Unlocking the Power of Professional Services in the Energy Industry

Learning the Different Approaches to Sustainability: Insights from a Building Engineer: Join host Chris Rawlings on Energy Sense as he sits down with building engineer Kiersten Washle to uncover insights into sustainability and energy efficiency. Washle is a portfolio energy and sustainability manager for D.C.-based JLL. Washle holds LFA, CEM, LEED Green Associate and ActiveScore AP certifications, with a degree in systems engineering and sustainability, a master's degree in engineering management and an MBA. She works to collaborate with building owners, utility companies, and third parties to benchmark, analyze, and design new and retrofitted high-performance buildings. In her conversation with Rawlings, Washle highlights the significance of clear goals like ESG, net zero, data analysis and goal setting. The episode explores strategies for building efficiency, including energy conservation, carbon offset, and renewable energy options. Washle also sheds light on the financial cons by Energy Sense

28 min listen

Sustainable Investing: Trends, Compliance and Access to Capital: On this episode of Energy Sense, Chris Rawlings and guest Molly Shutt discuss the evolving space of environmental, social and governance, or ESG, investing. Molly, a Sustainable Investment Analyst, explains the importance of ESG investing for businesses, including trends, compliance and access to capital. They also discuss the need for realistic goals when it comes to carbon emission reduction, the difficulty of setting targets for small businesses, and the importance of investing in energy efficiency programs. Finally, they emphasize the need for thoughtful planning and local engagement in the energy transition. by Energy Sense

29 min listen

The Year in Energy 2023: A Review of Business and Industry Trends: What stood out for the energy industry in 2023 — and what's next? On this year-end episode of Energy Sense, Jason Roop interviews Chris Rawlings, Chief Energy Officer of Bowerbird Energy. They discuss the trends, challenges and headlines in the energy industry. Chris talks about the company's growth, the challenges of recruiting and staffing, and how small businesses are adapting to economic conditions. They also discuss LED lighting, Artificial Intelligence in the energy industry, the Inflation Reduction Act — and what's ahead for 2024. by Energy Sense

25 min listen

Energy Security, Critical Minerals, and Energy Policy w/ Guest Dr. Morgan Bazilian, Colorado School of Mines: Host Chris Rawlings discusses domestic and international energy security, critical minerals, and energy policy with guest Dr. Morgan D. Bazilian, the Director of the Payne Institute and a professor of public policy at the Colorado School of Mines. Morgan has served as lead energy specialist at the World Bank. He has more than two decades of experience in the energy sector and is regarded as a leading expert in international affairs, energy policy and investment. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. by Energy Sense

30 min listen

Solar Thermal Energy Savings for the Air Force: On this episode of Energy Sense, Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings and Jason Roop discuss the company's biggest design/build government project to date — a solar thermal installation at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. The mission of the project, managed by Bowerbird Energy, was to transition the Shellbank Recreation and Fitness Center from traditional natural gas-fired hot water heaters to an innovative solar thermal system, which produced renewable electricity and used the sun to heat the domestic hot water. Chris and Jason discuss the importance of quality control, project management, creative problem-solving, and engineering solutions that reduce the fitness center's carbon footprint while saving energy. Project partners included Dominguez Design-Build, SunDrum Solar, and Energy Control Company. by Energy Sense

29 min listen

How a Nonprofit Unites Businesses and Communities for Carbon Reduction at the Local Level: On this episode of Energy Sense, host Chris Rawlings of Bowerbird Energy interviews Coles Jennings, the director of corporate sustainability at the Community Climate Collaborative (C3). They delve into the work of C3, and how the nonprofit brings together businesses and communities to foster carbon reduction at the local level. Coles shares how C3 works with businesses to reduce energy usage and emissions, emphasizing the return on investment. They also discuss C3’s interest in expanding its efforts to other cities, tailoring solutions to different types of businesses, and finding common ground to address carbon reduction. by Energy Sense

27 min listen

Harnessing Solar Power for RVs and Van Life: Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living on the Open Road: Get ready to see more solar panels on the move. More of them are popping up on campers, vans and trailers with the increasing popularity of green travel. People are enjoying the freedom and adventure of life on the road — whether it's a short-term vacation or a long-term lifestyle. And they want renewable energy along for the ride. To learn more about the trend and technology, host Chris Rawlings of Bowerbird Energy talks with Caza Gomis, an Off Grid Energy Specialist for RV Solar Connections. His Denver-based business designs renewable energy systems and supports installation partners across the country working on RVs, vans, tiny homes and other off-grid adventures. We discuss the engineering needed to optimize solar for these purposes, including benefits, limitations and costs. Listen to find out what to need to know before you invest in solar for your RV. by Energy Sense

20 min listen

How to Start Landing Energy Contracts With the Government: Getting into government contracting can be intimidating. But one of the biggest keys to success might surprise you. Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings shares how his company grew its government contracting business — along with some tips, insight and resources that could help you. by Energy Sense

27 min listen

Offshore Wind Revolution: How an East Coast Startup Is Leading the Charge in Wind Turbine Maintenance and Energy Innovation: Kyle Mullins, the President of Virginia-based startup Coastal Wind Services, shares his journey from the Navy to cell towers to his work with Ørsted — and what its like to maintain offshore wind farms. He talks with host Chris Rawlings, Bowerbird Energy Chief Energy Officer, about innovation, workforce and what's on the horizon for wind as a renewable energy resource here in Virginia and abroad. by Energy Sense

16 min listen

How to Participate in the Energy Business Without Getting Lost in Climate Politics: If you work in energy engineering, construction or management, you’re bound to run into the often contentious world of political and policy debates. Discussions about climate change and environmental issues can get thorny. How do you stay out of the fray while striking a balance that serves your clients? Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings shares his experience making sure his industry is represented without getting mired in politics. We also discuss innovation, policy deadlines, and the disconnect between reaching toward lofty energy ideals without meeting basic needs. by Energy Sense

41 min listen

Indoor Environmental Quality, Microgrids and EV Charging, and Solar in Sports: A look at indoor environmental quality with Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings — and how energy efficiency measures and IEQ go hand in hand. Plus, a roundup of technology in the news, including microgrids and EV charging, solar in sports and more. by Energy Sense

25 min listen

A Year In Review 2022: Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings Discusses Entrepreneurship, Energy and Design-Build Construction: It's been a transformative year in the energy space. What were some of the highlights and challenges? And what's on the horizon for 2023? Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings shares his perspective on the industry, design/build construction, and what it was like to expand and reshape his company in 2022. by Energy Sense

40 min listen

Local Sustainability: How Lynnhaven River NOW Provides Community Connection: In this 28th episode of the Energy Sense Podcast we talk with Stacey Shiflet of Lynnhaven River NOW. Our discussion focuses on nonprofits, resources available for businesses and individuals to meet sustainability goals, and some of the challenges certain industries face — such as hospitality, where she spent the bulk of her career. The intersection of energy conservation and environmental management can be elusive at times, but Stacey draws a clean connection for our listeners. by Energy Sense

20 min listen

Grid Assets: Utility Scale Battery Storage and Renewables: We're talking battery storage with Dominion Energy's Eric Conner, Manager Generation Projects (Generation Construction) here in Virginia. Eric oversaw the utility's largest operational battery energy storage pilot project, which was energized in the summer. Host Chris Rawlings asks Eric about the project's origins, the benefits of these utility scale assets, challenges faced and lessons learned during construction. by Energy Sense

23 min listen

Energy Engineering: Using AI and Advanced Technology: Guest Herbert Dwyer, CEO of EMPEQ, sits down with Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings to discuss the role of AI-powered technology in the energy engineering space. EMPEQ's Fast Site Survey sets out to improve efficiencies and accuracies with the process of energy auditing. We also touch on workforce development, technology adoption, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the investment outlook for the energy industry post-IRA. Recorded on location at the Association of Energy Engineers' 2022 AEE World Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. by Energy Sense

22 min listen

Advanced Energy and National Security Panel Discussion: Part 2: The U.S. advanced energy sector and its connection with national security has been sparking policy discussions and leading headlines around the world. We share excerpts from a panel discussion focusing on current events, Virginia clean energy and the relationship of veterans to the energy sector.    Energy Sense podcast host Chris Rawlings, a Veterans Advanced Energy Fellow, former U.S. Marine and the CEO of Bowerbird Energy Contractors, joins: - Col. Dave Belote, USAF (Ret.), Former F-16 Pilot and Managing Partner and CEO of DARE Strategies LLC - Col. Greg Douquet, USMC (Ret.), Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center, and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Red Duke Strategies, LLC - Ann Loomis, Vice President of Federal Affairs, Dominion Energy, and former chief of staff to Virginia Sen. John Warner. Panel Discussion was recorded May 25, 2022. Sponsors included Atlantic Council Veterans Advanced by Energy Sense

32 min listen

Advanced Energy and National Security Panel Discussion: Part 1: The U.S. advanced energy sector and its connection with national security has been sparking policy discussions and leading headlines around the world. We share excerpts from a panel discussion focusing on current events, Virginia clean energy and the relationship of veterans to the energy sector.    Energy Sense podcast host Chris Rawlings, a Veterans Advanced Energy Fellow, former U.S. Marine and the CEO of Bowerbird Energy Contractors, joins: - Col. Dave Belote, USAF (Ret.), Former F-16 Pilot and Managing Partner and CEO of DARE Strategies LLC - Col. Greg Douquet, USMC (Ret.), Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center, and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Red Duke Strategies, LLC - Ann Loomis, Vice President of Federal Affairs, Dominion Energy, and former chief of staff to Virginia Sen. John Warner. We also hear from Bob Keefe, executive director of E2 and author of the new book “Climatenomics: by Energy Sense

32 min listen

Energy Contracting: Entrepreneurship, Evolution and Opportunities in the New Year with Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings: What's on the horizon for energy contracting in 2022? Bowerbird Energy started as an LED lighting company eight years ago. This year it launched a new brand and mission as a contractor offering energy efficiency, renewable energy, EV charging, energy monitoring and M.E.P contracting solutions. Founder Chris Rawlings discusses his company's evolution, why he made the change and what he learned along the way. by Energy Sense

23 min listen

Energy Financing: C-PACE Benefits - Retrofit and New Construction: Host Chris Rawlings, CEO of Bowerbird Energy, welcomes guest Abby Johnson, executive director of the Virginia PACE Authority. They explore the role of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy and resiliency improvements on commercial and multifamily properties. They highlight some of the misconceptions behind C-PACE financing, and Johnson discusses how important it is, why it works, and where it's best suited to succeed. Johnson also serves on the boards of Virginia Housing Authority and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and shares her passion for reaching tenants and residents of affordable housing with energy efficient technology and solutions. by Energy Sense

20 min listen

Energy Resiliency and Innovation: Smart Grid Solutions, Water Conservation and Federal Resources for Small Businesses: Chris Rawlings, the Chief Energy Officer of Bowerbird Energy, discusses some of the opportunities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, including smart grid solutions. Plus, he outlines some of the ways small businesses can tap into resources and grants from the federal government — including Energy Savings Performance Contracts, Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer. by Energy Sense

18 min listen

Clean Energy Transition: How Public Policy Helps Shape Climate, Health and Economic Benefits: How is policy helping shape our transition to clean energy? And how can we make sure the workforce isn't left behind? Host Chris Rawlings of Bowerbird Energy welcomes guest J.C. Kibbey, a clean energy advocate with the Natural Resources Defense Council who works in Illinois. Kibbey analyzes and advocates for policies to advance clean, equitable energy and a healthy climate. He grew up in a community with several coal plants, and is passionate about charting a just transition away from fossil fuels. They discuss how policy can be prioritized to support energy efficiency and topics such as infrastructure and technology. When it comes to infrastructure, Kibbey says we need to build a lot more transmission: “Where transmission goes, renewable energy, jobs and economic growth follow." by Energy Sense

23 min listen

Energy Headlines: A Look at Infrastructure, Controlled Environment Agriculture and Other Industry Newsmakers by Energy Sense

27 min listen

The New Energy Workforce: What It’s Like to Transition Your Career into the Industry by Energy Sense

20 min listen

Energy Monitoring: How Capturing Data Solves Real World Problems: Host Chris Rawlings, Chief Energy Officer at Bowerbird Energy, discusses the power of data in the energy industry with Bryant Butler, Executive VP of Strategic Development at Datakwip. Founded in 2015, Datakwip is the developer of the Datakwip Platform, an advanced software analytics platform for the built environment. They provide technology-driven solutions with partners such as Bowerbird to lower energy consumption and increase sustainability. by Energy Sense

28 min listen

School Air Quality: Ventilation, Filtration, Purification — and What to Consider for a Safer Reopening: The pandemic has made the issue of indoor air quality front and center. When it comes to public school facilities, School Board members, superintendents, parents, teachers and other public officials face overwhelming concerns and difficult decisions about how to reopen. How can they improve indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration and purification? What's the difference between Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization and Germicidal Ultraviolet Light (UVC)? What can be done about old HVAC systems? In this episode of Energy Sense, Chief Energy Officer Chris Rawlings of Bowerbird Energy breaks down where to start, what questions to ask and who can provide answers. It’s time to put together a plan based on technology, science and engineering — and the health of all who walk through the doors of school. by Energy Sense

27 min listen

Green Building Design: An Architect and Builder Perspective on Energy Efficiency: In this episode of the Energy Sense Podcast, we sit down with John White from 510 Architects. John has an extensive background in C&I building and design and has recently seen accelerated success with his family firm, 510 Architects, with his wife, Heather. Perspectives from developers, designers and builders give energy service providers a unique insight from the "ground-up process," including green building design, sustainable purchasing and master planning, "green" accreditation's such as LEED, WELL, fitWELL and others. by Energy Sense

23 min listen

Energy and Air Quality Monitoring: Bringing Simplicity and Clarity to Capturing Building Behavior Data: Host Chris Rawlings of Bowerbird Energy interviews guest Serene Almomen, the CEO and co-founder of Senseware. Her company is an IoT platform that captures energy and air quality building data. Almomen holds a Ph.D. degree in IT and is a certified PMP, SCM, ITIL, and SCJP. In building Senseware from the ground up, Almomen found a niche group of building owners, engineers, contractors and energy consultants that were at a disadvantage by not having wireless, instant access to real-time facility and site data. Almomen worked to provide these folks with a modern IoT-enabled technological solution to an age-old issue in an industry that was previously ignored by the IoT sector—the commercial and industrial real estate industry. Today, she continues to monitor the IoT landscape for opportunities and is known for pushing her team to stay one step ahead of the competition. Almomen has filed by Energy Sense

25 min listen

National Security and Energy: How They Align, and Why Veterans Are Drawn to the Energy Industry: Our energy industry and policies are closely connected to our national security. Chris Rawlings, Chief Energy Officer of Bowerbird Energy, interviews U.S. Navy veteran Dan Misch, founder and co-director of the Veterans Advanced Energy Project. Its goal is to "drive U.S. leadership in advanced energy by recruiting, equipping and empowering military veterans who understand the importance of the evolving energy landscape to our future security and prosperity." Based in Chicago, Dan also served as federal project director for the U.S. Department of Energy at Argonne National Laboratory. Dan is an advocate for international collaboration and investments in advanced energy technology to strengthen US national security. by Energy Sense

20 min listen

Legal Counsel Discusses Global Energy Industry: Investments, Divestments, Hydrogen, SPAC's and more.: On this episode of the Energy Sense Podcast, Mona Dajani, J.D, P.E, MBA, discusses the global energy industry and its' upward trend backed by financial investments in technology and a commitment to a clean energy economy. Mona's vast and global experience in the energy industry provides a unique insight for our listeners and an understanding of the "top-bottom view" so businesses can better position themselves for growth. by Energy Sense

26 min listen

Virginia Clean Economy Act: What It Means for Business, Big Utilities and the Clean Energy Industry: Virginia recently enacted the Virginia Clean Economy Act, transformative legislation that paves the way for Virginia to reach a goal of zero carbon emissions by 2045. One of the groups instrumental in its passage was the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, led by our guest, Executive Director Chelsea Harnish. She discusses what she learned in advocating for the legislation, how it will help transform the energy efficiency industry — and what comes next. Chris and Chelsea also discuss the intersection of health and energy efficiency. by Energy Sense

21 min listen

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Unlocking the Power of Professional Services in the Energy Industry

Unlocking the Power of Professional Services in the Energy Industry

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