Conversations in Clean Energy Podcast

In the next episode titled "Low Rise or High Rise Budgets! Leveraging Geothermal System for New Construction," of Sustainable Westchester's podcast "Conversations in Clean Energy," host Radina Valova explores how geothermal technology can support the budget for a new construction while offering a multitude of benefits.

With her guests Alex Speigel, Partner, Developer and Designer of innovative projects in the built environment at Windmill Developments, Toronto Office, and Ryan Boniello, Operations Head at Boniello Development- premiere builders of custom, luxury homes in & around Westchester County, host Radina is focusing specifically on two geothermal projects for new construction. Alex will share his experience in the geothermal and clean energy space specifically focusing on a 10-story mixed-use development in Toronto, Canada that addresses the triple bottom line approach. Ryan will share an operations design perspective from his Somers Crossing Townhouse development project in Somers, NY. 

These case studies stand as successful models for innovation, collaboration and the use of clean heating and cooling technology in the construction of new low or high buildings. The discussion will focus on the efficacy of the geothermal system and how it is most suited for the comfort, cost savings, the environment and the bottom line. Topics will include planning, financing and development -- positives, challenges and implications.

This episode was produced in collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), who serves as a catalyst – advancing energy innovation, technology, and investment; transforming New York's economy; and empowering people and businesses to choose clean and efficient energy as part of their everyday lives.

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As the second in a two-part series "MythBusting Clean Heating & Cooling: The Efficacy of Retrofits," of Sustainable Westchester's podcast "Conversations in Clean Energy," host Radina Valova explores the often thought impossible geothermal retrofit in historical buildings. After you hear how ground source heat pump technology worked so well for these 100+ year old buildings, this technology may rise to the top of your list for upcoming capital improvements.

The examples showcased in this episode include St. Patrick's Cathedral, in Midtown NYC, a building on the historic landmark registry as well as Huguenot Memorial Church in Pelham, NY. 

Host Radina welcomes her guests Eric Smith, founding principal of the New York-based firm Eric J. Smith Architects with over 30 years experience and a member of the Huguenot Church Board of Trustees and Chair of their Building and Grounds committee for 12 years. She is also joined by Jeffrey Murphy, a founding Partner of MBB Architects, his work at St. Patrick’s Cathedral won a 2016 AIA National Honor Award and a 2019 AIA National COTE Award for excellence in sustainability.

These projects stand as successful models for innovation, collaboration, preservation of architectural integrity and the introduction of clean heating technology into historical buildings. The discussion will focus on the efficacy of geothermal retrofitting, historic building preservation, environmental stewardship, comfort, and efficiency. Topics will include planning, financing and development -- positives, challenges and implications.

This episode was produced in collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), who serves as a catalyst – advancing energy innovation, technology, and investment; transforming New York's economy; and empowering people and businesses to choose clean and efficient energy as part of their everyday lives.

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The next episode, in the Conversations in Clean Energy podcast, “The Elimination of Peaker Plants. A Conversation on Grid Demand Solutions,” explores these renewable energy and storage solutions through an interview with distinguished guest, New York State Senator and Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications Kevin Parker, as well as further conversation with renewable energy industry expert James Spano, and Michael Gilbert, the Director of Energy & Sustainability at Fairstead. The episode focuses on grid demand response solutions as tools to eliminate polluting and costly oil and gas-fired "peaker" plants with application to the New York area and national scope.

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The transition to a clean energy future is about collective action. Electrification and clean heating & cooling solutions are needed as much in existing building stock as in building development. Hear from our guests and their respective experiences with commercial and multifamily buildings VRF and air source heat pump retrofits. 

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In the premier episode of Sustainable Westchester's podcast "Conversations in Clean Energy," host Radina Valova explores the efficacy of clean heating & cooling technologies in affordable housing and the resulting benefit for the low-to-moderate income communities in which they can be found.  

With her guests Spencer Orkus, Managing Director, Affordable Housing, L+M Development Partners Zach Fink, Principal, ZBF Geothermal and Jennifer Leone, Chief Sustainability Officer, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, host  Radina focuses specifically on Beach Green Dunes in the Rockaways, a beachfront urban community just over 20 miles from Manhattan.   

The project stands as a successful model for innovation, collaboration and the uses of clean heating technology for building resilience in low-to-moderate income communities. The discussion will focus on the role of the New York State Housing Preservation and Development, the property developer and technology provider and installer. Topics will include planning, siting, financing and development -- positives, challenges and implications. 

This episode was produced in collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), who serves as a catalyst – advancing energy innovation, technology, and investment; transforming New York's economy; and empowering people to choose clean and efficient energy as part of their everyday lives. The episode was sponsored by WaterFurnace, a leader in clean heating & cooling technologies.

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This short introduction to "Conversations in Clean Energy" gives listeners a glimpse of what's to come from presenter Sustainable Westchester and host Radina Valova. 

Built on the pillars of community, collective, collaboration, innovation and thought leadership, Sustainable Westchester has a "seat at the table" in energy discussion and innovation in both New York State and Westchester County makes nonprofit Sustainable Westchester uniquely positioned to present these conversations.  
The recognized New York State model for community energy programs, Westchester Power (Community Choice Aggregation) is the foundation for the current portfolio of Sustainable Westchester's energy solutions. Other programs include NYSERDA grant-funded clean heating & cooling residential (EnergySmart HOMES) Commercial Clean Heating & Cooling, a first-of-its kind resident rate-payer demand response program, GridRewards, resident and municipal Community Solar that includes partnerships with New York Power Authority and leading solar developers. In development are projects that include direct supply and energy storage which will have additional and significant positive impact on communities, residents and Westchester County's grid.

Host Radina Valova is a recognized voice in the clean energy sector in Westchester County.  Radina Valova is Regulatory Vice President at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, where she provides strategic direction on advancing best practices for distributed energy resources and state regulatory reform, and supports IREC’s vision of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for a 100% clean energy future. Prior, Radina served as Senior Staff Attorney and Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Pace Energy and Climate Center, where she led the Center’s engagement in grid modernization proceedings and utility rate cases and worked toward affordable and clean energy for low-and-moderate-income communities. A graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, with J.D. Certificates in Environmental and International Law, and an LL.M. in Land Use and Sustainable Development. She teaches Energy Law at Pace and has a strong commitment to training the next generation of energy and climate advocates. 
We hope we've piqued your interest and you will join us as we, along with our guests, dive into the clean energy sector.

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