First Fuel

A guest of the EEC at this year’s National Energy Efficiency Conference, Dr Jessica Granderson directs the Building Technology and Urban Systems Division at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and is one of the world’s foremost experts on building efficiency and energy management. In this episode, Luke and Jessica explore the ins and outs of smart buildings, discussing how software can be used as an overlay to traditional building technology; how governments can advance policies that incentivise the market; how building users interact with flexible loads; and most importantly, how all this smart building potential can be turned into reality. What’s apparent is just how much can be achieved using existing technology and systems, which will be able to interact with future technology. But as exciting as coming innovations may be: we don't need to wait. Connect with Jessica Connect with Luke eec.org.au

Of the many positives to come from this year's National Energy Efficiency Conference, one of the biggest was the opportunity to bring Jan Rosenow to Australia for the first time. In the world of energy efficiency, Dr Rosenow needs little introduction. With his day job leading European Programs at the Regulatory Assistance Project, Jan also serves on the Executive Committee of the International Energy Agency’s demand-side management program, and sits on the board of the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (he also makes time to maintain an excellent social media presence). After delivering his keynote at the conference, Dr Rosenow sat down with EEC CEO Luke Menzel to reflect on how Australia can effectively prioritise our raft of energy challenges. The pair also discuss their confidence in electrification as the way forward in the building sector, the role of electrification relative to hydrogen in other sectors, and why it’s useful to retain a little scepticism around net zero targets if they’re not immediately paired with plans to hit them. As always, this episode of First Fuel is a freewheeling ride that goes deep with some of the best minds in the energy efficiency business. Connect with Jan Connect with Luke eec.org.au

Last month's National Efficiency Schemes Summit was the first of its kind: a national event bringing together participants in all Australia's state efficiency schemes – a remarkable fact by Energy Savings Industry Association President Rod Woolley. That industry and government, NGOs and consumer groups from right around Australia had never gathered in one room before before to discuss the schemes was, as Luke says, “kind of bananas.” So with the stage lights still warm, we sat down with three key participants to discuss what the day meant and will continue to mean as Australia's schemes mature and diversify to keep pace with our changing energy systems. Joining Luke to get out of the weeds and talk scheme strategy and impact are Caroline Bennett, CEO of Green Energy and Carbon Management, Steve Procter from the NSW Office of Energy and Climate Change, and Climateworks Centre's Anna Malos. For more info on the Summit, head to eec.org.au/ness23.

Earlier this month, some of Australia’s biggest companies released a statement to say that even our heaviest industries can transition their supply chains to net zero emissions, and they’re prepared to put the work in. It won’t be easy, and the pathway is narrow. But thanks to the work of the Australian Industry Energy Transition Initiative, it’s possible. In Episode 86 of First Fuel, EEC CEO Luke Menzel is joined by Orica’s Head of Sustainability Troy Powell and Industry Lead at Climateworks Centre, Rob Kelly, to discuss the Energy Transition Initiative and the opportunities it presents to Australian industry. Read all publications from the Australian Energy Transition Initiative here. Connect with our guests: ⁠Find Troy here⁠. Find Rob here. Connect with us: ⁠Find Luke on Twitter here ⁠ Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at ⁠eec.org.au⁠ ⁠Follow us on Twitter⁠. ⁠Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au⁠

Along with ambitious commitments to renewable energy, the Albanese Government has set its sights on decarbonisation and energy efficiency, putting the nation's energy policy wonks to work over the summer. In Episode 85 of First Fuel, EEC CEO Luke Menzel and EEC Acting Head of Policy Alex St John (a man who in his own words, “skews wonk”) discuss the “Summer of Submissions”. Luke and Alex unpack the EEC's thoughts on the proposed ⁠National Energy Performance Strategy⁠, as well as ⁠climate-related financial disclosure⁠, the ⁠Powering the Regions fund⁠, and of course, ⁠reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism⁠. Connect with our guests: Find Alex here. Connect with us: Find Luke on Twitter here Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter. Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au

If they don’t already have one, developing a net zero plan is high on the priority list for all Australian businesses. But as most now know, the real job isn’t developing a plan, but putting that plan to work. In Episode 84 of First Fuel, EEC CEO Luke Menzel is joined by Kate Levick, co-head of the UK Transition Planning Taskforce Secretariat. The Transition Plan Taskforce was formed when, in a speech at Glasgow’s COP26, Britain’s then-Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced that listed companies in the UK would be asked to disclose their transition plans by 2023. Speaking one year on at COP27 in Egypt, Luke and Kate discuss the Taskforce’s role in defining what best practice business transitions look like; how companies across sectors can ensure the best chance of a successful transition; and what Australian government and businesses can learn from the UK experience so far. Mentioned in this episode: Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures The Transition Plan Taskforce Disclosure Framework The Transition Plan Taskforce Implementation Guidance TPT Online Sandbox Key topics: What is the UK’s Transition Plan Task Force? What do we mean when we say a transition plan? The link between financial disclosure and transition plans Lessons for Australia and the rest of the world Connect with our guests: Find Kate at https://twitter.com/katellevick Find the TPT at https://transitiontaskforce.net/ Connect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

Episode 83: Heavy industry, lighter loads: competitiveness through efficiency panel from 2022 Energy Efficiency Summit This week’s episode of First Fuel is a recording of our panel titled ‘Heavy industry, lighter loads: competitiveness through efficiency’ from the 2022 National Energy Efficiency Summit. In this panel, speakers Holly Taylor (Chair), Head of Projects, Energy Efficiency Council was joined by Jon Jutsen, CEO, RACE for 2030; Sharon Champness, Manager HR Safety and Environment, Molycop; andAlison Reeve, Energy and Climate Deputy Program Director, Grattan Institute. The panel discusses the big energy productivity opportunities available in Australia’s industrial sector and the support, skills and policy settings we will need to unlock it. You can watch a video version of this panel and all our panels from the 2022 National Energy Efficiency Summit at eec.org.au/summit22 Key topics: ‘Easy wins’ for energy efficiency in industry CRC’s work in decarbonising the industrial sector Policy signals for incentivising investment What an industrial energy efficiency strategy needs to have (and not have) Jobs and skills needed for the energy transition Connect with us Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

This week’s episode of First Fuel is a recording of our panel titled ‘Batteries of the nation: zero emissions commercial buildings’ from the 2022 National Energy Efficiency Summit. In this panel, Francesca Muskovic, National Policy Director of Property Council of Australia, was joined by: Davina Rooney, CEO, Green Building Council of Australia; Carlos Flores, Director, NABERs; and David Palin, Sustainability Manager, Mirvac. This expert panel considers what has been achieved on energy efficiency in Australia’s commercial building sector and how much more there is to do: driving decarbonisation outside the office sector, helping commercial buildings transition from gas to heat pumps, and making sure that commercial buildings are playing there part in a high penetration renewable grid. You can watch a video version of this panel and all our panels from the 2022 National Energy Efficiency Summit at eec.org.au/summit22 Key topics: State of play for commercial building efficiency in Australia The challenge of residual gas use in commercial buildings Smart integration of all electric buildings into a renewable grid The case for a national energy saving target Connect with us Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

This week’s episode of First Fuel is a recording of our panel titled ‘Efficient, Electric and affordable: Creating better homes,’ from the 2022 National Energy Efficiency Summit. In this panel, Program Director of Climate and Energy at ACOSS, Kellie Caught, was joined by: Vanessa Davis, Researcher, Tagentyere Council; Margot Delafoulhouze, Systems Lead - Cities, Climateworks Centre; and Ben Milsom, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Plenti. In a wide-ranging session, this expert panel discuss the huge positive impacts of energy efficiency and standardisation on residential homes, particularly on social and low income housing, and those in remote parts of Australia, where energy poverty can create literally life threatening circumstances. You can watch a video version of this panel and all our panels from the 2022 National Energy Efficiency Summit at eec.org.au/summit22 Key topics: Connect with us Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

This episode of First Fuel is a recording of the Leaders Panel at the 2022 National Energy Efficiency Summit. Delivered in person from Sydney, and streamed to a national online audience, the Summit brought together government, global experts, prominent consumer advocates and our largest industry associations for a unique, economy-wide discussion on the role of energy efficiency in this moment and beyond. In this panel, Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel was joined by: Edwina MacDonald, Acting CEO, ACOSS; Innes Willox, Chief Executive, Ai Group; Ken Morrison, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister; and California Energy Commissioner Andrew McAllister. You can watch a video version of this panel and all our panels from the 2022 National Energy Efficiency Summit at eec.org.au/summit22 Key topics: Connect with us Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us firstfuel@eec.org.au

Recorded in front of an intimate live audience in Melbourne on the eve of the 2022 Energy Efficiency Summit, episode 79 features Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel in conversation with California Energy Commissioner Andrew McAllister. This was Commissioner McAllister’s first visit to Australia in five years, and this fascinating and wide-ranging discussion range from what compelled Ronald Reagan to make energy efficiency central to California’s policy in the 1970s, through to why “the matching of supply and demand is the concept of our time.” Mentioned in this episode: California’s Warren-Alquist Act Key topics: Connect with our guest: Find the California Energy Commission at https://twitter.com/calenergyConnect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

In Episode 78 of First Fuel we bring you a panel discussion from the launch of the Energy Efficiency Council’s sector spotlight on energy management opportunities for Australian farms, released in partnership with the National Farmers Federation in late 2021. Luke Menzel, CEO of the EEC is joined by Ash Salardini, Chief Economist at NFF, Edwina Beveridge, Blantyre Farms; Dean Cayley, Cayley Farms; and Karin Stark, the founder of the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference. This fantastic panel digs into how the leaders in the Aussie farm sector are approaching smart energy management. Mentioned in this episode: Navigating a dynamic energy landscape: A briefing for farms Connect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

In Episode 77 of First Fuel, EEC’s CEO Luke Menzel is joined by the Secretary General of the European Heat Pump Association, Thomas Nowak. Even prior to the war in Ukraine, Europe was already warming up to heat pumps, but the need to get away from Russian gas has supercharged that effort. Today, the European Commission has a plan to double the rate of heat pump deployment, with Germany announcing a ‘heat pump offensive’, to take the annual install rate to half a million per year. As another example, the Netherlands - one of the most gas-reliant countries in the world - will ban fossil fuel heating from 2026, making heat pumps mandatory. Needless to say, Thomas is at the forefront of this movement. In this episode, he and Luke discuss the pace of change in Europe, the opportunity to leverage this technology in Australian homes, commercial buildings and industry, and the need to educate the public about the transformative benefits of heat pumps for climate, health and hip-pocket. Mentioned in this episode: RePowerEU First Fuel 69: 'An overnight success, a decade in the making' with Adrian Joyce Key topics: What is the European Heat Pump Association? The gas crisis and the EU’s response Heat pumps in residential buildings, commercial buildings and industry The role of refrigerants in heat pumps, and effectively managing climate impacts Connect with our guests: Find Thomas at https://twitter.com/ThomasNowakEU Connect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

In Episode 76 of First Fuel, Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel is joined by New Zealand’s Minister of Energy and Resources, Dr Megan Woods. Luke and Minister Woods discuss New Zealand’s legislated climate targets, New Zealand’s proud history of action on energy efficiency, and two of the nation's flagship energy efficiency programs, the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry Fund (GIDI) and the Warmer Kiwi Homes program. Mentioned in this episode: Aotearoa New Zealand’s First Emissions Reduction PlanWarmer Kiwi Homes programmeGovernment Investment in Decarbonising Industry Fund Key topics: Connect with our guests: Find Minister Woods at https://twitter.com/Megan_Woods Connect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

In Episode 75 of First Fuel, Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel is joined by Professor Nick Eyre, Director at Oxford University's Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS). Luke and Nick discuss the impact of the European gas crisis on UK energy consumers and what can be done about it. They also dig into the UK Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy, and Nick’s recent paper – co-authored with Jan Rosenow of RAP – Reinventing energy efficiency for net zero. This episode was recorded at Oxford University on Thursday 7 July 2022. Mentioned in this episode: UK Heat and Buildings StrategyReinventing energy efficiency for net zero Key topics: Connect with our guests: Find CREDS at https://twitter.com/@CREDS_UK Connect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

In Episode 74 of First Fuel, Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel is joined by Brian Motherway, Head of Energy Efficiency at International Energy Agency. Recorded on 4 July 2022 at the International Energy Agency headquarters in Paris, Luke and Brian take stock of the current state of energy efficiency efforts around the globe. They consider the impact of the current global energy crisis, unpack the outcomes IEA’s 2022 Energy Efficiency Conference, and look at emerging trends in electrification, flexibility and industry. Video updates: This is the fourth in a series of episodes recorded during Luke’s recent trip to Europe. To see the video updates produced during the trip visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiEzC40kXieRYiEmpjjitdq7IMYkNyiBN Mentioned in this episode: First Fuel Episode 2: Energy efficiency and economic stimulus with Dr. Brian Motherway Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector (IEA) Key topics: Connect with our guests: Find Brian at https://twitter.com/BrianRMotherway Connect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

In Episode 73 of First Fuel, Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel is again joined by Francesca Muskovic, Director – National Policy at the Property Council of Australia, and Carlos Flores, Director of the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS). In this, the second part of a bumper double episode of First Fuel, Luke, Frankie, and Carlos go deep on electrification of buildings, which emerged as a major theme of their recent delegation to Germany. They discuss the ways in which the war in Ukraine is driving a major policy push to get off Russian gas, the incentives, skills and supply chains that will help Germany meet its electrification targets, and what lessons Australia can learn as we seek to decarbonise our own building stock. Video updates: This is the third in a series of episodes recorded during Luke’s recent European trip. To see the video updates produced during the trip, visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiEzC40kXieRYiEmpjjitdq7IMYkNyiBN Key topics: ● The Russian-Ukraine conflict, and Europe’s accelerating path to electrification ● Overcoming the challenges of electrifying existing commercial buildings ● The critical role of trade skills and business models in enabling electrification ● Global manufacturing capacity and supply chains for heat pumps Connect with our guests: Connect with Frankie: https://twitter.com/FrankieMuskovic Connect with Carlos: https://twitter.com/carlosfloreslen Connect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

In Episode 72 of First Fuel, Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel is joined by two guests: Francesca Muskovic, Director – National Policy at the Property Council of Australia, and Carlos Flores, Director of the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS). This episode was recorded at the conclusion of a week long delegation to Germany on energy efficiency in buildings. Luke, Frankie, and Carlos discuss Germany’s granular climate targets, the role of the KfW Bank in financing energy efficiency, what Australia can learn from Europe when it comes to disclosure of building energy performance, and what we have to share. Video updates: This is the second in a series of episodes recorded during Luke’s recent European trip. To see the video updates produced during the trip visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiEzC40kXieRYiEmpjjitdq7IMYkNyiBN Key topics: Germany’s energy efficiency policy in buildings - Germany approach to climate targets; granularity, ambition and accountability - The role of the KfW Bank in financing residential energy performance improvements - Lessons from Germany for Australia’s efforts on residential disclosure - Energy efficiency in commercial buildings and what Australia has to share Connect with our guests: Connect with Frankie: https://twitter.com/FrankieMuskovic Connect with Carlos: https://twitter.com/carlosfloreslen Connect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

In Episode 71 of First Fuel, Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel is joined by Dr Nicholas Matten, Managing Director of EEC industry Member Stiebel Eltron. During this episode – recorded at the Stiebel Eltron Energy Campus in Holzminden, Germany – Luke and Nicholas discuss the history of Germany’s heat pump market, the drivers for increasing heat pump demand, and what government and industry will need to do to unlock the full potential of electrification in Germany and around the world. Video updates: This is the first in a series of episodes recorded during Luke’s recent trip to Europe. To see the video updates produced during the trip – including one from the Stiebel Eltron campus – visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiEzC40kXieRYiEmpjjitdq7IMYkNyiBN Key topics: Connect with our guests: Find Stiebel Eltron at https://twitter.com/stiebeleltron Connect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts

In Episode 70 of First Fuel, Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel is joined by two guests, EEC Head of Projects Holly Taylor and Program Director of the Net Zero Initiative at Monash University, Scott Ferraro. In this episode, Luke, Holly and Scott discuss the launch of the EEC Professional Certifications Framework. They look back on the EEC’s engagement with training and certification over the last decade, the motivation for establishing the Framework, and how the EEC is partnering with government, industry and education providers to build professional pathways for energy management experts. Mentioned in this episode: EEC Professional Certifications Race for 2030 E3 Opportunity Assessment: Developing the future energy workforce Leveraging tax incentives to improve energy performance Key topics: · The skills needed for the net zero transformation · The path to the Framework · The purpose of the Framework · Prioritisation of effort on skills and training · Committing to diversity in the energy sector Connect with our guests: Find Holly at https://twitter.com/hollymtaylor_ Find Scott at https://twitter.com/scott_ferraro Connect with us: Find Luke at https://twitter.com/lukemenzel Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Council at www.eec.org.au Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EECouncil Email us at firstfuel@eec.org.au To find out how you can listen to an upcoming episode of First Fuel live, visit www.eec.org.au/podcasts