S3 E3 | AI, Energy, and the Future of Smart Buildings | Encycle CEO

AI workloads, EV adoption, and commercial building energy demand are all putting new pressure on the grid. In this episode of Signals, Gwen Chen sits down with Ana-Paula Issa, CEO of Encycle, to talk about how AI can help commercial buildings use energy more efficiently without sacrificing comfort. AP explains why HVAC is one of the biggest sources of energy consumption in commercial buildings, how Encycle uses machine learning to optimize rooftop units, and why reducing grid stress requires collaboration across utilities, retailers, facilities teams, energy managers, and sustainability leaders. They also discuss: Why HVAC optimization is still one of the most overlooked energy opportunities How AI data centers and EV adoption are increasing pressure on the grid How Encycle helps reduce energy use while maintaining occupant comfort Why behavior change matters, even when it comes to something as simple as adjusting a thermostat How utilities evaluate and incentivize emerging energy technologies The role of measurement and verification in proving ROI AP’s journey from sales leader to CEO Why the future of AI in facilities may be workflow optimization AP also shares a practical energy-saving tip for both homes and commercial spaces: stop changing the thermostat so often. Signals is hosted by Gwen Chen and features conversations with leaders in AI, product, GTM, marketing, infrastructure, and emerging technology. #ai #energymanagement #smartbuildings #sustainability #GridStress #hvac #HVACOptimization #machinelearning #energyefficiency #cleantech #facilitiesmanagement #commercialrealestate #datacenters #aiinfrastructure #utilities #DemandResponse #carbonreduction #futureofwork #SignalsPodcast #solcrysai