Clear Haze Exchange

Summary In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, host Marcus Hazelwood recaps Season 2, highlighting the hidden systems influencing sustainability in buildings. He explores the intersection of technology, data, and organizational dynamics in driving sustainable decisions. Key Takeaways Hidden systems often influence building performance more than technical issues. Data abundance doesn't guarantee better decisions; clarity is key. Successful sustainability requires aligning different organizational perspectives. Technology is valuable but needs people to effectively implement it. Understanding the problem is crucial before finding solutions. Resources Energy Efficiency Insights Sustainable Building Strategies AI in Energy Management 🎧 Listen On: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 📲 Connect: X | LinkedIn | YouTube Chapters: 0:00 - Reflecting on Season 2: Hidden Systems and Decision-Making 16:59 - Exploring Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

What happens after you collect the data? In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, Marcus Hazelwood sits down with Somalia Jones, MBA, Manager of Responsible Investment Policy & Practices at White Oak Partners, to explore how building owners can move from collecting information to actually using it to make better operational and investment decisions. Across a real estate portfolio, utility bills, meter data, financial information, benchmarking requirements, sustainability reporting, and operational data can quickly become overwhelming. The challenge isn't simply collecting more. It's understanding which information matters, translating it across departments, and connecting it to action. Somalia shares how she works across sustainability, finance, accounting, operations, and other teams to create a more complete picture of building performance — and how that information can ultimately influence everything from reporting and budgeting to CapEx decisions. Key Takeaways • More data isn't necessarily better — start with the information needed to answer a specific question. • Utility invoices can reveal much more than cost, including consumption trends, anomalies, operational changes, and potential savings opportunities. • Sustainability professionals can play an important role translating information between finance, accounting, operations, and investment teams. • Reporting shouldn't end with the report. The information can be used to identify future operational improvements and capital projects. • Low-cost, high-impact opportunities can provide a logical starting point when prioritizing CapEx investments. • Software and AI can help organizations process information, but human judgment remains critical for understanding anomalies, context, and organizational priorities. • As experienced building professionals retire, documenting not only processes but also the reasoning behind them is increasingly important. • Establishing a reliable baseline is one of the most important first steps toward improving building performance. About the Guest Somalia Jones, MBA — Manager, Responsible Investment Policy & Practices, White Oak Partners Somalia works at the intersection of real estate, sustainability, reporting, compliance, and business operations. Her work includes gathering and organizing utility and asset information, supporting reporting requirements such as GRESB, identifying performance trends, and connecting building information with operational and financial priorities. In this conversation, she provides a practical look at what it takes to turn portfolio-level building information into something organizations can actually use. If you're interested in smarter investments, better systems, and meaningful progress, you're in the right place. Subscribe to Clear Haze Exchange on your favorite platform and join the conversation. For inquiries or guest opportunities: [email protected]

Summary Explore how AI innovations are transforming energy management by 2026. Host Marcus Hazelwood discusses with Mohamed El-Sayed the revolutionary impact of AI on building performance and sustainability. Key Takeaways AI helps automate repetitive tasks, allowing professionals to focus on critical thinking. Understanding AI limitations is crucial for effective implementation in energy management. AI will not replace jobs entirely but will complement human intelligence, enhancing productivity. Investing time in defining problems leads to more effective AI-driven solutions. AI enhances communication with buildings, providing real-time insights and recommendations. Resources OpenAI and GPT: Overview of capabilities Anthropic Claude: Explore AI tools Amazon's AI Integration: Business applications About the Guest Mohamed El-Sayed — CEO, EA Energy Solutions Mohamed El-Sayed, licensed Professional Engineer & Principal at EA Energy Solutions and has more than 20 years of experience in energy management, building performance, commissioning, energy modeling, and sustainable design. Connect with Mohamed Website: https://www.eaenergy.us 🎧 Listen On: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 📲 Connect: X | LinkedIn | YouTube Chapters: 0:01 - AI's Role in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability 6:20 - Exploring AI Tools: From ChatGPT to Codex 12:29 - Understanding AI Agents and Their Limitations 18:52 - Integrating AI in Business Workflows and Challenges 26:16 - Navigating Job Automation and AI's Role 30:30 - AI Revolutionizing Building Management and Optimization 36:56 - Defining Problems: The Key to AI Solutions 42:41 - Balancing AI Use with Professional Responsibility

Summary Explore the 3 keys to successful sustainability with Dominique Hadad, Founder & CEO of Green Scope Consulting. Discover how internal champions, strategic planning, and community engagement drive impactful sustainability programs. Key Takeaways Identify and empower internal champions to lead sustainability initiatives. Cross-functional collaboration is essential for effective sustainability integration. Focus on measurable outcomes to ensure lasting sustainability impact. Resources Green Champions Podcast - Learn more about real-world sustainability success stories. About the Guest Dominique Hadad — Founder & CEO, Green Scope Consulting Dominique is Founder and CEO of Green Scope Consulting, a Columbus-based consultancy helping organizations turn sustainability goals into measurable programs and operational results. With a background in engineering, operations, and systems thinking, Dominique launched Green Scope after winning The Ohio State University President's Prize, a grant-supported initiative designed to help student founders build solutions to major societal challenges. Today, Green Scope supports government agencies, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and waste authorities through sustainability program development, data management, and strategic planning. Connect with Dominique Website: https://www.greenscopeconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-hadad/ What Dominique is promoting Green Champions Podcast — Dominique is also co-host of the Green Champions Podcast, where she highlights real-world sustainability success stories and practical solutions. Learn more Chapters: 0:00 - Sustainability Insights with Dominique Hadad 6:02 - Championing Sustainability: Consulting and Collaboration 12:38 - Building Community and Sustainability in Columbus 18:16 - Understanding Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings 24:33 - Engaging Teams for Effective Certification and Impact 30:28 - Integrating Sustainability into Mission-Driven Programs 36:42 - Ownership and Responsibility in Sustainability Programs 42:17 - Empowering Sustainability: Local Initiatives and Collaboration

Summary In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, host Marcus Hazelwood discusses the transformative power of solar energy with guest John McNamara, COO of Appalachian Renewable Power. They explore the benefits and challenges of solar technologies, including the innovative concept of floating solar arrays. Key Takeaways Understand the long-term financial benefits of solar, beyond just immediate ROI. Floating solar offers unique advantages like reduced evaporation and improved panel efficiency. Community engagement and education are critical for widespread renewable adoption. Consider energy audits to identify efficiency improvements before solar installation. Solar technology is robust, with innovations such as virtual power plants leading the way. Resources Floating Solar Delco - YouTube (https://youtu.be/4Tu3N1Dj9i8) Floating Solar Lima, OH - YouTube (https://youtu.be/r_91M4AgVII) Floating Solar Monroeville, OH - YouTube (https://youtu.be/gDhfbwkvPLY) About the Guest John McNamara — COO, Appalachian Renewable Power John McNamara, MBA, MSL, is Chief Operating Officer at Appalachian Renewable Power, where he helps advance renewable energy solutions across Ohio and beyond. John combines operational leadership with a deep passion for sustainability, community engagement, and practical clean energy adoption. Through his work in solar development, community advocacy, and his involvement with Green Columbus, John focuses on helping organizations and communities better understand how renewable technologies can create long-term economic, operational, and environmental value. He also helped lead the installation of Ohio’s first floating solar arrays and has become a strong advocate for leveraging solar to bring power to the people . Connect with John Website: https://arp-solar.com/ What John is promoting Floating Solar Delco Learn more Chapters: 0:01 - Unveiling Solar Energy's Impact with John McNamara 6:36 - The Rise and Impact of Solar Energy 14:24 - Long-Term ROI and Sustainability in Solar Investments 19:11 - Understanding Complexities in Solar Energy Projects 26:15 - Maximizing Energy Efficiency Before Solar Installation 32:18 - The Role of Education in Renewable Adoption 38:55 - Exploring the Benefits of Floating Solar 45:15 - Empowering Columbus: Solar and Sustainability Initiatives