Wednesday, June 11
Designed for attendees to benefit from shared knowledge and experience of those who have “been there”, case study sessions include presentations coupled with an audience Q&A segment.
10:45 am
Industrial Strength Opportunity
The industrial sector is responsible for roughly 1/3 of economy-wide U.S. emissions, yet policymakers and utilities have primarily focused on energy efficiency and decarbonization in residential and commercial buildings. Industrial programs can yield significant benefits, especially as demand for electricity increases. This session will highlight industrial energy efficiency and decarbonization programs and technologies, exploring the technological, financial, and operational challenges to improve industrial energy efficiency. This session will use a case study to explore key policies, programs, strategies, and actionable takeaways to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and increase resiliency in the industrial sector.
To Efficiency and Beyond: Evolving Programs
Nation-leading energy efficiency programs in the Northeast are embracing new challenges like electrification and emissions reductions. These changes require a paradigm shift in program goals, design, and implementation. Over the past few years, several states in the NEEP region have modified their program design to begin to address the future of gas and integration of demand response solutions, while maintaining energy efficiency as the best, low-cost energy resource. This session will feature a case study of how one state in the region is tackling these challenges and will highlight strategies and solutions that can be replicated by others navigating this new territory.
1:30 pm
Aligning People, Finding Payback: Large Building Retrofits
Commercial buildings account for more than 15 percent of greenhouse gas emissions across the United States. Reducing energy use and emissions in large commercial buildings and institutions will be critical if states are to meet their ambitious efficiency and climate goals. This session will highlight a single case study that illuminates the primary barriers to successful institutional energy efficiency and electrification projects. The project team will share how they addressed key project components like identifying internal champions, educating and aligning diverse groups of stakeholders, sequencing the work, braiding funding streams, and communicating return on investment.
New Kids on the Block: Workforce Mentorship
As the energy efficiency industry faces a wave of retirements, the need to attract and retain new talent—especially from Gen Z—has never been more urgent. Yet outdated stereotypes and misconceptions about younger workers continue to slow progress. This session explores how targeted mentorship and smart workforce development strategies can help overcome generational divides and create a pipeline of skilled, motivated professionals. Through a real-world case study, we’ll examine what’s important to today’s emerging workforce, how to identify talent with long-term potential, and practical ways to support their growth into the trades. Join us to discover how investing in mentorship today fuels the sustainable workforce of tomorrow.
David Hutchinson, Executive Director, Rising Stars Program
Shakir Cannon-Moye, Vice President, Julius