SED Forum Summer once again brought together Smart Energy Decisions’ vibrant community of energy customers, solution providers and industry experts to deliver qualified connections, timely insights and practical inspiration for energy, sustainability and facility professionals pursuing decarbonization, efficiency and other energy and sustainability strategies. The event was held in June at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida.

The centerpiece of the Forum was more than 150 one-to-one business planning meetings between energy customers and suppliers. These consultative sessions offer both parties the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas that could lead to developing strategies and projects together.

“Despite recent industry developments and uncertainty, our attendees are still energized and seeking solutions for their active energy projects,” said Lisa Carroll, Smart Energy Decisions’ Director of Community Development. “We were gratified by the level of engagement among our attendees as they discussed strategies to move forward with their goals — and we’re thrilled that they remain committed to these goals.”

In addition to a series of keynotes and panel discussions, the SED Forum Summer presented a roundtable on vPPAs, separate Peer-to-Peer Conversations for energy customers and suppliers, and robust networking opportunities, including a chance to “Connect with our Advisors” on various industry topics. 

Following are brief highlights from SED Forum Summer’s general sessions:

“What is Impacting Your Carbon-Free Purchasing and How to Adjust​” presented by Dan Hughes, Senior Manager of Technical Sales, Constellation Offsite Renewables (CORe)​

“The Biggest of All Big Pictures: How Much Will it Cost to Replace All Fossil Fuels & How Much Will We Gain?” presented by Dr. Wolfgang Bauer, University Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University

“Environmental sustainability also means fiscal sustainability,” stated Dr. Wolfgang Bauer. “If you are wasting money, you are also wasting energy. And instead of helping the planet, you are actively hurting the planet.” Dr. Bauer emphasized that renewable energy like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, rely on free, inexhaustible fuel sources, and once deployed, they reduce long-term energy costs significantly. The shift to renewables would eliminate the need for $7 trillion spent annually on fossil fuels, allowing us to redirect resources toward cleaner, more resilient systems, he explained. Ultimately, a clean energy future is not only feasible — it’s a smart and necessary investment.

“Navigating the Utility-Buyer Relationship” with Steve Kiesner, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), and Art Justice, Vice President of Energy & Sustainability, Cinemark Theaters

Art Justice (pictured center, with Moderator Peter Kelly-Detwiler) notes that his company navigates its relationship with utilities through close collaboration and a strong focus on energy efficiency, further incentivized as prices rise. He reports, “We have done battery storage, on-site solar, and thermal storage in a few locations. All have been the result of partnerships with either vendors or utilities.” Justice added, “We’re in 44 states, and they are all unique. Some are less expensive than others, so those have been a bit disincentivized, but as we see prices rising, it’s going to make actually doing projects a little easier in terms of payback and ROI.”

“Sustainability & Resiliency Initiatives,” presented by Elaine Franklin, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, City of Hollywood, Florida

The City of Hollywood’s Sustainability Action Plan (SAP), adopted in 2017, outlines key strategies for addressing climate change and building community resilience. The plan includes seven focus areas, ranging from resilience and mobility to environmental quality and community engagement. Recognizing the need to modernize, the city is updating the SAP to make it “a living document where staff are accountable for different elements of the plan,” according to Elaine Franklin. In addition to a goal to reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, the city is also tackling flooding and heat by updating stormwater systems, restoring dunes, and expanding the urban tree canopy. “Trees are like little water towers,” she explained, highlighting their cooling and water-retention benefits.

“Forum Recap & Learnings,” with Joby Carlson, Independent Consultant, and Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Principal, NorthBridge Energy Partners LLC

Returning to the topic of industry uncertainty in the closing recap, “I think patience and perseverance are going to be critically important,” said Peter Kelly-Detwiler. “Certainly, we’ve been navigating challenges — the folks in the solar industry don’t call it the solar coaster for nothing! But we’ll need to continue to absorb those blows and understand that at the end of the day, we’re here to effect change.”

“As individuals and in your companies, be the voice of continued progress,” advised Joby Carlson. “In times like this, it’s easy to slow things down or stand on the sidelines and just see how it all unfolds. But being at this event is a sign that you’re still engaged. Take that energy back to your company. Use this time to sharpen your pencils and refine your strategies and priorities. We might see some difficult times now, but it’s only temporary. There will be continued opportunities so get ready for the next wave of action.”

Smart Energy Decisions Forums center around dedicated, pre-scheduled 1-to-1 meetings between qualified energy buyers and energy solution providers. Unlike conferences, SED Forums combine organized business meetings with peer learning and informative presentations, enabling attendees to make meaningful progress toward their energy and sustainability goals.

Smart Energy Decisions’ final event for 2025, the SED Forum Fall, is set for September 15-17at the Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Tucson Arizona. Click here for more information.