Summary

In this conversation, Delmar Gillus, COO of Elevate, discusses the importance of equity in clean energy initiatives, particularly in underserved communities. He emphasizes the role of workforce development in creating job opportunities and the importance of community engagement in building partnerships. Delmar also highlights the impact of recent legislation, such as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the Clean and Reliable Grid Act (CRGA), on advancing clean energy goals in Illinois. Looking ahead, he shares Elevate's focus on energy affordability and community resources to address energy burdens.

Clean and Reliable Grid Act Explainer: https://www.illinoisgreenalliance.org/illinois-just-passed-the-clean-and-reliable-grid-act-heres-what-the-building-industry-needs-to-know

Key Takeaways

• Elevate focuses on ensuring access to clean energy for all communities.

• Community engagement is crucial for identifying local needs.

• Workforce development is key to creating job opportunities in clean energy.

• Legislation like CEJA aims to ensure diverse communities benefit from clean energy investments.

• Partnerships with local organizations enhance project effectiveness.

• Equity must be at the forefront of clean energy initiatives.

• Training programs should provide holistic support for participants.

• Community voices should lead discussions on energy projects.

• Sustainable practices are essential in developing new energy infrastructure.

• Future Elevate initiatives will focus on energy affordability and accessibility.

Summary

In this episode of the Building Energy Pod, host Matt welcomes Benny Skelton, founder of Cyclone Energy Group, to discuss the business case and ROI for energy efficiency improvements and sustainable retrofits across various sectors. They explore the challenges and opportunities in commercial, educational, and other types of buildings, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and innovative technologies like heat pumps and retro commissioning. Benny shares insights on funding mechanisms, the role of incentives, and the impact of long-term planning on building sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• ROI for energy efficiency varies by sector and is influenced by market factors.

• Commercial office retrofits often have a 3-5 year payback period.

• Healthcare buildings benefit from energy efficiency due to constant operation.

• Educational institutions can plan for longer payback periods due to property retention.

• Retro commissioning and monitoring-based commissioning are key for operational efficiency.

• Heat pump technology is advancing, offering more sustainable heating solutions.

• Funding for retrofits can come from incentives, rebates, and creative financing.

• Long-term planning is crucial for decarbonization and building resilience.

• Cyclone Energy Group's projects demonstrate significant energy savings and sustainability.

• The Innovation Rodeo showcases new ideas and technologies in building performance.

Keywords

heating technology, air source heat pump, ground source heat, electric water heating, fossil fuels, development, retrofits, permitting process

Summary

In this episode, AJ Patton, founder and CEO of 548 Enterprise, discusses his journey in creating sustainable housing solutions and the importance of integrating clean energy into real estate. He shares insights on workforce development, the challenges of achieving high-performance energy efficiency, and the need for collaboration between developers and local governments. AJ emphasizes the significance of community engagement and the role of education in fostering a sustainable future.

You can learn more about A.J. and his work, as well as the 2025 Emerald Award honorees here: https://www.illinoisgreenalliance.org/20th-annual-illinois-emerald-awards-for-green-building-announced

Key Takeaways:

• AJ Patton's journey began with a personal experience of high utility costs.

• 548 Enterprise aims to lower utility bills for working families.

• Sustainability in development starts with the developer's commitment.

• High-performance energy efficiency is achievable with the right mindset.

• The Humboldt Park project aims to include diverse engineering teams.

• Workforce development is crucial for community-scale decarbonization.

• Transparency and data sharing can enhance collaboration in projects.

• Streamlining administrative processes can accelerate development.

• There are significant opportunities in converting office spaces to residential.

• Intentionality in sustainability can lead to broader community engagement.