By Ocient Staff
While the event was a local one for some of our staff in Chicago, the conversation resonated globally. Climate Tech Week Chicago 2024, the third annual event hosted by P33, underscored the urgency of advancing sustainable energy solutions. It also renewed focus on the pivotal role that technology plays in shaping a sustainable future.
Held at 1871, Climate Tech Week brought together a diverse community—ranging from startups to major corporations and policymakers, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker—to exchange ideas on how innovation can drive sustainable practices.
One of the event’s highlights was a panel discussion led by Ocient CEO Chris Gladwin, titled “Preventing the Innovation Blackout: Building Strategies for Energy Optimization.” The discussion tackled a pressing question in today’s tech-driven world: How can we harness the power of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) without exhausting the planet’s increasingly finite resources?
Panelists:
- Cynthia Pekron – Head of Data Collection Systems at Morningstar, contributing to the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
- Audrey Griffin – COO of Jupiter Power, focused on scaling energy storage solutions and integrating renewable energy into the grid.
- Tarik Galijasevic – VP and Managing Director at Allstate Strategic Ventures, driving innovative investments in sustainable, tech-driven solutions.
- Hudson Hollister – Co-Founder and CEO of HData, transforming the energy sector through data-enhanced transparency and regulatory compliance.
The panel emphasized that innovation in data analytics and AI must evolve in tandem with sustainable energy practices. Whether through corporate governance initiatives or reimagining future technologies, the goal is to ensure that innovation and environmental responsibility are not at odds.
Key Takeaways:
- Corporate Responsibility & Data-Driven ESG Initiatives:
Cynthia Pekron highlighted how Morningstar’s commitment to corporate responsibility encourages greener practices. By empowering investors with data, companies can align their goals with ESG standards, increasingly prioritized by C-suite executives. This approach allows for informed decision-making that benefits both businesses and the planet. - Energy Storage & Grid Reliability:
Audrey Griffin stressed that the energy transition is at a critical juncture. She emphasized the importance of integrating renewable energy into national grids and the role energy storage plays in ensuring reliable energy supplies. By investing in software to manage energy from renewables, companies can maintain steady operations even during peak generation periods. - Sustainable Investment Strategies:
Tarik Galijasevic explained how Allstate Strategic Ventures prioritizes investments that combine sustainability with technological innovation. Investors are increasingly drawn to initiatives that are not only eco-friendly but also profitable in the long term. This alignment of financial return with environmental impact reflects a shift in investor priorities. - Transparency through Data:
Hudson Hollister of HData underscored the need for greater transparency in energy management. Leveraging data to monitor emissions and energy use helps companies improve accountability and comply with regulations. Transparency ensures that sustainability efforts are measurable and meaningful.
The discussion reinforced the notion that optimizing energy use while embracing AI and data analytics is both a business imperative and an environmental necessity. As Chris Gladwin pointed out, Ocient’s commitment to energy efficiency has enabled our customers to reduce energy costs by 50-90%.
We extend our gratitude to P33 for fostering such an essential dialogue and to all the innovative minds committed to building a better, more sustainable future. The future of energy efficiency will be built by all of us.
To see more highlights from Climate Tech Week Chicago 2024, check out the recap video below.