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. Get Connected: Rise Up Podcast: https://www.riseupmidwest.org The Energy Fair: https://www.theenergyfair.org The MREA: https://www.midwestrenew.org Email: [email protected] 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 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.