Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast interviews Jim Kolb, senior director of automotive programs for the plastics division of the American Chemistry Council. He discusses how plastics are used for light-weighting cars for energy efficiency. Contrary to popular belief, lightweight cars are not necessarily small and often rival the safety of their heavier counterparts.

EE Markets Podcast interviews Gail Suchman, an attorney at the New York law firm, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, who discusses forces that drive today’s building retrofits. She explains how building owners can offset the cost of retrofitting by following state green building codes and pursuing efficiency tax credits.

EE Markets Podcast interviews Drew Clark, co-founder and director of strategy for IBM Venture Capital Group, who addresses venture capital and start-up opportunities in EE. He explains how IBM Venture Capital Group partners with traditional venture capital firms, then uses its expertise and skills to leverage start-ups into profitable opportunities. He reveals why EE investments are growing quickly and which technologies draw investments.

EE Markets Podcast interviews Drew Clark, co-founder and director of strategy for IBM Venture Capital Group, who addresses venture capital and start-up opportunities in EE. He explains how IBM Venture Capital Group partners with traditional venture capital firms, then uses its expertise and skills to leverage start-ups into profitable opportunities. He explains why EE investments are growing quickly and which technologies draw investments.

Mark Crisson, CEO of the American Public Power Association, discusses how the public power business model lends itself to efficiency efforts. He describes APPA's new partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council, and its plans to help expand energy efficiency offerings for the 2,000 not-for-profit utilities it serves.

Mark Crisson, CEO of the American Public Power Association, discusses how the public power business model lends itself to efficiency efforts. He describes APPA's new partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council, and its plans to help expand energy efficiency offerings for the 2,000 not-for-profit utilities it serves.

Jorge Lopez, president and CEO of ConEdison Solutions, which recently acquired Custom Energy Services, addresses demand and trends in energy efficiency. He identifies EE "hot spots" in the U.S., and describes innovative trends in LED lighting and demand response.

Nick Brass, CEO of CoolNRG USA, describes policies in France and Italy that allow for companies like CoolNRG USA to implement innovative EE programs. He contrasts them to US policies, which often present stumbling blocks to innovation, he says.

Ken Elsey, President and CEO of the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance, tells Energy Efficiency Markets about the exponential growth in support for efficiency in Canada. The nation is increasing its pursuit of cogeneration, demand response, better appliance standards and efficient lighting and building practices. Exactly how well Canada is doing will be revealed soon when CEEA releases its next national report card evaluating the performance of the federal government and provinces.

Ken Schisler, senior director, regulatory affairs for EnerNOC, a demand response firm, explains the difference between demand response programs in regulated and unregulated markets. In competitive regions, DR adapts to requirements created by regional transmission organizations, while in regulated markets DR companies tailor programs to meet specific utility needs. He also explains why EnerNOC operates more in unregulated markets.