Energy Sense

If you work in energy engineering, construction or management, you’re bound to run into the often contentious world of political and policy debates. Discussions about climate change and environmental issues can get thorny. How do you stay out of the fray while striking a balance that serves your clients? Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings shares his experience making sure his industry is represented without getting mired in politics. We also discuss innovation, policy deadlines, and the disconnect between reaching toward lofty energy ideals without meeting basic needs.

A look at indoor environmental quality with Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings — and how energy efficiency measures and IEQ go hand in hand. Plus, a roundup of technology in the news, including microgrids and EV charging, solar in sports and more.

It's been a transformative year in the energy space. What were some of the highlights and challenges? And what's on the horizon for 2023? Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings shares his perspective on the industry, design/build construction, and what it was like to expand and reshape his company in 2022.

In this 28th episode of the Energy Sense Podcast we talk with Stacey Shiflet of Lynnhaven River NOW. Our discussion focuses on nonprofits, resources available for businesses and individuals to meet sustainability goals, and some of the challenges certain industries face — such as hospitality, where she spent the bulk of her career. The intersection of energy conservation and environmental management can be elusive at times, but Stacey draws a clean connection for our listeners.

We're talking battery storage with Dominion Energy's Eric Conner, Manager Generation Projects (Generation Construction) here in Virginia. Eric oversaw the utility's largest operational battery energy storage pilot project, which was energized in the summer. Host Chris Rawlings asks Eric about the project's origins, the benefits of these utility scale assets, challenges faced and lessons learned during construction.

Guest Herbert Dwyer, CEO of EMPEQ, sits down with Bowerbird Energy CEO Chris Rawlings to discuss the role of AI-powered technology in the energy engineering space. EMPEQ's Fast Site Survey sets out to improve efficiencies and accuracies with the process of energy auditing. We also touch on workforce development, technology adoption, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the investment outlook for the energy industry post-IRA. Recorded on location at the Association of Energy Engineers' 2022 AEE World Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

The U.S. advanced energy sector and its connection with national security has been sparking policy discussions and leading headlines around the world. We share excerpts from a panel discussion focusing on current events, Virginia clean energy and the relationship of veterans to the energy sector. 



Energy Sense podcast host Chris Rawlings, a Veterans Advanced Energy Fellow, former U.S. Marine and the CEO of Bowerbird Energy Contractors, joins:

- Col. Dave Belote, USAF (Ret.), Former F-16 Pilot and Managing Partner and CEO of DARE Strategies LLC

- Col. Greg Douquet, USMC (Ret.), Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center, and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Red Duke Strategies, LLC

- Ann Loomis, Vice President of Federal Affairs, Dominion Energy, and former chief of staff to Virginia Sen. John Warner.

Panel Discussion was recorded May 25, 2022. Sponsors included Atlantic Council Veterans Advanced Energy Project, Dominion Energy, Bowerbird Energy Contractors, E2 and the Virginia Energy Workforce Consortium.

The U.S. advanced energy sector and its connection with national security has been sparking policy discussions and leading headlines around the world. We share excerpts from a panel discussion focusing on current events, Virginia clean energy and the relationship of veterans to the energy sector. 



Energy Sense podcast host Chris Rawlings, a Veterans Advanced Energy Fellow, former U.S. Marine and the CEO of Bowerbird Energy Contractors, joins:

- Col. Dave Belote, USAF (Ret.), Former F-16 Pilot and Managing Partner and CEO of DARE Strategies LLC

- Col. Greg Douquet, USMC (Ret.), Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center, and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Red Duke Strategies, LLC

- Ann Loomis, Vice President of Federal Affairs, Dominion Energy, and former chief of staff to Virginia Sen. John Warner.

We also hear from Bob Keefe, executive director of E2 and author of the new book “Climatenomics: Washington, Wall Street and the Economic Battle To Save Our Planet."

Panel Discussion was recorded May 25, 2022. Sponsors included Atlantic Council Veterans Advanced Energy Project, Dominion Energy, Bowerbird Energy Contractors, E2 and the Virginia Energy Workforce Consortium.

What's on the horizon for energy contracting in 2022? Bowerbird Energy started as an LED lighting company eight years ago. This year it launched a new brand and mission as a contractor offering energy efficiency, renewable energy, EV charging, energy monitoring and M.E.P contracting solutions. Founder Chris Rawlings discusses his company's evolution, why he made the change and what he learned along the way.

Host Chris Rawlings, CEO of Bowerbird Energy, welcomes guest Abby Johnson, executive director of the Virginia PACE Authority. They explore the role of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy and resiliency improvements on commercial and multifamily properties.

They highlight some of the misconceptions behind C-PACE financing, and Johnson discusses how important it is, why it works, and where it's best suited to succeed.

Johnson also serves on the boards of Virginia Housing Authority and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and shares her passion for reaching tenants and residents of affordable housing with energy efficient technology and solutions.