Member Spotlight

Kate Doherty

Energy Engineer II, Franklin Energy

jeremy latriano

“Being part of the BuildGreenCT community keeps me grounded in the work that inspired my career in the first place. Even as my role has shifted into the utility and energy-savings sector, this community gives me a place to stay connected to the people, projects, and momentum behind green building in our state. It’s a reminder that we’re all working toward the same goal—creating a healthier, more sustainable Connecticut together.”

Tell us about your work.

I work on the Shared Energy Services team at Franklin Energy, where I help prepare utility programs for their new program years. My role includes updating energy-savings calculations, adding or removing products from customer marketplaces, and aligning every measure with the latest technical reference manuals. Because these changes reflect which efficiency and electrification measures states prioritize, I get a unique view into how trends in decarbonization and energy optimization evolve each year. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job—I love seeing where utilities and municipalities are headed and watching the innovation unfold.

What’s your role in sustainability?

My role in sustainability is all about helping accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy. I work on designing and updating utility programs, ensuring that the energy-saving measures offered to customers are effective and aligned with the latest standards. By doing this, I get to support electrification, decarbonization, and energy optimization efforts across different states and communities—helping drive real impact in how we use and conserve energy.

What’s your Why?

I’m driven by my passion for the environment and my desire to make a tangible impact on sustainability. Growing up near the beach, I developed a love for nature, and I realized that pursuing energy and sustainability would let me take a more technical, hands-on approach to protecting it. I stay involved with BuildGreenCT because it connects me to the local green building community and allows me to see firsthand how our collective efforts contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Tell us about a project you are proud of. 

At the core of everything I do is a passion for protecting the environment and helping accelerate our transition to cleaner, more efficient energy. From green building to utility program design, I love being part of the momentum that pushes electrification, decarbonization, and sustainability forward in our communities.
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What motivates you?

I’m motivated by a combination of my passion for the environment, the opportunity to make a tangible impact through my work, and the support of my family, friends, and colleagues. Knowing that the programs I help shape contribute to energy efficiency, decarbonization, and sustainability keeps me inspired every day. I’m also energized by being part of a community—like BuildGreenCT—where I can connect with others who share my commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.

What are your hobbies? 

I’ve really gotten into canning and preserving! I mostly focus on seasonal fruits that I can pick locally, and next on my list is pressure-canning full meals. We also tap the maples on our property each year to make our own syrup—I’m working toward using only the syrup we produce ourselves. Follow along on Instagram @kateandjoz for our canning adventures!
latriano snow boarding
latriano snow boarding
latriano snow boarding
latriano snow boarding

Fun Fact:

I grew up working in my parents’ two bagel stores in New Jersey and spent 12 years there before moving to Connecticut for my first sustainability job.