The Energy Manager's Playbook

Live from the 2025 EMEAs: Panel Discussions

In this episode we present the complete recordings of the panel discussions that took place at the 2025 Energy Management Excellence Awards. The first panel focuses on the Order of operations for electrification: Prioritizing operational improvements, efficiency upgrades and efficient electrification, moderated by Michael Oriahi from the IESO and featuring Nicholas Dumoulin from Dream, Graham Timperon from Algonquin College and Allan Dai from The Hospital for Sick Children. The second panel focuses on What they don’t teach you in school: Ensuring energy managers have the right skills moderated by Aja Staples from the IESO and featuring Tony Campbell from Landmark Cinemas and Emily Dabrowski from Cemtol Manufacturing (part of Linamar). Watch videos of the 2025 EMEA winners on the IESO website [https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Energy-Management-Excellence-Awards] to learn more about their achievements. If you are interested in learning more about the Save on Energy programs mentioned in this episode check out the Retrofit Program [https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Retrofit-Program], Existing Building Recommissioning Program [https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Existing-Building-Commissioning-Program], Expanded Energy Management Program [https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Expanded-energy-management-program], and others [https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Energy-Management-Excellence-Awards]. If you are working in Ontario to improve your organization’s energy management practices, register for Save on Energy’s Energy Management Community of Practice [https://share.hsforms.com/1lFCrcM9wS5myck5D6bQRrQq6i5j] to receive updates and connect with peers. We would love to hear your feedback about the podcast, the challenges you are facing or the successes you have had. Please reach out to us at trainingandsupport@ieso.ca.

EMEAs 2025: Turning Uncertainty Into Action

In this episode, host Jay Mullin speaks with Tam Wagner, the Director of Demand Side Management at the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to share practical takeaways from the 2025 Energy Management Excellence Awards (EMEAs). They explore how award-winning teams sequence efficiency, optimization and efficient electrification, align energy goals with safety and production, and keep reviews simple so local teams can lead. They also highlight the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise, where programs like Strategic Energy Management, Existing Building Commissioning and Retrofit provided momentum, and how the EMEAs are helping energy management gain a higher profile across organizations. Watch video of the 2025 EMEA winners on the IESO website [https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Energy-Management-Excellence-Awards] to learn more about their achievements. If you are interested in learning more about the Save on Energy programs mentioned in this episode check out the Retrofit Program [https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Retrofit-Program], Existing Building Recommissioning Program [https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Existing-Building-Commissioning-Program], Expanded Energy Management Program [https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Expanded-energy-management-program], and others [https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Energy-Management-Excellence-Awards]. If you are working in Ontario to improve your organization’s energy management practices, register for Save on Energy’s Energy Management Community of Practice [https://share.hsforms.com/1lFCrcM9wS5myck5D6bQRrQq6i5j] to receive updates and connect with peers. We would love to hear your feedback about the podcast, the challenges you are facing or the successes you have had. Please reach out to us at trainingandsupport@ieso.ca.

Beyond a Dedicated Energy Manager

In this episode, Allison shares how she and her colleagues at Votorantim Cimentos are transforming energy management into a shared mission that’s reshaping daily operations. What started with a backlog of 500+ energy-saving opportunities at two cement plants became the catalyst for a broader cultural shift, one that empowers plant teams to take ownership of their energy performance. By aligning energy goals with safety and production, streamlining reviews, and providing just enough guidance, Allison helped build a framework that gives local teams the confidence and tools to lead. The successful model is now being expanded to additional facilities and operations across the region, bringing lasting results and renewed momentum to the entire organization.   We would love to hear your feedback about the podcast, the challenges you’re facing, or the successes you’ve had. Please reach out to us at trainingandsupport@ieso.ca.  For more resources to help you on your energy management journey, please visit https://saveonenergy.ca/Training-and-Support [https://saveonenergy.ca/Training-and-Support].

From Plant to Portfolio

In this episode, Behzad shares how his transition from plant-level energy manager to a corporate sustainability role at Maple Leaf Foods is helping the company bring greater alignment and momentum to its energy goals. Drawing on his hands-on experience, Behzad emphasizes the value of site-specific targets, practical support tools and direct relationships with facility teams. Rather than managing from a distance, he collaborates closely with plants to tailor goals, build trust, and empower local teams. His story shows how on-the-ground experience provides a strong foundation but needs to be complemented with new skills and new approaches to create a system where every facility contributes meaningfully to sustainability goals. This episode illustrates how building strong connections and adapting strategies to fit plant-level realities can lead to lasting, company-wide energy performance improvements.  We would love to hear your feedback about the podcast, the challenges you’re facing, or the successes you’ve had. Please reach out to us at trainingandsupport@ieso.ca.  For more resources to help you on your energy management journey, please visit https://saveonenergy.ca/Training-and-Support [https://saveonenergy.ca/Training-and-Support].

Scaling Energy Efficiency Across a Portfolio

In this episode, Trevor shares how BGIS is delivering energy savings and emissions reductions across a vast portfolio of buildings by shifting from individual projects to a scalable programmatic approach. BGIS supports and manages an estimated 30,000 buildings in Canada. Trevor emphasizes the importance of data strategy, modular solutions and efficient implementation to drive results at scale. By focusing on the signal over the noise, piloting and refining initiatives like smart HVAC controls and leveraging existing resources to reduce costs, BGIS is achieving significant impacts, including millions in savings and thousands of tons in GHG reductions. Trevor’s story is a masterclass in thinking big, staying focused and building processes that enable continuous improvement and wide-reaching success.    We would love to hear your feedback about the podcast, the challenges you’re facing, or the successes you’ve had. Please reach out to us at trainingandsupport@ieso.ca   For more resources to help you on your energy management journey, please visit https://saveonenergy.ca/Training-and-Support [https://saveonenergy.ca/Training-and-Support].