public Relations from California State University and an M.B.A. from Rutgers University. She can be found hiking trails throughout the Pacific Northwest with family in her spare time. 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 [email protected]

In this episode, Debra Chanil welcomes Emily Freeman, Circular Economy Policy Advisor of the City of Boulder. Freeman highlights strides in three core principles of the circular economy and how Boulder's initiatives align with the city's ambitious climate action goals.  As Boulder continues its journey towards carbon neutrality, Freeman's insights offer a blueprint for other cities and organizations seeking to integrate circular economy principles into their sustainability strategies and policies. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… The role of a Circular Economy Policy Advisor (04:21) The value of building material reuse in reaching net-zero goals (06:02) City of Boulder’s sustainable deconstruction ordinance (08:07) The deconstruction of Boulder Community Hospital (9:40) Future applications of the ordinance (19:48) The City of Boulder as a circular economy leader (22:00) Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned: Metabolic KL&A Connect with Emily Freeman On LinkedIn Emily Freeman is a Circular Economy Policy Advisor for the City of Boulder. She oversees the success of Boulder’s deconstruction ordinance to keep carbon-intensive building materials available for reuse and recycling. Since ordinance implementation, Boulder has diverted 85%, or 111,168,000 pounds, of building materials from the landfill. Boulder’s landmark hospital deconstruction saw 93.5% diversion with the true highlight being the innovative approach to direct structural steel reuse from the hospital into new city construction. Emily leads efforts to identify policy mechanisms to further deconstruction opportunities, engage with contractors, and drive progress towards the city’s climate goals. Emily is an experienced public and private sector sustainability professional adept at developing sustainability roadmaps, analyzing waste audits, managing environmental management systems, and developing circular economy policies. She holds a Masters in Sustainability from Arizona State University. She currently serves on the Board of Build Reuse and is a Commissioner for Colorado’s Solid & Hazardous Waste Commission. In her downtime, Emily enjoys getting outside with her husband and their dog and loves teaching her three-year-old to ride a bike. 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 [email protected]