Icf Spark Podcast

Hosts Lindsay Bell and Jack Murphy, of ICF’s Workforce Innovations, Preparedness, and Poverty Solutions (WIPPS) portfolio, are joined by WIPPS Project Director and Cybersecurity Youth Apprenticeship Initiative (CYAI) coach, Mary Roberto, and Ian McMahon, Director of the Colorado Division of Economic and Workforce Support. Together, they discuss how workforce development and youth human services systems can work together to expand access to high quality jobs for low-income youth through RAPs. Topics covered in this episode include: What programs and services exist to connect low-income youth to employment and training.Colorado Department of Human Services’ collaborative efforts to develop youth employment and training programs through multi-sector partnerships.How RAPs fit into the youth services ecosystem.Making programs accessible and appealing to youth of various backgrounds.Barriers to self-sufficiency and what services exist to address them.Successful collaboration between human services and workforce dev

Tune in to Energy in 30, hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, you'll hear from Sally Jacquemin, OSI and AspenTech Business; Sarah Colvin, GE Vernova; and ICF's Chris Najera. The discussion focuses on the crucial role of load management in the energy transition.Topics in today’s episode include:Changes in customer behavior and in the utility market. Technological advancements impacting load management. Solutions-oriented future developments.

Tune in to Energy in 30, hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, hear ICF experts Nancy Caplan and Kelly Zonderwyk talk about building utility customer connections with account-based marketing. Together, we discuss how the whole energy system is in the midst of a major transformation and how utilities are working to engage their customers during this transition.Topics in today’s episode include:Building an opportunity for connectedness from a customer engagement perspective.The emotional side of customer decision-making.How to deliver relevant, personalized experiences for today's digital savvy customers.The data and customer insights needed to create targeted campaigns.

Tune in to Energy in 30, hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, a panel of our experts revisit their top predictions for 2023. You’ll hear from Justin Rodgers, vice president of energy business development, Mike Jung, founding executive director of the ICF Climate Center, and Meredith Derr, senior director of disaster management. Together, they discuss how their predictions regarding the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) aligned with the actual impacts on the energy industry in 2023.Topics in today’s episode include:The influence of unforeseen global events on market instability and consumer confidence.The utilization of IRA and IIJA funding by local governments and nonprofits.Strategies and tactics employed by utilities to enhance customer engagement.Innovative approaches by GRIP programs in bundling stimulus funds.The importance of community partnerships in addressing spending law concerns and meeting priorities.The mandator

Tune in to Energy in 30, hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, hear from authors Mike Lenox and Becky Duff, who talk about their new book, “The Decarbonization Imperative: Transforming the Global Economy of 2050.” Together, we discuss the impacts of the climate crisis, how it’s affecting every sector and industry, and how to approach the problems it presents to our global economy.Topics in today’s episode include: The need to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change.The challenge of adopting clean technology and changing consumer behaviors.Replacing established tech norms within industries.Market-driven approaches to technology and innovation.Industrial policies help accelerate the decarbonization transition.

Tune in to Energy in 30 hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, hear from Dave Roberts, manager of the Residential Buildings Research Group for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and a returning guest, Kevin Duffy, who leads our innovation pilots team. Together, they discuss how technological innovations and collaboration are advancing the energy transition.Topics in today’s episode include:NREL team works to decarbonize building stock and create a clean energy grid.Load flexibility plays an important role in energy efficient buildings.The evolution of the value proposition in energy market transformation.Pilot programs and lab-based approaches are vital for industry growth.Ensuring equitable access to technological innovations is imperative.

Tune in to Energy in 30 hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, hear from ICF innovation strategy and services lead Nick Lange. Together, they discuss generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and its impact on the energy industry.Topics in today’s episode include:Three reasons why ChatGPT went viral in 2023Is GenAI trustworthy? How to assess the reliability of GenAI outputWorking to be good stewards of powerful responsibilityWhat does a GenAI-fueled future look like?

Tune in to our fifteenth episode of “Energy in 30,” hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, hear from Rohit (Rit) Aggarwala, New York City's Chief Climate Officer and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner, along with ICF Director of Building Decarbonization Luke Surowiec. Together, they explore how cities like New York continue to take practical steps to meet their climate goals through building decarbonization initiatives. Topics in today’s episode include: Progress of local initiatives on building decarbonization in New York City. The role of data in shaping strategies and implementing programs. NYC Accelerator’s support for building owners and operators. Exciting developments on the horizon, including federal funding opportunities.

Tune in to Energy in 30 hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. On our fourteenth episode, “The future of controlled environment agriculture,” hear from Derek Smith at the Resource Innovation Institute (RII), Jennifer Amann at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), and ICF’s Director of Energy Efficiency Cody Allen. Together, they discuss the growth of efficiency in controlled environment agriculture (CEA).Topics in today’s episode include:How CEA can provide food security on a climate-constrained planet.Understanding the relationship between CEA and cannabis.The size and energy intensity of CEA facilities.The future of CEA and opportunities for new technology to emerge.Dealing with industry resistance and protecting intellectual property.

Tune in to Energy in 30 hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. On our thirteenth episode, "Driving the utility industry toward equity," hear from Jeff Brown, energy efficiency and consumer programs manager at the Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), and Karen Ehrhardt-Martinez, director of behavioral science and customer insights at ICF. Together, they discuss how energy utilities can effectively tackle the issue of customer equity in their energy efficiency programs.Topics in today’s episode include:How today’s utilities benchmark their progress toward customer equity.Starting points for more effective engagement with utility customers.The role of behavioral economics in framing how we think about energy use.The importance of more customer-centric models of energy efficiency.

Tune in to Energy in 30 hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. On our twelfth episode, "Insights for a sustainable and low-emissions future," hear from ICF Climate Center Executive Director Michael Jung. Together, we discuss the Climate Center’s mission to establish clear, practical pathways for reaching ambitious climate goals and the role of climate resiliency in addressing issues of equity and social justice.Topics in today’s episode include:The importance of sharing knowledge on climate mitigation and resilience.Storytelling as a powerful tool for inspiring people and organizations to change.Why climate change is inseparable from issues of equity and social justice.How—and why—everyone can contribute to solving climate challenges.

Tune in to Energy in 30 hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. On our eleventh episode, "Aligning utility branding with industry transformation," hear from ICF Senior Partner of Integrated Communications Matt Silverman and Karen Cleeve, senior vice president of communications for PSEG, New Jersey’s largest utility. Together, they discuss PSEG’s recent brand refresh and how utilities can reposition themselves to better represent their values and the transformation that’s happening in the industry.Topics in today’s episode include: Aligning a brand refresh with business strategy to improve stakeholder interactionsUnderstanding shifting expectations for utilities Branding as a representation of values and purpose The PSEG origin story as inspiration for defining organizational DNAGaining buy-in from all employees to drive brand unityCommunicating a brand refresh to the publicC-suite support is a critical component to the process

As 988 takes shape across the country as the replacement for the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline—part of the bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act—states continue to respond to the rise in workforce demand.In this second episode of our series on building and preparing the crisis services workforce, host Taylor Moore, director of research science at ICF, discusses the challenges and successes in scaling 988 across Missouri. He’s joined by Casey Muckler, a suicide prevention specialist with the Missouri Department of Mental Health to explore the ways in which organizations can recruit, train, support, and retain a dedicated and inclusive workforce. Together, they cover topics including:Responding to and preparing for an increase in 988 calls—and readying the workforce for even further anticipated influxesTraining support replacing qualification requirements to create a robust workforce Supporting crisis specialists to make them feel confident, comfortable, and empowered How call cent

Tune in to Energy in 30 hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. On our tenth episode, "IRA and IIJA strategies for utilities," hear from our thought leaders Michael Jung, Erica Larson, and Justin Rodgers as they share their thoughts on the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Together, they discuss trends among utilities and within the energy sector as implementation of the legislation takes shape.Topics in today’s episode include: Opportunities for the reinvention of energy infrastructure with a focus on equityThe increase of funding and financial assistance for customers through state programs, local governments, nonprofits, and other players Shifting toward utility customer and community engagement Opportunities for increased transparency as stakeholders track money from grants and tax credits Consumer-owned utilities taking a more active role as asset owners and operators for renewal power and energy infrastructureBreaking down internal and e

In 2022, the U.S. transitioned the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988 as part of the bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act. To address the nation’s mental health crisis and increase access to crisis care, the transition to 988 demands increased call center capacity to support the influx in callers.In this podcast, Taylor Moore, director of research science at ICF, discusses the need for a prepared and diverse workforce in crisis call centers with colleague Kary James, vice president of equity and inclusion for the public sector at ICF. They are joined by Erik Jacobsen from Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners to discuss the shifting landscape of crisis workforce development. Together, they cover topics including: The transition to 988 in Colorado and beyond The impact of remote work on the crisis care workforce Supporting the mental health needs of crisis care staffThe importance of adequate staffing for crisis call centersExpanding the cultural responsiveness of the industry’s work

Tune in to Energy in 30 hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. On our ninth episode, "Trends in reaching global decarbonization goals," hear from Mark Allington, vice president, energy in Europe and Asia. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Mark provides insight into the long-term goals, challenges, and opportunities faced by the global energy community’s commitment to decarbonization.Topics in today’s episode include: Tackling industrial decarbonization in Europe and the UKCarbon capture technologyElectrification and clean energy trendsDirect decarbonization support programs and fundsConsumer participation and measures to impact household choices

Tune in to Energy in 30 hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. On our eighth episode, "EV trends for consumers and utilities," hear from Emily Phan-Gruber, associate manager for transportation electrification at Duquesne Light Company (DLC), the utility powering the Pittsburgh area. She joins ICF Vice President for Transportation Electrification, Stacy Noblet, to discuss the state of local and national electric vehicle (EV) adoption and how utilities can lead the way in innovative programs.Topics in today’s episode include:Forecasting EV adoption for both residential and commercial applicationsUnderstanding local and national trends in policy supportLoad management strategyUnderstanding the biggest barriers to EV adoption, including resistance to changeAdopting charging connection standards

In episode 9 of Energy Renewed, Matt Robison talks with Con Edison Director of Statewide Data Integration Damian Sciano and Patricia D’Costa, ICF Lead Energy Advisory Consultant. As New York’s utilities and regulators lead the way in harnessing big data potential, Damian and Patricia share insights into lessons learned and how other stakeholders around the country can plan for similar orders. Topics covered include: An overview of the New York data orders How lessons learned may inform other states looking to improve data access The importance of value-driven data access use cases for utilities, regulators, and third parties The evolution of data access and potential future applications The importance of subject matter experts and stakeholder collaboration Implementation tactics and risk management

Tune in to Energy in 30 hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. On our seventh episode, "Breaking silos for successful transformation," hear from Nathan Morey, manager of product development of the Arizona-based Salt River Project (SRP). Nathan is responsible for helping integrate customer-facing programs and initiatives with the utility’s system-wide planning efforts. Discover the ways in which he and his team helped to break down silos to create an integrated planning process and better optimize overall strategy planning.Topics in today’s episode include:Breaking down silos to develop strategic planning processes Adapting processes to other efforts like annual and financial planning Taking proven technologies and delivering them to customers at scale Balancing proven technology adoption with new, innovative solutions