Review of Commercial EE Department Business Processes

Our team’s experience includes being the lead analyst supporting a review of the calculated incentives process used within Southern California Edison’s Energy Efficiency Business Portfolio. This in-depth review provided immediate and actionable recommendations for the implementation of the utility’s 2010-2012 program cycle. We interviewed internal and external stakeholders, mapped processes, and thoroughly analyzed program data to develop insights within three key areas of improvement: process, organizational structure, and information management. Salient outcomes included a business case to implement a cost-saving, risk-managed approach to inspections, new scenarios for customer calculation assistance, and increased internal clarity regarding specific inter-departmental dynamics that impact the success of SCE’s energy efficiency programs.

 

 

 

 

 

Post-ARRA Program Cost-Effectiveness Modeling and Scenario Planning

We worked with the City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment to conduct an assessment of the DOE-funded Community Power Works program, determining potential design parameters for an ongoing, sustainable program. Through economic and financial modeling that analyzed a number of key contextual and program variables, our program planners obtained visibility into cost-effective options from programmatic, utility, and participant perspectives.

 

 

 

 

Due Diligence of Waste-to-Energy Project Investment

Our staff helped the social investment firm perform analysis of an integrated waste and energy complex with materials recovery facility (MRF), anaerobic digester, and mass-burn type waste-to-energy facility.  We closely analyzed the material volume and conversation assumptions, in addition to the projected capital and operating costs and revenue.

 

 

 

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Utility Program Planning Tool

We worked with energy efficiency program implementer, Colehour + Cohen to create a planning model that automates the forecasting of future utility program volume, energy savings, incentives, and other elements.  This helped the company saving time and money and offer more credible program estimates to current and future utility clients.

 

 

 

 

 

Budget and Invoice Tool Development

We performed budget modeling that integrated a complicated array of revenue sources and expenses, as well as potential energy impacts and cost-effectiveness outcomes for a large Northwest energy efficiency program.  We also helped the organization develop program invoicing and tracking templates.

 

 

ANALYSIS & RESEARCH

 

 

 

 

HVAC Quality Maintenance Study to Investigate Market Transformation

Our team provided market intelligence and strategic support to an HVAC Quality Maintenance (QM) initiative at Southern California Edison. This involved developing a collection of procedural, technological, and business HVAC QM best practices followed by case studies and field research. We helped determine the feasibility of best practices for the contractor population and the resonance of the QM value proposition for customer facilities/operations managers in order to assess whether the HVAC mid-tier contractor industry can be “transformed” without the long-term need for financial incentives.

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Created market opportunity assessment for Optimum Energy’s new software-as-a-service (SAAS) product, factoring market size, growth estimates, and segments, customer profiles, and other relevant factors. Deliverable helped the company strategically expand market share in the large HVAC sector.

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Distributed Solar Program Optimization

We worked with Tennessee Valley Authority’s Energy Efficiency and Demand Response team to optimize the high-visibility Generation Partners solar program. This small-scale, end-use generation program had experienced a steep uptick in participation due to generous production incentives for residential and commercial solar projects, requiring the utility to ask difficult questions about the program's future. We supported the efforts by analyzing a variety of parameters and modeling different scenarios with the goal of balancing TVA's level of program liability with its efforts to stimulate the solar industry.

 

 

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Market Assessment and site Evaluation Project

We conducted market research and created a valuation matrix that forecasted costs and benefits at potential algae-to-biofuel cultivation locations. We estimated biomass yields using site-specific and biological estimates alongside a variety of market factors for a thorough financial forecast.

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Value Chain Analysis of Biofuel Industry

Our staff conducted comprehensive research of potential competitors and partners in the dynamic biofuel industry, looking at R&D companies, feedstock growers (especially algae and jatropha), oil extractors, and refiners.  We created an advanced tool that weighted 34 factors to help the Imperium determine which companies represented the biggest threats and opportunities for future expansion.

 

 

 

 

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Viability Assessment of Septic Funding Programs

Through a comprehensive needs assessment sponsored by the Washington Department of Health, our team analyzed the funding requirements of establishing a self-sustaining, low-interest loan program to help property owners in the Puget Sound region repair and replace failing septic systems.  We also consulted on how twelve Washington counties could fund and implement septic operation and maintenance programs.

 

 

 

 

Energy Workforce Educational Needs Assessment

We performed project management and analysis duties on an educational needs assessment that was intended to create a foundation for updating the SCE Workforce Education & Training (WE&T) program. Staff worked on a literature review, primary data collection from hundreds of industry stakeholders, data analysis, and high-level synthesis to illustrate jobs like contractors, technicians, salespeople, energy managers, HERS raters, building inspectors, and more.

 

 

 

 

California HVAC Contractor and Technician Behavior Study

Our team members performed project management and analysis for the statewide project, which aimed at digging deeper into the decision-making of HVAC contractors and technicians in California. Both the online survey and field observation elements of the study successfully characterized the roles that interact with HVAC systems to learn more about their business models, technical aptitudes, customer service skills, and understandings of codes, standards, and programs.

 

 

 

 

Evaluation of Low-Impact Development Training Programs

We performed a rapid evaluation of a mandated statewide effort to educate key audiences about low-impact development strategies in Washington State.  The three targeted groups for the stormwater abatement practices were members of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC), Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC), nursery and landscape professionals, and compost processors.

 

 

 

 

 

Other Research and Analysis Projects (SCE, PacifiCorp, We Energies, Consumers Energy, Bangor Hydro)

Members of our team have helped manage and execute a wide array of energy efficiency and demand response research and analysis projects, which included interviews, surveys, onsite monitoring, focus groups, literature reviews, qualitative interview coding, quantitative analysis, study sample planning, and more.

 

 

MARKETING

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing Messaging

For the international marketing and communications firm, we have formulated strategy, generated content, executed marketing campaigns, conducted in-depth market research, and acted as primary contact for clients within the technology, clean energy, biotech, and non-profit sectors.

 

 

 

 

Established Clean Tech Practice

Staff members have established an energy & clean tech practice at the marketing firm, developing new business and managing client accounts, including pioneering cogeneration and high-tech composting equipment companies.

 

 

 

 

Founded and Operated Sustainability Affinity Group

Our team developed the Global Renewable Energy and Environmental Network (GREEN), an affinity platform to introduce topical research studies and promote industry networking. We spearheaded the creation of early reports about biodegradable waste opportunities, energy solutions, and other important clean tech topics for the group, which has become a part of the BPI Network and a vast group of corporate partners.

 

 

 

 

Pioneering Corporate Communications

We supervised strategic communications and external perception management for Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, a major law firm, focusing on offices in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Houston, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. Staff helped facilitate expansion into pioneering industries such as renewable energy, stem cell R&D, and nanotechnology, and markets such as the People’s Republic of China through marketing and public relations campaigns. We earned placements in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Associated Press, USA Today, Business Week, and many other publications.

 

 

 

 

Tenacious Public Relations

For the high-tech industry public relations and marketing agency of Neale-May & Partners, our staff handled account management, media and analyst relations, content development, strategy, creative services, event planning, speaking opportunities, award submissions, and competitive market research.  We managed client relationships in technology industry sub-sectors, including wireless, online services, e-business, biotechnology, computer hardware, digital security, consumer electronics, and nanotechnology. We helped earn media exposure in outlets such as CNN, Oprah Winfrey Show, Reuters, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Fortune, Business 2.0, Chicago Tribune, InfoWorld, and other print and broadcast outlets, which helped clients achieve greater market visibility that translated into increased revenues.

 

 

IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

 

 

 

 

Management of Smart Buildings Program

Eric led the Smart Buildings Center's Accelerated Technology Deployments (ATD) program, which involved 15 projects, 8 vendors, and numerous industry stakeholders.  The Smart Buildings Cetner (SBC), an initiative of the Innovate Washington Foundation (IWF) and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC), has created a unique regional demonstration hub where innovative smart buildings products and services can be deployed and evaluated in operating buildings. In the Accelerated Technology Deployments (ATD) program, the SBC is helping to spur the development of smart building and energy efficiency technologies by matching innovative energy technology companies with commercial building owners through pilot deployments. These test-beds allow technology companies to obtaining independent evaluations, gain reference customers, and generate valuable marketing materials. The program gives the marketplace a better understanding of what is possible in the smart buildings space, thereby helping to stimulate adoption by building owners and increase utilization of new technologies by engineering/consulting firms.