Heard at SED Forum Spring: Stop Saying You Can’t Find Money for Energy & Sustainability Projects

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Trevor Joelson, Enterprise Energy Services Account Executive at Trane, explores how organizations can secure funding for energy and sustainability projects by aligning proposals with business priorities and stakeholder needs. He outlines several innovative funding sources and strategies and the impact of stacked incentives from federal, state, and utility programs that can make it easier to embed sustainability into an organization. Throughout the presentation, Joelson emphasizes the importance of understanding the larger goals that drive organizational decisions, such as profitability, safety and reputation — encouraging sustainability professionals to become effective connectors across business units.    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… ●      Successful funding strategies for energy and sustainability projects (08:38) ●      Stacking incentives to improve project economics (16:34) ●      Importance of understanding organizational priorities (23:09) ●      Case study of EnerSys’ corporate leadership (27:12)   Resources: ●      Presentation Slides: “Stop Saying You Can’t Find Money for Energy & Sustainability Projects” ●      EnerSys Climate Action Plan Roadmap   Connect with Trevor Joelson ●                On LinkedIn   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]

This episode of Smart Energy Voices features a live conversation exploring the unique sustainability challenges and opportunities within sports and entertainment venues with Bill Squires, Board Member of Green Sports Alliance and Chief Venues and Operation Officer for FIFA Men’s World Cup 2024/New York & New Jersey Host Committee, and Danielle Doza, Senior Director of Sustainability for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The discussion, which was presented at SED Forum Spring 2025, highlights how organizations like GOAL and the Green Sports Alliance are helping sports teams lead with environmental responsibility and use their platform to influence sustainability at scale. Doza shares how the Cavaliers are embedding sustainability into their operations through data-driven energy management, internal culture change, and fan engagement efforts. She emphasizes the importance of shifting mindsets among long-tenured building operators and leveraging the competitive spirit of sports to drive sustainable innovation. Squires reflects on his experience managing large venues like MetLife Stadium, underlining the critical role of ownership buy-in and the financial case for sustainability initiatives.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Importance of data collection and analysis in the sports industry (05:27) Doza’s journey to sports sustainability (13:41) The moral responsibility of sustainability (15:00) Why ownership buy-in matters for sustainability (16:12) Cleveland Cavaliers’ sustainability efforts (18:25) How sports teams engage fans in sustainability efforts (20:22) For full episode show notes, click here. Connect with Danielle Doza On LinkedIn Connect with Bill Squires On LinkedIn 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 Plugged In, Chuck Hanna welcomes Rich Powell, CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), to discuss the future of grid infrastructure and associated emerging technologies. Powell highlights the importance of enhancing the current grid through innovative technologies like dynamic line rating, advanced conductors, and virtual power plants. He emphasizes the need for better utilization of existing assets and explores how grid-enhancing technologies can improve efficiency and support clean energy generation. Powell also touches on the role of policy shifts in enabling these advancements, sharing insights into the ongoing legislative efforts around tax incentives for clean energy. He stresses the potential impact on electricity prices and the importance of maintaining support for new clean energy generation. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Overview of  CEBA's sustainability vision for 2030 and beyond (02:36) Addressing  regulatory changes and industry shifts (07:29) How CEBA balances near-term needs with long-term vision (11:34) CEBA initiatives and their impact on corporates (14:35) Key emerging grid-enhancing technologies (18:12) Tech-neutral tax credits and their possible effects (23:03) For full show notes, click here. Resources: Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) Connect with Rich Powell  On LinkedIn Rich Powell is the CEO of Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA). Prior to CEBA, he was the CEO of ClearPath and ClearPath Action, the DC-based organizations advancing policies that accelerate breakthrough innovations to reduce emissions in the energy and industrial sectors. Powell advises policymakers on investing wisely in energy innovation, removing roadblocks to building and exporting American clean energy and industrial technology, and maintaining and promoting our flexible clean energy resources. He frequently testifies before Congress on climate change and energy innovation. His work has been published in the Wall Street Journal, FoxNews.com, Washington Examiner, The Hill, Morning Consult, RealClear Energy, and several regional publications. His views are regularly featured in national publications including the National Review, NPR, Politico, USA Today, Axios, E&E, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, LA Times, Houston Chronicle, MIT Tech Review, Bloomberg, Green Tech Media, Utility Dive, the Guardian, and many others. Powell serves on the boards of the 2040 Foundation and the Conservative Climate Foundation, is a Strategic Advisor to the Silverado Policy Accelerator, and is part of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center’s Advisory Group. Rich served on the Advisory Committee to the Export Import Bank of the United States from 2019 to 2021. Previously, Powell was with McKinsey & Company in the Energy and Sustainability practices. He focused on corporate clean energy strategy, government low carbon growth strategy, and clean tech market entry. Connect with Constellation Follow Constellation on LinkedIn Follow Chuck Hanna on LinkedIn Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedInSubscribe to Smart Energy Voices onApple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart RadioIf 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, host Debra Chanil speaks with Andrew Dempsey, Director of Climate at REI, about the cooperative’s evolving approach to sustainability. Andrew shares REI’s commitment to local and accessible renewable energy and how the co-op is working to ensure its energy procurement has meaningful community impact. They explore the growing convergence of energy and climate within corporate structures, and how REI’s climate strategy is directly tied to protecting the outdoor experiences that define its brand. Andrew discusses the role corporates can play in advancing climate solutions beyond compliance by leading with voluntary commitments and supporting innovation. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… REI’s cause and its structure as a co-op (01:29) How REI approaches its sustainability work (04:51) How REI’s corporate sustainability team operates (07:05) The co-op’s renewable energy journey and strategy (10:10) REI’s climate programs and tools to achieve their goals (14:15) REI’s approach to community impact and accessibility (20:45) Role of corporates in driving climate action (24:43) For detailed show notes, click here. Connect with Andrew Dempsey On LinkedIn Andrew Dempsey is the Director of Climate at REI, where he focuses on driving transformational change throughout the organization by leading the co-op’s climate, energy, and waste strategies. His work is centered on achieving impactful outcomes for REI’s business, employees, and broader community of members. Prior to REI, Andrew worked at Google, focusing on sustainable design and organizational strategy at the intersection of technology, experience, and human health. Andrew holds a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Colorado at Boulder. 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 today's episode of Plugged In, host Chuck Hanna speaks with Kyle Tafuri, Vice President of Sustainability at Hackensack Meridian Health, about the organization’s ambitious sustainability initiatives. Kyle shares perspectives on balancing long-term environmental goals with the immediate challenges of operating a healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships, incremental progress, and innovative solutions like offsite solar, carbon capture, and geothermal energy. He also discusses Hackensack Meridian Health’s proactive approach to supply chain sustainability, energy efficiency, and patient-centered environmental strategies.   You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... The challenges of incorporating sustainability into healthcare operations (02:04) Implementing key energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives (06:24) How Hackensack measures its sustainability success (09:50) Balancing long-term sustainability goals with practical progress (14:50) How Hackensack is expanding sustainability efforts (18:39) For detailed show notes, click here. Connect with Kyle Tafuri  On LinkedIn Kyle Tafuri, Vice President of Sustainability at Hackensack Meridian Health, is not just a leader in healthcare sustainability – he's a visionary. For over a decade, Kyle has been instrumental in weaving sustainability into the very fabric of Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), transforming the health system into an industry leader in environmental responsibility. Under Kyle's leadership, HMH and its hospitals were the first in the country to receive the Joint Commission Sustainability Certification. The flagship hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, has been recognized as one of the top 25 green hospitals by Practice Greenhealth for nine consecutive years. All of HMH’s hospitals are in the process of implementing 30 MW of on-site solar and battery storage, which is the most of any health system in the U.S. His dedication to green building, sustainable food practices, waste reduction, and responsible purchasing has set a new standard for healthcare institutions nationwide. 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, host Debra Chanil sits down with Matt Howard, Vice President of Water Stewardship at The Water Council, for perspectives on the evolving landscape of water stewardship and its critical role in corporate sustainability. From record-breaking droughts to new regulations, Matt unpacks the challenges companies face, strategies to build resilience, and why water stewardship goes beyond conservation. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Importance of water stewardship (01:33) The nexus of water and energy efficiency (04:35) Why water is key to climate strategy (09:50) Balancing AI growth with water sustainability (12:18) What water stewardship should look like (22:36) For detailed show notes, click here Connect with Matt Howard On LinkedIn Matt Howard oversees The Water Council’s stewardship initiatives including WAVE: Water Stewardship Verified, water stewardship advisory services and comprehensive professional water stewardship training. Previously, TWC helped establish the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) System globally with specific oversight of North America. Matt created the world’s first professional credentialing program for water stewardship professionals and made the business case for use of the International Water Stewardship Standard (“AWS Standard”) in the North American marketplace. His 15+ years in sustainability program development and management include serving as Milwaukee’s sustainability director and leading sustainable manufacturing initiatives during his time in Washington, D.C., where he worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce and as a staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has an MA from George Washington University and a BA from Valparaiso University. He is AWS and Lean Six Sigma accredited and serves on the WELL Water Advisory and the Wisconsin Governor’s Wetlands Study Council. He served on the U.S. EPA’s National Advisory Council on Environmental Policy and Technology from 2014 to 2019. 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 Plugged In, Chuck Hanna speaks with Pat Lynch, Executive Managing Director at CBRE Data Center Solutions, about the evolving data center and AI landscape. They discuss the rapid growth of AI and its significant impact on data centers, including the shift from large training models to inference-based AI and private AI, which demands more distributed, latency-sensitive facilities in urban areas. Pat emphasizes the growing need for infrastructure investments in connectivity and power to support AI advancements and cloud growth. They also explore the challenges of meeting energy demands, the emergence of enterprise-built data centers, and innovations in sustainable practices–offering a forward-looking perspective on the industry’s exciting trajectory. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… Companies embracing technology solutions (01:55) Challenges and opportunities in data center development (04:38) Innovations in data center to enhance efficiency (06:58) How CBRE is supporting clients in managing sustainability initiatives (11:52) Differences and overlaps between AI and data centers (18:19) Ramp-up schedules of large data centers and AI facilities (22:56) Pat’s favorite data center location (24:43) Insights on how the industry is evolving (27:34) For full episode show notes, click here. Connect with Pat Lynch On LinkedIn Pat Lynch, Executive Managing Director for CBRE’s Data Center Solutions, acts as an advisor, advocate, and partner in navigating the dynamic technology needs for his clients. Pat and his team of professionals develop custom mission-critical strategies that address specific industry challenges and help meet business objectives. Through creative problem-solving and transaction structuring, clients experience improved reliability and expense management, and operational efficiencies. CBRE’s Data Center Solutions has experienced significant growth under Pat’s leadership, resulting in a diverse client base in terms of size and industry. Prior to joining CBRE in 2011, Pat led global real estate services for a number of technology companies including Level 3 Communications, Carlyle Group/Coresite, First Data Corporation, and MFS Communications. Having successfully completed multimillion-dollar transactions for site acquisitions and developments, his professional acumen includes data center and mission-critical facilities, global corporate service delivery, portfolio optimization, and leadership as a senior manager. Pat volunteers as a coach for a competitive junior high boys basketball team. He also serves on the board for the rocky mountain region chapters of the Association for Data Center Management (AFCOM) and CoreNet Global. 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 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 Shannon Carroll, AVP of Global Environmental Sustainability at AT&T, about the company’s innovative approach to sustainability and its commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral future. Shannon highlights AT&T’s ambitious goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2035 and reduce their business customers' emissions by one gigaton by 2035 through Smart Climate Solutions. He discusses the challenges businesses face, such as capital allocation and energy optimization, and how AT&T addresses these with solutions that reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. Shannon also shares insights into efforts to enhance climate resilience through advanced climate data tools and its contributions to the circular economy. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… AT&T's environmental sustainability portfolio (05:05) Initiatives to achieve AT&T’s goals (07:28) Approaches to renewable energy (10:46) Smart Climate Solutions and AT&T’s gigaton goal (15:20) Challenges in driving sustainability (17:51) The importance of climate data and how it works (19:28) Circular economy initiatives (24:41) Next steps in sustainability and climate resilience (27:16) For detailed show notes, click here. Resources: ClimRR Portal  AT&T’s Goals and Progress AT&T Environmental Sustainability Website AT&T Carbon Neutrality Work Webpag  AT&T Climate Resilience Webpage   Connect with Shannon Thomas Carroll On LinkedIn   Shannon Thomas Carroll is AVP of Global Environmental Sustainability at AT&T. He is responsible for overseeing the company’s environmental leadership strategy, including its 2035 goals to be carbon neutral across its global operations and to save its business customers a gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions through AT&T connectivity solutions. The company is also using cutting-edge climate projections to build a more climate-resilient network and sharing that data publicly to help communities better prepare for extreme weather events. Shannon brings over 20 years of broad AT&T experience to his current role, including expertise in sustainability program management and supply chain sustainability.   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 Plugged In, Constellation’s Managing Director Melissa Zimmerman speaks with Ed Socia, Director, North America at datacenterHawk, about the evolving energy demands and sustainability challenges of data centers. Ed discusses trends such as the growing influence of AI, increasing rack densities, and the adoption of liquid cooling to optimize energy use. He highlights the role of real-time monitoring tools like SCADA and DSIM in improving efficiency while addressing regional variations in energy strategies and the balance between carbon reduction goals and business viability. He also touches on the potential of emerging technologies like small modular reactors and green hydrogen, the importance of adaptive reuse of sites, and the need to enhance grid reliability as the industry continues to grow rapidly. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… Trends in data centers and energy demand (02:00) Energy procurement today and on-site generation methods (03:59) Monitoring energy usage in data centers (12:04) Sustainability challenges and regional variations (14:38) Teams involved in siting, sourcing, and building data centers (16:38) Innovative energy solutions for data centers (19:59) The importance of grid reliability (22:42) For detailed show notes, click here. Connect with Ed Socia  On LinkedIn Hailing from Syracuse, New York, Ed has a background in sustainability, focusing on renewable power generation and the growth of digital infrastructure. Before joining datacenterHawk as its Director for North America, Ed was the Director of Research for North America at CBRE. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his fiancée Brittany and their pug, Sherman. Connect with Melissa Zimmerman    On LinkedIn Melissa Zimmerman is a seasoned professional with over 17 years in the energy industry, currently serving as the Director of Commercial Strategy at Constellation. In this role, she supports the growth of Constellation's commercial business, which markets electricity, natural gas, and other energy-related products and services to various customer segments, including wholesale, commercial, industrial, and residential clients. Prior to her current position, Melissa held several key roles within the company, including Chief of Staff, Manager of the Mid-Atlantic Sales Support team, and Account Manager for commercial real estate customers in the DC and MD area. She began her career at Constellation as a pricing analyst, where she was responsible for pricing and validating energy contracts for retail customers. Melissa holds a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Economics from Towson University and a Master of Science degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University. 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, host Debra Chanil speaks with Mike Van Brunt from ReWorld and Sean Trambley from the Circular Economy Coalition about the integration of circular economy principles in the energy sector. Both guests emphasize the economic and environmental benefits of circularity, including waste reduction and energy efficiency, and offer advice for businesses starting to embrace circular economy practices. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… Circularity and how it differs from other sustainability practices (02:57) Overview of U.S. Circular Economy Coalition (05:20) What a circular economy would look like in the U.S. (07:41) How the federal government defines a circular economy (09:40) How Reworld is incorporating circular economy policies (15:15) The federal government's role in building a more circular economy (18:55) Benefits of incorporating circular economy practices (25:27) Ways to approach circularity (28:27) For detailed show notes, click here. Resources: Federal Circularity Audit and Report Connect with Michael Van Brunt On LinkedIn Michael Van Brunt is currently VP Environmental and Sustainability at Reworld Waste, where he is responsible for corporate sustainability strategy and reporting and environmental compliance, permitting, and monitoring. He leads Reworld’s lifecycle analysis team and is a licensed professional engineer with over twenty years of experience in industry and consulting. He is currently the board chair of the Circular Economy Coalition. He earned a B.S. and Masters in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Cornell University. Connect with Sean Trambley On LinkedIn With more than a decade of government relations and strategic communications experience. Sean Trambley began his career in Washington, D.C. as Sr. Policy Advisor to former Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-CA). Since 2016, Sean has worked as a California-based consultant and strategist. In 2020, Sean joined the Breakthrough Institute as Communications Director, a global research center focused on energy, agriculture, and technological solutions to climate change. He earned a B.A. in American Studies and Legal Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. 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]