Spring into action this April with a month full of environmental initiatives! From Earth Day celebrations to key CELC webinars on Environmental Law, there's plenty happening. We’re also spotlighting exciting member projects, funding opportunities, and upcoming events—including the 8th Annual North Texas Climate Symposium and TEA-UP updates. Read below for more details! | | |
In this newsletter:
- Mark Your Calendar: Exciting CELC Opportunities Ahead
- Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP)
- Spotlight on CELC: Member Events and Updates
- Career Moves: Hot Opportunities and Job Openings You Should Know
- What We're Reading: Insights and Toolkits
| | Mark Your Calendar: Exciting CELC Opportunities Ahead | | TODAY! TEA-UP Higher Education Energy Conference | | |
April 8 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
We hope you are heading to San Marcos today to join us for our Half-Day Conference focused on Energy in a Campus Environment!
Empowering Change: Energy Efficiency and Resiliency in Higher Education
Hosted by: SPEER | Supported by: SECO
In Partnership with: Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) and organized by the Texas Energy Advocates University Coalition (TEA-UP)
Are you a higher education professional passionate about energy efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability? Join us for an engaging workshop designed to explore the latest advancements and best practices for creating sustainable and resilient campus environments.
Event Highlights:
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Keynote Speaker: Mose Buchele (Journalist, KUT News)
- Interactive Sessions & Expert Insights
- Networking Opportunities with Sustainability Leaders
- Practical Strategies for Implementation
Conference Tracks:
- Developing Resilient Systems – Strategies to address climate challenges and enhance campus resiliency.
- Emerging Trends in Energy Efficiency – Innovations and advancements shaping the future of campus energy use.
- Fostering a Culture of Sustainability – Practical methods to drive institutional change and engagement.
Why Attend?
- Gain insights from industry leaders and sustainability experts.
- Connect with like-minded professionals to share ideas and best practices.
- Take actionable steps toward a more energy-efficient and sustainable campus.
- Cost: $40
Drive meaningful change within your academic community—don’t miss this opportunity to lead the way in sustainability!
Register today!
| | Webinar - Navigating Environmental Law: From Historic Acts to Modern Legislation | |
April 24 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Join us for an insightful webinar on Environmental Law, presented by Neil Kucera, a seasoned attorney with over 31 years of legal experience and a prosecutor for the Hays County District Attorney’s Office. With nearly two decades of teaching experience at Texas State University, Neil brings a wealth of knowledge on the evolving landscape of environmental regulations.
This session will explore:
- International Environmental Law and its global impact
- Historic Acts that have shaped environmental policy
- Recent Legislation and its implications for businesses and communities
- State-Level Regulations and compliance challenges
Whether you are a legal professional, policymaker, student, or environmental advocate, this webinar will provide valuable insights into the past, present, and future of environmental law. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field!
Speaker: Neil Kucera, County Attorney, Hays County District Attorney’s Office
Register here.
| | SPEER Houston Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshop | | |
SPEER’s Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshop is coming to Houston! This session will cover new and future heat pump technologies, the long-term effects of market transformation opportunities, where the market is heading, incentives, and much more. This training will be provided by experts from Daikin Comfort.
Details:
April 29th, 8:30 AM – 1 PM
7330 Langfield Rd, Houston, TX 77092
Coffee, breakfast and snacks will be provided.
This training is FREE thanks to our sponsor, CenterPoint Energy! Register here.
| | Registration Open: SPEER's Building Operator Certification Summer 2025 Course | | |
SPEER is a partner in the DOE’s Building Training and Assessment Center (BTAC) Grant. This grant supports Building Operator Certification (BOC) funding to enhance training for building energy efficiency professionals in energy-efficient design and operations in the south-central region.
By addressing workforce demand at the local and regional levels, it helps bridge the gap created by retiring professionals while preparing for the adoption of advanced building systems and controls.
The summer course will begin May 13th and run through mid-August. This course will be taught live, in a virtual format through Zoom with our qualified instructors. Spots are limited - register here.
*BOC training is for building professionals with two or more years’ experience who wish to broaden their knowledge of the total building system. Learn more about eligibility here.
| | Share Your Expertise: Call for Webinar Presenters | | Unleash your knowledge! We're seeking passionate experts to lead our upcoming webinars. If you're an industry leader with insights to share, we want to hear from you. Join us in inspiring and educating our community. Submit your proposal now! | | Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP) | | |
The Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP) is a dynamic coalition that brings together leaders from universities, local governments, and the energy sector to drive progress in energy efficiency across Texas. TEA-UP serves as a hub for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in the energy field.
Check out the newly-built webpage here and learn more about this fantastic program!
| | Spotlight on CELC: Member Events and Updates | | |
Powering the Future: School Districts' Bold Moves in Energy & Safety
Mansfield ISD
The Mansfield ISD Energy Conservation Office (ECO) is funding a project to replace parking lot pole lights at two adjacent sites – Ben Barber Innovation Academy and the Center for Performing Arts. These sites were originally built with different bulb-types, but with the LED replacement, they'll have one uniform parking lot color and increase savings and efficiency in the process. Coupled with TXU’s GreenBack program and a rebate from Oncor, the payback for this project is only about four years and the fixtures are guaranteed for 10.
Goose Creek CISD
Goose Creek CISD is actively engaged in a project with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Texas Lead Service Line Collaborative (TLSCC) to ensure safe drinking water for students and staff. As part of this initiative, every school within the district has undergone testing for lead in drinking water.
Following the testing, the district received lab results and Brita-filtered drinking pitchers to provide immediate access to safer water. Currently, Goose Creek CISD is in the process of applying for lead-free water distribution products through a grant program, which offers up to $3,000 per campus. With 10 campuses eligible, the district anticipates securing $30,000 worth of lead-free products to further enhance water safety across its schools.
| | USGBC Conference :"Rethinking Building Green" | | |
Tuesday, April 22nd
EarthX’s upcoming conference is titled "Rethinking Building Green," where they will explore innovative strategies and solutions for sustainable building practices. Featuring a keynote from Chris Pyke, Chief Innovation Officer at GRESB, this event promises an incredible lineup of speakers and thought leaders.
Location: Hilton Anatole - Dallas, Texas
Register here.
Use the code "Rethink" to drop the registration price by $80/day (code can be used for multiple days).
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8th Annual North Texas Climate Symposium
Wednesday, April 23rd
The City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability invites you to the 8th Annual North Texas Climate Symposium, taking place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at EarthX. This event brings together experts, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss critical climate issues and sustainable solutions for North Texas. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and be part of the region’s climate action efforts.
Location: Hilton Anatole - Dallas, Texas
Register here.
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Permitting and Inspection Training: Best Practices for Solar Arrays
April 24th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Alamo Area Council of Governments and the World Resources Institute invites you to attend the third session in their SolSmart series on Permitting and Inspection: Best Practices for Solar Arrays. This session will provide permitting and inspection staff better understanding of solar installations and how to best permit, inspect, and navigate these systems.
Attendees will discuss how their departments can review their current permitting process, identify opportunities to streamline them, and develop a “permitting checklist” outlining the required permits, submittals, and steps of their community’s permitting process for residential rooftop solar PV.
Location: 2700 NE Loop 410, Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78217
Register here.
| | UT Austin Energy Technology and Policy Conference | | |
June 16th - June 18th
An exciting professional development opportunity is available for educators: a free three-day energy education workshop (valued at $1,275), taking place June 16–18 at The University of Texas at Austin.
The workshop will be led by Dr. Michael E. Webber, UT Austin professor and energy expert, and is based on his acclaimed Energy 101 course. It’s designed to provide educators with practical tools and engaging content to bring energy topics into the classroom.
Teachers who attend may be eligible to receive a $400 stipend, along with hands-on training, curriculum resources, and the chance to connect with peers from across the state.
Location: University of Texas at Austin
More details and registration here.
| | Career Moves: Hot Opportunities & Job Openings You Should Know | | |
The Energy to Communities (E2C) program is now accepting applications for a new round of peer-learning cohorts!
E2C’s peer-learning cohorts are provided by the U.S. Department of Energy to convene local and regional governments, Tribes, and municipal and cooperative utilities from across the country to spend 6 months learning from energy experts—and each other—about best practices, strategies, and tools for approaching a specific energy topic.
E2C peer-learning cohort applications are due by Wednesday, May 7. The two cohorts will start in July.
Learn more and apply here.
| | What We're Reading: Insights and Inspiration | | |
Introducing the Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) Legislative Guidebook: A Resource for Policymakers and Advocates
A first-of-its-kind resource is now available to help policymakers and advocates shape the future of clean heating and cooling in their states. The Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) Legislative Guidebook provides side-by-side comparisons of existing TENs laws, future policy recommendations, and concise statutory language to support equitable decarbonization.
Developed by the Building Decarbonization Coalition in collaboration with Vermont Law and Graduate School, this guidebook offers essential insights into ownership models, affordability provisions, and regulatory best practices for scaling TENs. It’s a valuable tool for advancing policies that promote sustainable energy solutions.
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Explore Valuable Case Studies and Best Practices from the International District Energy Association (IDEA)
A valuable resource with case studies from the International District Energy Association (IDEA), a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association founded in 1909, provides insights into highly reliable thermal networks, combined heat and power, thermal storage, and clean energy management. With extensive experience in optimizing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and delivering sustainable solutions, IDEA serves mission-critical and community-scale markets. Explore their comprehensive best practices and case studies to learn more about innovative approaches to energy management.
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