Smart Energy Voices

Reaching Net Zero: Kingspan’s Planet Passionate Program
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Brent Trenga, Director of Sustainability at Kingspan North America, shares the company’s ambitious Planet Passionate program and its progress over the first four years of this 10-year initiative. Brent dives into the challenges they faced and the innovative solutions they have implemented to overcome them. He also highlights the value of benchmarking, setting aggressive sustainability targets, and internal buy-in from company leadership and employees to drive impactful change in sustainability efforts for this global building products manufacturer. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Overview of Kingspan’s Planet Passionate program (03:08) Earning company-wide engagement in sustainability (05:23) Kingspan’s approach to whole life carbon (13:42) Challenges in implementing the Planet Passionate program (16:42) Advice for companies starting sustainability programs (21:23) Click here for detailed show notes Resources: Kingspan Certifications Planet Passionate Program Connect with Brent Trenga On LinkedIn Brent Trenga has truly run the construction industry gamut serving in various roles including architect, developer, and even project owner, allowing him to fully understand the sustainability ecosystem. As Sustainability Director for Kingspan North America, Brent is committed to reducing the environmental impact of business operations, products, and services through continuous improvement and environmental transparency. Since 2015, Brent has led Kingspan North America’s material health and transparency program while driving a culture of healthier building, healthier planet, healthier people across Kingspan’s global footprint. Brent also leads Kingspan’s global Planet Passionate 2030 program looking after the Americas, supports strategic planning for the business development group, and provides insight on current and future sustainability initiatives keeping Kingspan at the forefront of our industry. 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]
--------
28:31
The Evolving Landscape of Nuclear Technologies
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]
--------
25:24
Heard at REF: Renewable Thermal — The Next Frontier in Decarbonization
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]
--------
24:03
Google’s Climate Journey – Decarbonization Within Reach
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]
--------
16:37
Heard at REF: Beyond ESG — Making Renewable Energy a Business Priority
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]
--------
29:45

Smart Energy Voices, an SED podcast, features conversations with leaders of the energy transition. In each episode, Smart Energy Decisions with Debra Chanil digs deep with industry movers and shakers to reveal insights you can learn from in their stories, personalities and visions for the future.

Site de podcast