Smart Lifestyle, curated for you by BGE and Empower Maryland

Issue 2: 2023

From the Editor’s Desk

Adopting a growth mindset

Eric Riopko head shot

With article after article that focuses on improvement, the magazine’s second volume has helped me focus on growth. We all have time to grow and evolve—to better ourselves.

Our state has set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% from 2006 levels by 2031—and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. Keeping an open mind and continually looking for ways to help us get there creates the perfect environment for positive change.

Much of this can seem overwhelming. Net-zero emissions can look like an intimidating goal. When faced with a potentially overwhelming task, I repeat a simple mantra, “Small actions add up to make a big impact.” What you’re doing matters. What you’re doing makes a difference.

Together, all these so-called small actions aren’t going to be just a tiny part of reaching this goal. They are going to be the difference between failure and success. I firmly believe that together, through small actions and by focusing on continual growth, we can make great things happen. And this volume can be your first exercise in honing your growth-focused skills.

Carving out some alone time with this publication—or any publication, or a book—can also give you the mindset to focus on your personal improvement.

So, take a chance and change your outlook. In no time, you’ll be instinctively looking to and shaping your life—a life where our small choices today will make a huge impact tomorrow.

signature of Eric Riopko

Eric A. Riopko

MANAGER, ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS

BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

Contributors

Amey Bayes

SENIOR EFFICIENCY PROGRAM MANAGER

Amey loves a good home improvement story. Especially those that end with energy savings. Ask her about HVAC systems, smart thermostats or home energy audits, and buckle in. Amey’s here for it all, and she can’t wait to see what the future holds.

BEN SCHOTT head shot

BEN SCHOTT

SENIOR EFFICIENCY PROGRAM MANAGER

Ben knows firsthand how energy efficiency can put older homes on a path to new life. He saw it early in his career as a home retrofitter. He now sees it in the smiles of people taking control of their energy use and finding a new reason to love their homes.

CYNTHIA EDWARDS head shot

CYNTHIA EDWARDS

SENIOR EFFICIENCY PROGRAM MANAGER

Cynthia approaches life with a curiosity mindset. What’s she curious about these days? How innovations in the rapidly changing world of appliances will revolutionize the energy efficiency of the products we rely on every day.