EP 4 — Station A’s Kevin Berkemeyer on Data-Driven Decisions for Renewable Energy Projects

In this episode of The Future of CRE Sustainability, Sean speaks with Kevin Berkemeyer, Co-founder & CEO at Station A. Together they explore the transformative role of technology in clean energy for commercial real estate. Kevin discusses how Station A’s innovative software simplifies the evaluation of buildings, enabling quick, data-driven decisions for renewable energy projects. 

 

Kevin also emphasizes the importance of leveraging AI and analytics to streamline project comparisons, the evolving landscape of energy storage, and strategies for prioritizing clean energy investments across large portfolios. 

 

Topics discussed:

 

• The transition from an innovation team to a software and analytics team to address market challenges in evaluating commercial buildings for clean energy.
• The significance of data collection in assessing building performance, including load data, bill data, and structural characteristics to inform renewable energy proposals.
• How Station A's technology serves as a lead generation solution for developers and EPCs, helping them identify optimal project sites for solar and storage.
• The evolution of building owners using Station A's data to prioritize their own properties for renewable energy projects, enhancing their market readiness.
• The role of AI in automating the evaluation process, including image processing to detect rooftop obstructions and streamline proposal comparisons.
• The importance of incorporating local and federal incentives, such as those from the IRA, to maximize the financial viability of clean energy projects.
• Addressing misconceptions about clean energy by highlighting advancements in technology and market conditions that make renewable investments more accessible and viable.
• The challenges of managing diverse project execution across various geographies and the need for reliable provider networks to ensure project success.
• The growing interest in energy storage solutions and how they can enhance the value proposition of solar projects through demand charge management and grid services.
• The impact of evolving market dynamics, including interest rates and political climate, on financing options and the overall appetite for renewable energy investments.