MEETS: Unlocking Deep Energy Efficiency with No Upfront Costs
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Virtual Session
12:00 - 1:00 PM
About the Presentation:
As big commercial building owners face increasing pressure from rising electric rates—driven in part by rapid load growth from data centers—while maintaining financial performance, traditional energy efficiency approaches often fall short due to split incentives, capital constraints, and risk concerns. This webinar introduces the Metered Energy Efficiency Transaction Structure (MEETS)—an innovative model that delivers increased electric capacity at low cost through verified efficiency savings as a measurable, financeable resource purchased by the utility.
Originally piloted in Seattle, MEETS enables commercial and multifamily building owners to implement deep energy upgrades with no upfront capital, while improving Net Operating Income, asset value, and ESG performance. Energy Service Companies earn long-term, performance-based revenue, while utilities meet efficiency goals, deliver increased local electric capacity, and unlock a new revenue source.
This session will explore how MEETS works, why it matters for LEED and net-zero goals, and how it is being explored in markets like Austin and Boston.
Moderator:
Ashley Besic
Ashley, the Associate Manager of Thermal Energy Networks at the Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC), is a seasoned professional dedicated to driving impactful change. Leading initiatives that engage policymakers, the building industry, and consumers, she pioneers zero-emission lifestyle solutions, aiming to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels and significantly reduce climate pollution. In collaboration with the team, Ashley plays a pivotal role in convening state policymakers, manufacturers, and industry associations, working towards a comprehensive strategy for the phased transition away from gas appliances and implementing BDC's thermal network coalition organizing activities across the U.S.
Additionally, Ashley oversees the Making Equity Real process, integrating equity considerations into all stages of project development and execution, ensuring that equity metrics and goals are established, tracked, and met across all TENs activities, and advocating for equitable practices and policies within the organization and among stakeholders. They manage the day-to-day operations of the National TENs Coalition. Acknowledged for her ability to solicit feedback and represent BDC's interests in national dialogues, Ashley serves as a relationship manager for critical stakeholder groups. Before her impactful tenure at BDC, she led the implementation of the ULI Net Zero Imperative and played a key role in establishing sustainability initiatives at LivCor, showcasing her passion and precision. Ashley holds a Master of Science in Real Estate and a B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies, along with certifications as a LEED Green Associate, Fitwel Ambassador, and Green Globes Emerging Professional.
Presenters:
MEETS Expert Audrey Schulman, Executive Director
- Founded HEET in 2008 and helped lead it for 16 years.
-Created the first-in-the-nation statewide map of natural gas leaks.
- Initiated a research study that discovered a method for gas utilities to identify super-emitting gas leaks in order to repair them.
-Initiated the study that focused the country’s attention on the health impacts of gas stoves.
-Co-developed HEET’s innovative solution to transition gas utilities from gas to networked geothermal, an approach that is gaining traction nationally.
-Wrote six novels, which have been translated into 12 languages and reviewed by The New Yorker, The Economist and CNN.
ESCO: Ellis G. Guiles, CEO | Founder | Owner of EG2 Engineering and Graboyes Efficiency Tenant, and President of Graboyes Commercial Window & Glass Solutions 
A forward-thinking leader in the green and sustainable construction industry, Ellis Guiles is known for his ability to bring together leaders and teams across disciplines to develop consensus and drive innovative solutions to complex problems. A licensed professional engineer with an MBA in global product strategy, Guiles has more than 40 years of experience in the HVAC, glazing, building performance, and construction industries, having held positions in manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing and general management. His credentials have included that of LEED AP, HERS Rater, Green Rater, and Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification. He has held five BPI certifications and was a recognized proctor for the organization.
Guiles has presented more than 40 webinars and training sessions for many organizations including Air Conditioning Contractors of America and Building Performance Contractors Association. He was a recognized EPA ENERGY STAR v3.0 trainer and was a trainer supporting Newport Ventures’ Mechanical and Energy Conservation Code training for code officers in New York between 2007 and 2017. Guiles graduated in 1986 from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering. In 2002, he received an MBA degree, magna cum laude, from SUNY Empire State College. He has held membership in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the Building Performance Institute, the Building Performance Contractors Association of NYS. He was the first chairperson of ACCA’s Building Performance Council and was an ACCA National Board Member. He is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.
