Employee Spotlight: Rene Davis, Product Manager II

Employee Spotlight: Rene Davis, Product Manager II

Published

28 May 2025

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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 industry!

This month, we’re sitting down with Rene Davis, PMP, CSM, a tenured member of the Optimum Energy development team. and current Product Manager II. Rene has been with the company for almost 10 years and brings over two decades of product and project management experience to the Optimum development team. Throughout their time here, they’ve played a key role, existing at the intersection between Product, Engineering, and Support, acting as a cross-functional bridge that helps our customers reach their desired outcomes related to energy efficiency, optimization and sustainable operations.

Rene provides technical leadership in areas like project management, product roadmaps, and system development. Their expertise is particularly impactful in the development of Optimum’s updated M&V platform, a successor to OptiCx, and the ongoing management of latter. Colleagues know them not just for their deep technical knowledge, but for their commitment to sustainability, the sense of belonging they create amongst their peers, and the overall positive impact brought to Optimum Energy’s overall company culture.

Can you share your journey with Optimum Energy and how your role has evolved since you joined?

“When I started at Optimum Energy 10-years ago as a project manager for the development team, I knew nothing about software development or HVAC systems, only how to manage resources, tasks, and move an initiative from inception to completion. In the years I have been here, due to the culture of curiosity and collaboration, I test, debug and occasionally write code for our software, as well as understand Chiller Plants and how Optimum Energy uses the data collected for troubleshooting and reporting on plant performance and optimization goals. I can even tell you if a chiller has falling film or flooded evaporator styles!

My role has evolved from project manager and scrum master to product manager with responsibility for ensuring that the products we deliver meet the changing needs of our customers, as well as supporting our engineering team that uses the product every day.”

What is your favorite part about working at Optimum Energy?

“The people, 100%. Our people are smart, approachable, and create an environment where learning and asking questions is encouraged and appreciated. I feel like we are seen as individuals first and employees second. I love that we honor curiosity. I’ve never once been turned away when asking a question or told to “stay in my lane”. I feel my personal and career growth at Optimum Energy is a result of that culture and environment.”

Describe an accomplishment at Optimum Energy of which you are particularly proud.

“Delivering our newest platform release. It has been incredibly rewarding to see our engineers using a product that I help deliver and knowing that has solved problems and made their job easier to do.”

What is one thing you have learned while working here that has significantly impacted your approach to energy optimization?

“I think awareness of how things work and understanding how small changes can make big impacts. The candid discussions about decarbonization and electrification have been particularly enlightening and have helped form my decision making as a consumer.”

How do you see the future of energy optimization, and what role do you believe Optimum Energy will play in shaping it?

“I don’t know what the future of energy optimization holds, but I firmly believe wise stewardship of our resources is something to be practiced regardless of policy changes or political positions. Optimum Energy is going to be a trusted partner in this stewardship now and into the future. With our growing Energy as a Service offerings, we are allowing customers to pursue sound energy practices and sustainability goals, even when there are less resources being allocated for these efforts. I believe that we are going to be difference maker in the energy optimization space.”

Whether you’re looking to join a team that’s redefining energy optimization—or want one of our experts to lead your next project—Optimum Energy is ready to deliver. Connect with us to explore career opportunities or discover how we can help you achieve lasting performance and sustainability results.

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IDEA2025 Conference Highlights

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The Importance of Maintenance in Large-Scale Facilities

The Importance of Maintenance in Large-Scale Facilities

Published

24 October 2024

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Maintaining your central plant and its HVAC systems is crucial in commercial environments, such as college campuses, manufacturing facilities, and hospitals, and data centers. These systems regulate indoor climate, provide healthy air quality, optimize energy efficiency, and ensure the overall well-being of building occupants. This below covers why this maintenance matters, the tasks involved, and the potential consequences of failing to maintain your system.

Why Central Plant Maintenance Matters

1.     Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering operational costs. In commercial settings, energy can make up a significant portion of your operational costs. By keeping the system in ideal condition, organizations ensure it doesn’t work harder than necessary, resulting in both energy and cost savings.

2.     Occupant Comfort and Productivity

Consistent climate control is essential for maintaining ideal indoor conditions in spaces like dormitories and office environments. Whether it’s a classroom or a workspace, inadequate heating or cooling can lead to discomfort, affecting concentration and productivity. In healthcare settings, maintaining proper temperature and air quality is crucial for patient well-being and recovery.

3.     Health and Safety

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is directly affected by HVAC systems. Without proper maintenance, they can spread mold, bacteria, and allergens, leading to health issues such as respiratory problems or allergic reactions. In hospitals, clean and controlled air is vital to preventing the spread of infections. This is also true of manufacturing environments, where proper ventilation may be required to eliminate hazardous substances in the air such as chemicals or dust.

4.     Compliance with Regulations and Standards

Commercial properties, particularly in industries like healthcare and manufacturing, must adhere to strict regulations related to air quality, safety, and energy efficiency. HVAC systems must meet standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and other regulatory bodies. Regular maintenance ensures compliance, avoiding legal penalties or operational interruptions.

5.     Extending Equipment Lifespan

Like any piece of equipment, commercial chillers and HVAC units experience wear and tear over time. Routine maintenance minimizes deterioration, extends the lifespan of components, and delays the need for costly replacements. This is especially important for facilities with multiple buildings, such as college campuses or industrial complexes, where system replacements can be both disruptive and expensive.

What Central Plant Maintenance Entails

Maintaining your system involves several key tasks that ensure the system functions efficiently and reliably.

1.     Regular Inspections

Technicians check components like filters, belts, motors, and refrigerant levels to ensure optimal performance.

2.     Filter Changes

Filters need regular replacement to maintain airflow and prevent the system from working harder, which increases energy use.

3.     Cleaning Coils and Condensers

Dirt and debris accumulate on coils, reducing efficiency. Routine cleaning keeps the system operating optimally.

4.     Lubricating Moving Parts

Lubricating components like motors and bearings reduces friction and wear, extending their lifespan.

5.     Testing and Calibration

Thermostats and control systems should be calibrated to ensure accurate temperature control and system efficiency.

6.     Refrigerant Level Checks

Regular refrigerant level monitoring is essential for cooling performance and detecting potential leaks.

7.     Ventilation Check

Air ducts should be cleaned periodically and checked for blockages to ensure proper airflow throughout the facility.

Consequences of Failing to Maintain Your System

Increased Energy Costs: Neglected HVAC systems and your central plant in general lose efficiency, consuming more energy to achieve the same output. This can significantly increase operational costs in large commercial settings, where energy usage is already substantial.

Poor Air Quality and Health Issues: Dust, mold, and bacteria can build up in HVAC systems that aren’t regularly maintained. This reduces indoor air quality and can lead to illness or the spread of infections, especially in healthcare and educational environments.

System Breakdowns and Downtime: Without regular checks, your plant is more prone to unexpected failures. In commercial settings, this could lead to uncomfortable environments or operational disruptions. For example, extreme temperatures may damage sensitive equipment in laboratories or manufacturing plants.

Reduced Lifespan of the HVAC System: Failing to maintain your plant shortens the lifespan of your equipment and overall system. Components wear out faster, leading to more frequent and costly repairs or replacements.

Legal and Regulatory Issues: In certain industries, such as healthcare and food manufacturing, failing to maintain HVAC systems in line with regulatory standards can result in fines, legal action, or forced shutdowns.

Decreased Property Value: For commercial properties, poorly maintained central plants can lower property valuations, as buyers or tenants may face high repair or upgrade costs to replace outdated or inefficient systems.

Leveraging Modern Technology for HVAC Maintenance

1. Predictive Maintenance with IoT

Modern systems can integrate with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Ai-powered software like OptiCx for real-time monitoring of system performance. This allows for predictive maintenance, where potential issues are detected and resolved before they become major problems, improving efficiency and reducing emergency repairs.

2. Sustainability and Green Building Certifications

Energy-efficient HVAC systems contribute to green building certifications like LEED. Organizations prioritizing sustainability and decarbonization can use proper HVAC maintenance to meet their ESG goals.

3. Budget Planning and Forecasting

Scheduled maintenance allows organizations to forecast budgets more effectively, preventing unexpected expenses due to breakdowns or system failures. This ensures resources are allocated for timely repairs and replacements.

Conclusion

Central plant maintenance is essential in large-scale facilities to maintain energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and safety. Regular inspections, cleaning, and calibration help extend the life of HVAC systems, prevent costly breakdowns, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. By investing in routine maintenance and leveraging modern technology, businesses can ensure that their systems function optimally, reducing both costs and potential risks.

Maintenance isn’t just a routine task—it’s a strategic investment in the long-term efficiency and safety of their operations.

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Insights

IDEA2025 Conference Highlights

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.

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Event

NACUBO 2025 Annual Meeting

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Event

P3 Higher Education Summit 2025

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Q&A with Paul Zmick, P.E., Director of Energy & Utilities at the University of Virginia

Q&A with Paul Zmick, P.E., Director of Energy & Utilities at the University of Virginia

Published

19 September 2024

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Lisa Roy, CEO of Optimum Energy, recently sat down for a conversation with Paul Zmick, P.E., the University of Virginia’s Director of Energy & Utilities and a current board member of the International District Energy Association (IDEA). Their discussion focused on the evolving landscape of facilities management within higher ed, touching on industry trends, challenges, and potential solutions. Zmick offered his unique perspective into university decision-making, funding strategies, and the implementation of emerging technologies that are reshaping how campuses across the country not just operate but thrive.

What is the primary mission of the facilities team at UVA?

“Our main mission is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for education, research, and healthcare. Safety is our highest priority due to the significant industrial infrastructure we manage. Beyond safety, our focus is on continuity of operations, reliability, and resiliency. This involves maintaining essential services like steam, hot water, chilled water, and power for the medical center, research facilities, and residential students. Efficiency then emerges as a priority as a part of our asset stewardship and carbon reduction goals.”

Can you expand on how energy efficiency fits into your priorities?

“Energy efficiency is a key strategy for managing resources and achieving our carbon reduction goals. We prioritize minimizing the use of steam, which is less efficient compared to other energy forms. Our strategy involves converting steam systems to hot water systems where possible, focusing on more efficient heat recovery chillers and geothermal exchange systems to optimize energy use.”

What are some other strategies UVA employs for improving energy efficiency?

“Our primary strategy is to reduce reliance on steam, which has a lower efficiency rate. We are implementing large-scale steam conversion projects, transitioning from steam to hot water for academic grounds, while keeping steam in areas where it’s more suitable, like the medical center. This shift improves distribution efficiency and allows us to use heat recovery chillers, which can achieve efficiency levels of up to 600%. We also focus on optimizing equipment like chillers and hydraulic loops to improve overall system efficiency.”

What challenges do you face in achieving these energy efficiency and decarbonization goals?

“One major challenge is the rapid pace of change required to meet aggressive decarbonization goals set by our leadership. The infrastructure changes needed are costly and time-consuming. Post-pandemic inflation, supply chain disruptions, and long lead times for equipment like switchgear and generators add further complexity. Staffing is another ongoing challenge, especially finding qualified personnel for specialized roles like controls, welding, and equipment operations.”

How is UVA managing the financial aspects of these large-scale energy projects?

“Unlike many universities, UVA’s facilities operations are self-funded through an enterprise model. This means we do not need to seek capital from the state or the university for our projects. Our budget comes from charging rates based on consumption, allowing us more flexibility in funding and implementing projects without needing direct funding from the university’s central administration or endowment.”

Are there unique ways you can overcome some of these challenges?

“Staying connected with industry peers through organizations like the International District Energy Association (IDEA) has been invaluable. It helps us stay updated on emerging technologies, like micro nuclear reactors and advanced heat pumps. Being part of such networks allows us to learn from others’ experiences and avoid being on the “bleeding edge” while still pushing innovation.”

Do sustainability goals influence project decisions?

“Sustainability and decarbonization goals significantly influence our decisions. For every project, we consider both the “business as usual” approach and the decarbonization options. For example, when renewing chillers, we evaluate whether to use traditional equipment or invest in heat recovery chillers that could further reduce carbon emissions, even if it means higher initial costs and additional infrastructure work.”

What future technologies are you interested in exploring to further improve sustainability?

“We’re keen on integrating building systems with plant operations to optimize both, rather than optimizing them separately. This would allow us to use building systems strategically to extend the operation of highly efficient equipment like heat pumps, without needing expensive investments in technologies like geothermal exchange fields. We are also watching advancements in micro nuclear reactors, steam-generating heat pumps, and more efficient geothermal technologies.”

How do you handle compliance with environmental regulations?

“The main compliance issue we face is related to our Title V air permit. While there is some internal hesitancy around using certain technologies like ammonia refrigerants due to perceived risks, there aren’t significant regulatory constraints currently impacting our operations.”

What support do you need from industry partners like Optimum Energy?

“We need better support in navigating financial incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to maximize project benefits. Clear guidance on leveraging these opportunities would be highly valuable. Additionally, continuing support for advanced software solutions that optimize both plant and building operations as an integrated system would greatly help us reach our efficiency and decarbonization targets.”

Optimum Resources

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Insights

IDEA2025 Conference Highlights

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.

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Event

NACUBO 2025 Annual Meeting

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Event

P3 Higher Education Summit 2025

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Bernhard Capital Partners Names Lisa Roy CEO of Optimum Energy

Bernhard Capital Partners Names Lisa Roy CEO of Optimum Energy

Published

10 September 2024

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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 her decades of global senior executive leadership experience at a Fortune 100 company make her the ideal leader to expand Optimum’s offerings and deliver innovative solutions necessary for clients to achieve their sustainability goals,” said Jeff Jenkins, Founder and Partner at BCP.

Optimum Energy’s mission is to become a lifetime partner for its clients to accelerate sustainability goals by leveraging technology, asset reliability, and innovative energy and financial solutions.
In her most recent role at Johnson Controls, Lisa was the Global Head of Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions for the enterprise. Prior to this, she held other senior leadership positions such as VP & GM Global Security & Fire, VP & GM NA Security & Fire, VP & GM NA South Region, VP & GM Solutions Business, VP of Commercial Sales for North America, and VP & GM Enterprise Accounts.

Lisa brings her extensive knowledge of the global energy and sustainability markets, a deep understanding of commercial and operational execution, and proven experience in general management and mergers and acquisitions.
Throughout her career, Lisa has actively supported United Way and Compassion charities. She also has been actively involved in various national and local not-for-profit boards. Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Louisiana State University. She lives in Lafayette, Louisiana, with her husband and two children.

Optimum Resources

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Insights

IDEA2025 Conference Highlights

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

Event

NACUBO 2025 Annual Meeting

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Event

P3 Higher Education Summit 2025

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Optimum Energy Helps Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Achieve Significant Energy Savings

Optimum Energy Helps Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Achieve Significant Energy Savings

Published

05 September 2024

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VUMC Achieves Significant Energy Savings and Rebate Incentive Through Innovative Optimization Strategies

Recently, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) partnered with Optimum Energy to introduce advanced control strategies at the Vanderbilt University Hospital Chilled Water Plant. These new controls lower operational costs, energy usage, and CO2 emissions. This approach, known as Chiller Plant Optimization, was developed by Optimum Energy and is powered by our OptimumLOOP® optimization platform.

OptimumLOOP® employs relational control algorithms to calculate the most efficient way to operate an entire chilled water system. Through continuous and automatic optimization, plant performance is dynamically adjusting in real-time to changes in demand or weather. This technology ensures minimal energy usage and maximum cost savings, without compromising indoor-air comfort for building occupants.

As a result of these upgrades, VUMC anticipates an annual energy cost savings of over $251,000, and a reduction in CO2 emissions by over 1.9 million pounds per year.

Furthermore, with the assistance of Nashville Electric Service and Hobbs and Associates, VUMC secured an incentive rebate of $243,854 through the TVA EnergyRight® for Business & Industry rebate program. The combination of the above energy savings and rebate creates a return on investment (ROI) of less than 1.4 years for the overall project.

Over the past five years, VUMC Facilities Management has actively pursued various strategies to reduce electrical consumption on its main campus. These efforts include chiller plant optimization, the implementation of fault detection software to monitor equipment performance, occupancy setback controls, LED lighting upgrades, HVAC equipment upgrades, and leveraging rebate opportunities like the TVA EnergyRight® program.

Collectively, these initiatives have resulted in a total savings of $7.5 million over the past five years, including $2.8 million in the last 12 months alone. All while also avoiding the creation of more than 52 million pounds of CO2.

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Insights

IDEA2025 Conference Highlights

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

Event

NACUBO 2025 Annual Meeting

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Event

P3 Higher Education Summit 2025

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Optimum’s Jesse Ohm Awarded Pump Management Patent: The Next Step for Large-Scale Fluid Pumping Automation

Optimum’s Jesse Ohm Awarded Pump Management Patent: The Next Step for Large-Scale Fluid Pumping Automation

Published

05 August 2024

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Introduction

Jesse Ohm, P.E., Principal Engineer at Optimum Energy has been awarded a patent for his new system centered on the optimization of multiple pumps using advanced computational techniques. This innovative solution has the potential to drastically improve the process in which commercial and other large-scale facilities manage their fluid flow distribution systems, while gaining an increase in energy efficiency, cost savings, and overall system performance.

Patent Overview

The newly awarded patent outlines Ohm’s method for optimizing pump staging through a computer-readable medium containing instructions executed by an automation system.

 “It became apparent after observing conventional control systems that the industry needed a simple and repeatable way to calculate when to stage pumps up and down,” said Ohm. “The goal was to create a universal calculation that remained applicable under any operating conditions.” The method encompasses several key components:

Peak-Efficiency Range Determination

An automation system enhanced with the pump staging algorithms automatically identifies the peak-efficiency operating range for the pumping system. Defining the stage limits based on real-time data allows any automation system to optimize the system’s pump staging control.

Real-Time Dynamic Calculation

Continuous monitoring of the fluid-flow rate and pump speeds allows for real-time optimized stage calculations. When the fluid-flow rate drops below the algorithm’s dynamic stage-down threshold, a pump is deactivated. Conversely, if the fluid-flow rate exceeds the stage-up threshold, an additional pump is activated automatically. Since the thresholds are dynamic and based on live data, the ideal staging is continuously evaluated and works under any operating conditions.

Threshold Calculations

Thresholds for stage-up and stage-down operations are continuously recalculated from live data, based on the following inputs:

1. A reference design fluid-flow rate at the manufacturer’s full speed peak efficiency point also known as the “Best Efficiency Point”.
2. The live system flow rate.
3. The active number of operating pumps.
4. The current operating speed of the pumps.

Additional Features

1. The peak-efficiency range and thresholds only require a single user data input (the pump’s best-efficiency point) making it easy to calibrate for each application.
2. Stage thresholds are automatically calculated based on live operating conditions.
3. The inputs do not require maintenance or recalibration unless physical changes are made to the pumping equipment.
4. Equipment staging events can be limited through an automation system to any specific use case to control frequency of pump staging.

Why This Patent Matters

Energy Efficiency, Cost Savings, and Sustainability

Reduced Energy Consumption: The system activates or deactivates pumps based on real-time demand, ensuring the lowest energy use. Energy savings translate directly into reduced utility bills fewer greenhouse gas emissions, supporting environmentally friendly operations and net-zero goals.

Maintenance Cost Reduction: Maintaining pumps within their peak efficiency range can significantly reduce energy usage and decrease wear and tear, extending pump lifespan and reducing costly maintenance and downtime.

Resource Conservation: Efficient resource use aligns with sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility goals for the ESG-minded.

Improved Performance

Consistent Fluid Flow: By maintaining the pumping system in the peak efficiency operating range, the system maintains a stable and consistent fluid flow rate and pressure, crucial for processes that require precise fluid management at various pressure requirements.

Adaptability to Demand Fluctuations: The system efficiently manages varying demand levels, suitable for applications with fluctuating fluid flow and operating pressure requirements. Systems that leverage a wide range of operating pressure requirements (such as systems with pressure re-set strategies) will gain even greater advantage from the dynamic thresholds since the live data inputs automatically compensates for changes in operating pressure.

Responsiveness and Flexibility: Dynamic adjustments allow the system to swiftly respond to changes in both flow and pressure, boosting overall performance and reliability. This approach can be scaled to different sizes and types of pumping systems, offering flexibility for diverse applications, regardless of scope or industry.

Conclusion

Ohm’s method for dynamically managing pump operations represents a significant advancement in fluid flow management for large-scale facilities. By leveraging real-time data and advanced computational techniques, this system offers unmatched benefits in energy efficiency, cost savings, performance, sustainability impact, and operational flexibility. This innovation has the potential to set new standards in sustainable and efficient pump management. Industries and facilities reliant on large-scale fluid operations should consider this solution when evaluating their best course of action in the pursuit of financial, operation and sustainability-focused goals.

Optimum Resources

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Insights

IDEA2025 Conference Highlights

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

Event

NACUBO 2025 Annual Meeting

Learn More

Event

P3 Higher Education Summit 2025

Learn More

See all resources

Start your optimization journey for all of your HVAC needs

Save as much as 50% of your HVAC energy costs

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