Fueling Efficiency: Strategic Natural Gas Procurement & Engineering for Operations

NPFDA-sponsored Webinar: Fueling Efficiency: Strategic Natural Gas Procurement & Engineering for Operations

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
2:00 – 2:45 pm ET
Via Zoom
Complimentary for NPFDA and community members

This focused webinar, hosted by Environ Energy, is specifically designed for operations, finance, and procurement leaders within the National Protein and Food Distributors Association (NPFDA). It offers actionable insights into managing your energy spend, with a particular emphasis on natural gas and facility engineering.

Given that natural gas is often a primary fuel source for boilers, heating, and specialized equipment in the protein sector, optimizing its cost and consumption is essential for maintaining profitability.  Unlike electricity procurement, which is limited to select states, natural gas can be purchased from competitive suppliers in nearly every state.  Recent upward pressure and volatile swings in the price of natural gas means now is a perfect time to establish a strategic approach to purchasing and consuming this commodity.  

Part 1: Natural Gas Procurement Management  

• Market Risk Management: Learn to navigate the volatile natural gas market. We'll cover key market drivers and fundamentals, explore different strategies like hedging and fixed-price contracts to lock in favorable rates, and other methods for ensuring budget stability.
• Avoid Common Contract Pitfalls: Learn about things to watch for when contracting such as swing tolerance, incremental supply language, and ensuring NYMEX and Basis are hedged appropriately.

Part 2: Engineering & Operational Efficiency 

• Efficiency Projects: Focus on engineering solutions tailored to high natural gas use, including boiler and steam system optimization, advanced burner management, and waste heat recovery.
• Incentives & Funding: Identify federal, state, and utility-level rebates and incentives available for implementing high-efficiency natural gas-fired equipment and facility upgrades. 

Speakers

Ben Walker oversees Environ’s energy market analytics. Since 2014, Ben has served Environ’s clients by creating analyses and market intelligence which allow clients to make data-driven decisions regarding their energy supply portfolios. His work covers regional energy price trends, custom hedging strategies & algorithms, price risk quantification, incorporation of on-site energy production (cogen, solar, etc.), incorporation of off-site renewables (PPA, RECs, & Community Solar), contract structuring, and more

As the Vice President of Engineering at Environ, Chris Recine leads the engineering team in developing a variety of infrastructure projects, including HVAC systems, controls, renewable energy, EV charging, demand response, co-generation, and lighting. Over the past eight years, he has worked in energy efficiency for large commercial and industrial customers, with a particular focus on critical infrastructure for hospitals, data centers, and biotech sectors. In his previous roles at Fairbanks Energy Services and Mantis Innovation, Chris was responsible for developing and planning large-scale, multi-site infrastructure projects, including lighting, HVAC systems, controls, and renewable and sustainable solutions. He also managed project funding and execution. Over the past seven years, he has overseen projects totaling $25 million across 15 states and over 200 customer locations. 

Oliver Hoad, Environ Energy, Q&A Moderator