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Our hub for news, current events, and stories we care about.

Recent News
Insights
Deferred Maintenance and Rising Costs? How EaaS Solves Higher Education’s Facilities Crisis
Universities face a perfect storm: aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, shrinking budgets, and growing pressure to decarbonize. Traditional capital projects drain resources and divert attention from your core mission—educating students and advancing research. Energy as a Service (EaaS) changes the equation. Optimum Energy partners with colleges and universities to fund, implement, and manage energy efficiency upgrades through long-term service agreements. You get modernized systems, guaranteed savings, and zero capital outlay.
Learn More
Post
The Future of Building Optimization Is AI-Driven
How does AI optimize building energy performance? Machine learning systems analyze HVAC data, predict equipment failures, and adapt in real-time to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Critical for healthcare, education, and manufacturing facilities managing rising energy expenses.
Learn More
Post
Transforming Infrastructure: From Expense to Revenue Stream
Transforming Infrastructure: From Expense to Revenue Stream We’re excited to share insights from Ken Bernhard’s recent appearance on The Deal Podcast, where he discussed the evolution of energy-as-a-service and the role our technology plays in reshaping how institutions approach infrastructure. The challenge facing hospitals, universities, and large facilities has never been clearer: aging infrastructure needs renewal, but capital is limited and operations talent is scarce. Traditional approaches don’t work when margins are tight and every dollar must generate returns.
Learn More
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Blog
News
Optimum Energy Appoints Erik Norwood as Chief Product Officer, Driving Performance and Innovation in Energy Infrastructure
SEATTLE, WA and BATON ROUGE, LA – September 2, 2025 – Optimum Energy, a global leader in holistic energy and optimization infrastructure, today announced the appointment of Erik Norwood as its new Chief Product Officer. This key hire reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering comprehensive energy solutions that provide continued savings, reliability, and resilience to […]
Learn More
News
AI, We See You: A Day to Appreciate Artificial Intelligence
Despite the apprehension surrounding AI adoption, the AI market is seeing fast growth. It reached $184.04 billion in 2024 and is expected to surpass $200 billion by the end of 2025, continuing to climb to $826.73 billion by 2030. While there are growing pains, the majority are seeing that AI is a useful tool that enhances […]
Learn More
News
Penn State Health Wins 2025 IDEA Innovation Award for Groundbreaking Energy Optimization at its Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
SEATTLE & BATON ROUGE, La.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Optimum Energy proudly congratulates Penn State Health on receiving the prestigious 2025 Joseph M. Brillhart IDEA Innovation Award. Presented by the International District Energy Association (IDEA), this prestigious honor recognizes the health system’s transformative approach to energy optimization across its Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus, a nationally recognized facility, […]
Learn More
News
Bernhard Capital Partners names Lisa Roy CEO of Optimum Energy
Bernhard Capital Partners announces Lisa Roy will serve as the new CEO of Optimum Energy, a BCP portfolio company. Lisa joins Optimum Energy following a 30-year career with Johnson Controls, where she served in various leadership roles across its global sustainability, HVAC, fire and security businesses. “Lisa’s extensive knowledge of the energy efficiency industry and […]
Learn More
News
Sarah Greenewald Promoted to Chief Financial Officer at Optimum Energy
SEATTLE, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Optimum Energy (“Optimum” or the “Company”), a leader in HVAC optimization, is pleased to announce the promotion of Sarah Greenewald from Vice President of Finance and Operations to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In her new role, Sarah will be responsible for the financial management and strategic planning of the company, remaining a leader in […]
Learn More
News
Optimum Energy and Tignis Enter into a Worldwide Exclusivity Agreement to Advance Efficiency for HVAC Solutions
PAICe Monitor’s predictive analytics enhances Optimum’s ability to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions for its customers across semiconductor fabs, pharmaceutical manufacturing, hospitals, universities, and other smart buildings.
Learn More
News
Optimum Energy® Q2 Announcements – New Sales Leadership and Hydraulic Model Offering
Seattle, WA – May 16, 2023 – Optimum Energy®, a global leader in HVAC optimization solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony MacDonald as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, MacDonald will oversee the company’s sales and marketing strategy, team development, and revenue growth, leveraging his extensive experience in the […]
Learn More
News
Optimum Energy Awarded EcoVadis Bronze Medal for 2023 Sustainability
Optimum Energy’s Sustainability Efforts Recognized SEATTLE, 5/1/2023– Optimum Energy, a leading provider of energy optimization solutions, has been awarded a Bronze Medal by EcoVadis for its sustainability performance. EcoVadis is a global platform that provides sustainability ratings and assessments for companies, enabling them to manage their sustainability risks and improve their overall sustainability performance. EcoVadis […]
Learn More
News
TECO: A deep dive into optimization data yields unexpected savings
A three-phrase initiative to explore and implement cost savings across the largest district cooling system in North America has paid off handsomely – and quickly – bringing significant system improvements even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efficiency gains have been seen in condenser management, chiller operations and thermal energy storage.
Learn More
News
Growing campus meets thermal energy needs without new power production
In 2007, The University of Texas at Austin (UT) was on the brink of massive change. With the campus expanding and its cooling systems at capacity, UT’s energy management team built a new chiller plant – and then took a chance on cutting-edge optimization software, betting that it would help keep costs down and conserve […]
Learn More
News
Optimum Energy Builds Portfolio with New Patent for Whole-Campus HVAC Optimization
Optimum Energy received a new patent this month. The newly awarded patent covers Optimum Energy’s methodology for achieving maximum energy efficiency across a campus by coordinating multiple chiller plants in a single, combined system. 
Learn More
News
Optimum Energy Builds Innovation Portfolio with New Patent for Whole-Campus HVAC Optimization
Company’s 17th patent bolsters suite of technologies that maximize energy efficiency at every level, from components to entire systems SEATTLE, Sept. 26, 2019—Optimum Energy continues to advance smart building technology and scale up energy efficiency potential with a new patent issued this month, which adds to the HVAC specialist’s technology advantage in optimizing building environmental systems […]
Learn More
1 2 3 … 7
Insights
Deferred Maintenance and Rising Costs? How EaaS Solves Higher Education’s Facilities Crisis
Universities face a perfect storm: aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, shrinking budgets, and growing pressure to decarbonize. Traditional capital projects drain resources and divert attention from your core mission—educating students and advancing research. Energy as a Service (EaaS) changes the equation. Optimum Energy partners with colleges and universities to fund, implement, and manage energy efficiency upgrades through long-term service agreements. You get modernized systems, guaranteed savings, and zero capital outlay.
Learn More
Insights
The Future of Building Optimization Is AI-Driven
How does AI optimize building energy performance? Machine learning systems analyze HVAC data, predict equipment failures, and adapt in real-time to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Critical for healthcare, education, and manufacturing facilities managing rising energy expenses.
Learn More
Insights
Transforming Infrastructure: From Expense to Revenue Stream
Transforming Infrastructure: From Expense to Revenue Stream We’re excited to share insights from Ken Bernhard’s recent appearance on The Deal Podcast, where he discussed the evolution of energy-as-a-service and the role our technology plays in reshaping how institutions approach infrastructure. The challenge facing hospitals, universities, and large facilities has never been clearer: aging infrastructure needs renewal, but capital is limited and operations talent is scarce. Traditional approaches don’t work when margins are tight and every dollar must generate returns.
Learn More
Insights
Optimum Energy Earns 2025 TVA EnergyRight PPN Award
Optimum Energy Recognized for Commissioning Excellence with 2025 TVA EnergyRight PPN Award
Learn More
Insights
Regulation vs. Reality: What the OBBBA Really Means for Energy and the Environment
The OBBBA repeals green energy incentives, boosting fossil fuels, which is projected to raise energy costs by up to 74% and threaten grid reliability by 2035. Despite this policy reversal, market forces and strong ESG performance remain essential for corporate value and long-term success. Companies must double down on sustainability using solutions like Optimum Energy to mitigate rising costs and secure operational stability.
Learn More
Insights
Optimum Energy Powers Up Partnership with Conference USA
Optimum Energy announced it will serve as a premier corporate sponsor for Conference USA (CUSA).
Learn More
Insights
Optimum Energy Fuels Expansion, Hires Financial and Project Development Veterans
Optimum Energy announced today the strategic addition of two senior executives to its leadership team: Jeffrey Cepler, Sr. Director, Project Development, and German W. Krug, Vice President, Financial Analytics and Modeling
Learn More
Insights
Optimum Energy Appoints Erik Norwood as Chief Product Officer
Optimum Energy supported Penn State Health by implementing chilled water optimization, which enhanced system performance and resulted in more than $300,000 in annual electricity savings.
Learn More
Insights
Higher Ed at a Crossroads
After spending time at this year’s NACUBO Annual Meeting and digging into the very latest industry reports (the ones the presidents and CFOs really read), one thing is clear: “business as usual” is officially over. The universities—and their partners—who will win the next decade are those ready to think strategically, act with data, and squeeze every drop of value out of every square foot and every BTU. Spoiler alert: this is where we come in.
Learn More
Insights
The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Arrives
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, effective July 4, 2025, introduces major shifts in tax incentives that directly affect capital improvement and infrastructure projects across healthcare, higher education, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Key provisions like the extension of 100% bonus depreciation, the sunset of Section 179D for energy-efficient building improvements, and the expiration of clean energy tax credits for solar, wind, and EV infrastructure demand immediate attention for project planning and financing. Capital improvement initiatives involving energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy installations, or EV charging infrastructure must be accelerated to maximize available incentives before deadlines in mid-2026 and 2027. This detailed guide highlights critical timelines, financial impacts, and strategic steps to optimize infrastructure investments, reduce project costs, and enhance long-term asset value under the new legislative framework.
Learn More
Insights
Employee Spotlight: Jarrett Lemmon, VP of Assets & Delivery
At Optimum Energy, our talented team is the driving force behind everything we achieve. With our Employee Spotlight Program, we shine a light on the passionate, innovative individuals who deliver exceptional results for our clients every day. Discover the inspiring stories and unique talents of the people who make Optimum Energy a leader in our […]
Learn More
Insights
AI, We See You: A Day to Appreciate Artificial Intelligence
Despite the apprehension surrounding AI adoption, the AI market is seeing fast growth. It reached $184.04 billion in 2024 and is expected to surpass $200 billion by the end of 2025, continuing to climb to $826.73 billion by 2030. While there are growing pains, the majority are seeing that AI is a useful tool that […]
Learn More
1 2 3 … 6
News
News
Optimum Energy Appoints Erik Norwood as Chief Product Officer, Driving Performance and Innovation in Energy Infrastructure
SEATTLE, WA and BATON ROUGE, LA – September 2, 2025 – Optimum Energy, a global leader in holistic energy and optimization infrastructure, today announced the appointment of Erik Norwood as its new Chief Product Officer. This key hire reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering comprehensive energy solutions that provide continued savings, reliability, and resilience to […]
Learn More
News
AI, We See You: A Day to Appreciate Artificial Intelligence
Despite the apprehension surrounding AI adoption, the AI market is seeing fast growth. It reached $184.04 billion in 2024 and is expected to surpass $200 billion by the end of 2025, continuing to climb to $826.73 billion by 2030. While there are growing pains, the majority are seeing that AI is a useful tool that enhances […]
Learn More
News
Penn State Health Wins 2025 IDEA Innovation Award for Groundbreaking Energy Optimization at its Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
SEATTLE & BATON ROUGE, La.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Optimum Energy proudly congratulates Penn State Health on receiving the prestigious 2025 Joseph M. Brillhart IDEA Innovation Award. Presented by the International District Energy Association (IDEA), this prestigious honor recognizes the health system’s transformative approach to energy optimization across its Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus, a nationally recognized facility, […]
Learn More
News
Bernhard Capital Partners names Lisa Roy CEO of Optimum Energy
Bernhard Capital Partners announces Lisa Roy will serve as the new CEO of Optimum Energy, a BCP portfolio company. Lisa joins Optimum Energy following a 30-year career with Johnson Controls, where she served in various leadership roles across its global sustainability, HVAC, fire and security businesses. “Lisa’s extensive knowledge of the energy efficiency industry and […]
Learn More
News
Sarah Greenewald Promoted to Chief Financial Officer at Optimum Energy
SEATTLE, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Optimum Energy (“Optimum” or the “Company”), a leader in HVAC optimization, is pleased to announce the promotion of Sarah Greenewald from Vice President of Finance and Operations to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In her new role, Sarah will be responsible for the financial management and strategic planning of the company, remaining a leader in […]
Learn More
News
Optimum Energy and Tignis Enter into a Worldwide Exclusivity Agreement to Advance Efficiency for HVAC Solutions
PAICe Monitor’s predictive analytics enhances Optimum’s ability to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions for its customers across semiconductor fabs, pharmaceutical manufacturing, hospitals, universities, and other smart buildings.
Learn More
News
Optimum Energy® Q2 Announcements – New Sales Leadership and Hydraulic Model Offering
Seattle, WA – May 16, 2023 – Optimum Energy®, a global leader in HVAC optimization solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony MacDonald as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, MacDonald will oversee the company’s sales and marketing strategy, team development, and revenue growth, leveraging his extensive experience in the […]
Learn More
News
Optimum Energy Awarded EcoVadis Bronze Medal for 2023 Sustainability
Optimum Energy’s Sustainability Efforts Recognized SEATTLE, 5/1/2023– Optimum Energy, a leading provider of energy optimization solutions, has been awarded a Bronze Medal by EcoVadis for its sustainability performance. EcoVadis is a global platform that provides sustainability ratings and assessments for companies, enabling them to manage their sustainability risks and improve their overall sustainability performance. EcoVadis […]
Learn More
News
TECO: A deep dive into optimization data yields unexpected savings
A three-phrase initiative to explore and implement cost savings across the largest district cooling system in North America has paid off handsomely – and quickly – bringing significant system improvements even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efficiency gains have been seen in condenser management, chiller operations and thermal energy storage.
Learn More
News
Growing campus meets thermal energy needs without new power production
In 2007, The University of Texas at Austin (UT) was on the brink of massive change. With the campus expanding and its cooling systems at capacity, UT’s energy management team built a new chiller plant – and then took a chance on cutting-edge optimization software, betting that it would help keep costs down and conserve […]
Learn More
News
Optimum Energy Builds Portfolio with New Patent for Whole-Campus HVAC Optimization
Optimum Energy received a new patent this month. The newly awarded patent covers Optimum Energy’s methodology for achieving maximum energy efficiency across a campus by coordinating multiple chiller plants in a single, combined system. 
Learn More
News
Optimum Energy Builds Innovation Portfolio with New Patent for Whole-Campus HVAC Optimization
Company’s 17th patent bolsters suite of technologies that maximize energy efficiency at every level, from components to entire systems SEATTLE, Sept. 26, 2019—Optimum Energy continues to advance smart building technology and scale up energy efficiency potential with a new patent issued this month, which adds to the HVAC specialist’s technology advantage in optimizing building environmental systems […]
Learn More
1 2 3 … 7
Blog
Insights
Deferred Maintenance and Rising Costs? How EaaS Solves Higher Education’s Facilities Crisis
Universities face a perfect storm: aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, shrinking budgets, and growing pressure to decarbonize. Traditional capital projects drain resources and divert attention from your core mission—educating students and advancing research. Energy as a Service (EaaS) changes the equation. Optimum Energy partners with colleges and universities to fund, implement, and manage energy efficiency upgrades through long-term service agreements. You get modernized systems, guaranteed savings, and zero capital outlay.
Learn More
Insights
The Future of Building Optimization Is AI-Driven
How does AI optimize building energy performance? Machine learning systems analyze HVAC data, predict equipment failures, and adapt in real-time to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Critical for healthcare, education, and manufacturing facilities managing rising energy expenses.
Learn More
Insights
Transforming Infrastructure: From Expense to Revenue Stream
Transforming Infrastructure: From Expense to Revenue Stream We’re excited to share insights from Ken Bernhard’s recent appearance on The Deal Podcast, where he discussed the evolution of energy-as-a-service and the role our technology plays in reshaping how institutions approach infrastructure. The challenge facing hospitals, universities, and large facilities has never been clearer: aging infrastructure needs renewal, but capital is limited and operations talent is scarce. Traditional approaches don’t work when margins are tight and every dollar must generate returns.
Learn More
Insights
Optimum Energy Earns 2025 TVA EnergyRight PPN Award
Optimum Energy Recognized for Commissioning Excellence with 2025 TVA EnergyRight PPN Award
Learn More
Insights
Regulation vs. Reality: What the OBBBA Really Means for Energy and the Environment
The OBBBA repeals green energy incentives, boosting fossil fuels, which is projected to raise energy costs by up to 74% and threaten grid reliability by 2035. Despite this policy reversal, market forces and strong ESG performance remain essential for corporate value and long-term success. Companies must double down on sustainability using solutions like Optimum Energy to mitigate rising costs and secure operational stability.
Learn More
Insights
Optimum Energy Powers Up Partnership with Conference USA
Optimum Energy announced it will serve as a premier corporate sponsor for Conference USA (CUSA).
Learn More
Insights
Optimum Energy Fuels Expansion, Hires Financial and Project Development Veterans
Optimum Energy announced today the strategic addition of two senior executives to its leadership team: Jeffrey Cepler, Sr. Director, Project Development, and German W. Krug, Vice President, Financial Analytics and Modeling
Learn More
Insights
Optimum Energy Appoints Erik Norwood as Chief Product Officer
Optimum Energy supported Penn State Health by implementing chilled water optimization, which enhanced system performance and resulted in more than $300,000 in annual electricity savings.
Learn More
Insights
Higher Ed at a Crossroads
After spending time at this year’s NACUBO Annual Meeting and digging into the very latest industry reports (the ones the presidents and CFOs really read), one thing is clear: “business as usual” is officially over. The universities—and their partners—who will win the next decade are those ready to think strategically, act with data, and squeeze every drop of value out of every square foot and every BTU. Spoiler alert: this is where we come in.
Learn More
Insights
The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Arrives
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, effective July 4, 2025, introduces major shifts in tax incentives that directly affect capital improvement and infrastructure projects across healthcare, higher education, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Key provisions like the extension of 100% bonus depreciation, the sunset of Section 179D for energy-efficient building improvements, and the expiration of clean energy tax credits for solar, wind, and EV infrastructure demand immediate attention for project planning and financing. Capital improvement initiatives involving energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy installations, or EV charging infrastructure must be accelerated to maximize available incentives before deadlines in mid-2026 and 2027. This detailed guide highlights critical timelines, financial impacts, and strategic steps to optimize infrastructure investments, reduce project costs, and enhance long-term asset value under the new legislative framework.
Learn More
Insights
Employee Spotlight: Jarrett Lemmon, VP of Assets & Delivery
At Optimum Energy, our talented team is the driving force behind everything we achieve. With our Employee Spotlight Program, we shine a light on the passionate, innovative individuals who deliver exceptional results for our clients every day. Discover the inspiring stories and unique talents of the people who make Optimum Energy a leader in our […]
Learn More
Insights
AI, We See You: A Day to Appreciate Artificial Intelligence
Despite the apprehension surrounding AI adoption, the AI market is seeing fast growth. It reached $184.04 billion in 2024 and is expected to surpass $200 billion by the end of 2025, continuing to climb to $826.73 billion by 2030. While there are growing pains, the majority are seeing that AI is a useful tool that […]
Learn More
1 2 3 … 6