Season 5 • Episode 1
Farm and Rural Business Energy Efficiency
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Made possible with support from the Sally Mead Hands Foundation.
About Season 5 Episode 1: Farm and Rural Business Energy Efficiency
Becoming more energy efficient not only cuts costs but also helps preserve our planet. Whether it’s transitioning to electric, conducting energy audits, or enhancing energy systems, committing to energy efficiency today promises future savings and fosters a healthier environment for everyone.
Discover ways to enhance energy efficiency, with a special focus on agricultural and rural enterprises, in this episode of the Rise Up Podcast. Hear from Jenny Brinker, project manager at GDS Associates, Inc., as she explores the available opportunities and resources for a greener tomorrow.
About Our Guest: Jenny Brinker
Jenny Brinker is a Project Manager at GDS Associates, Inc. in Madison, Wisconsin and brings over 18 years of expertise in energy efficiency consulting. Focusing on serving farming communities and rural businesses, Brinker’s skills in Energy Management program implementation and technology have made her a key player in driving sustainable energy practices in the agricultural sector.
A Wisconsin native, Brinker holds a Master’s degree in Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a Certified Energy Manager recognized by the Association of Energy Engineers.
She has also demonstrated a passion for education. Her involvement in course creation for KEEP (Wisconsin’s K-12 Energy Education Program) has strengthened the school program across the state, and, even after returning to GDS, continues to serve as an adjunct professor for the Energy Management Technology program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. In 2019, Brinker was one of nine instructors nationwide selected by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education (CREATE) to study renewable energy storage in Germany and share that knowledge with college programs throughout the United States.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Background and History
3:45 Jobs in Energy Efficiency
7:27 GDS Associates
9:37 Importance of building energy efficiency
10:57 Decarbonization
13:12 Lowest cost energy efficiency improvements
16:38 Demand charges
20:13 Air source heat pumps
26:56 Building energy efficiently
28:54 Focus on Energy
30:47 Farms and energy efficiency
34:43 Planning and resources
37:20 Challenges facing energy efficiency
41:06 Energy awareness
44:56 Energy professionals and incentives
MREA Summer Events
Want to attend hands-on demonstrations and educational workshops focused on renewable energy and sustainable living? Join the MREA at our summer 2024 events in Custer, WI:
Industry Demo Day – Friday, June 21
The Energy Fair – Saturday, June 22
CONTACT US
Address: 7558 Deer Rd. Custer, WI 54423
Email: info@riseupmidwest.org
Phone: (715)-592-6595
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration.