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CELC Edition
We're thrilled to announce a series of webinars, including an insightful session with the Department of Energy focusing on specific opportunities for local governments. This webinar promises to be packed with valuable information covering training, grants, and job opportunities in the energy sector.
As we navigate tax season, it's crucial to spotlight the many energy efficiency opportunities available to residents and local governments. With rebates and tax credits waiting to be claimed, the State Energy Conservation Office offers invaluable resources, including updates, DOE resources, and a comprehensive list of energy-efficient products eligible for tax credits. Let's unite and seize the power of energy efficiency together!
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In this newsletter:
- Upcoming Webinars and Events
- CELC Member Events
- Training Opportunities
- Grant Opportunities
- Resources: Surveys, SPEER's Youtube Channel and Reports
- Job and Grant Opportunities
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What’s Hot with Heat Pumps
Tuesday, March 19, at 10:30 AM CST
Join us for our next SPEER webinar focused on heat pump technology, and why it’s ideal in southern markets. Our expert presenter will discuss the evolution of the technology over the years (which has improved dramatically!), cover why an inverter runs continuously, and why that’s a good thing. We will review the cost perspective when it comes to homeowners and the life cycle of their equipment as well as any upfront costs and impacts to utility bills. Lastly, we’ll touch on important tax incentives and the direction high-performance homes are moving.
Speaker: Garrett Smith, Area Sales Manager (Central Texas), Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC
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Why Energy Codes Matter
March 26 at 10:30 AM CST
Discover through expert insights and a wealth of data the importance of energy codes in building energy-efficient homes. Learn how these codes not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also offer substantial cost savings. This informative session will guide you through the benefits, key components, and application of energy codes. Whether you’re an industry veteran or new to the energy code, this webinar will arm you with essential knowledge to contribute to a healthier planet. Dive into the future of construction, where efficiency and sustainability meet.
Speaker: Jason Vandever, Director of Technical Services, NAIMA (North American Insulation Manufacturers Association)
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Local Government Tax Benefits with the Department of Energy
March 28th at 10:00 am
Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by the Department of Energy (DOE) as we examine strategies for empowering investments in clean energy. In light of the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes tax credits for stimulating clean energy development, this webinar will explore the opportunities and implications for investors, businesses, and policymakers. Join us and learn about how tax credits and elective pay options can drive investments in clean energy and contribute to a sustainable future.
Speakers:
• Dr. Alex Kate Halvey, AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow- U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Policy
• Kelsey Landau, Presidential Management Fellow-U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Policy
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Empowering the Future: Austin Energy All-Stars Program for 6th Graders - Discovering Electricity, Savings, and Sustainability
April 11 at 10:00 AM CST
Join us as representatives from the Austin Independent School District present the outcomes and impact of the "All-Stars" program. Austin Energy proudly supports the All-Stars Program, a unique opportunity for teachers, students, and families to delve into the world of energy efficiency. Tailored for 6th-grade students, this program combines an in-class curriculum with a take-home kit packed with energy-efficient products. Uncover the mysteries of electricity, learn valuable ways to save energy and money, and embark on a journey toward a sustainable future. Implemented in various schools within the Austin Independent School District, this program showcases a collaborative effort to enhance the educational experience for students, contributing to a broader understanding of energy efficiency. Discover how this initiative has influenced students, enriched their understanding of energy concepts, and contributed to the broader educational goals of the district.
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TECCC Meeting: Save the Date! | |
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SPEER aims to promote energy code compliance across TX & OK by optimizing energy efficiency, durability, and affordability. Save the date for our upcoming in-person Texas Energy Code Compliance Collaborative (TECCC) meeting on April 18th! By facilitating the collaboration, SPEER connects industry stakeholders to help develop resources and programs that encourage compliance with state and local energy codes. This group of collaborative members meets quarterly and aids with the following efforts:
- Develop strategies to increase compliance rates & resiliency
- Provide and disseminate information to their respective industry stakeholders
- Participate in the effort to measure and verify the State’s code compliance
We will be combining TECCC with our Ambassador meeting as well, which you can learn more about here, and we invite you to consider becoming become a SPEER Energy Code Ambassador. The meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin - Round Rock: 2310 N. IH 35. Please let us know if you plan to join us for both the TECCC and Ambassador meeting: Register here!
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TEPRI's 2023 Community Voices in Energy Survey
The Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI)'s 2023 Community Voices in Energy Survey shines a light on LMI households that are faced with high energy burdens and often have to make the hard decision between paying for their energy bills or food and necessary medication as climate risks increase. This survey helps to better understand concerns around affordability, reliability, energy insecurity, clean energy, and more.
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AACOG Indoor Air Quality In-Person Workshop
Tuesday, March 19th from 10-12pm
This workshop will take place on March 19th from 10-12:00 at AACOG's San Antonio Room located at 2700 NE Interstate 410 Loop, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78217. Join us for a comprehensive look at indoor air quality, why it's important, and how it can affect public health.
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Check out SPEER's YouTube Channel
Excited to share the wealth of knowledge and inspiration from SPEER's thriving YouTube channel! With over a thousand subscribers and a collection of 167 engaging videos, our channel offers valuable insights, discussions, and resources. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn and grow with us - check out SPEER's YouTube channel today!
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Free Online Demand Flexibility Training
Through demand flexibility, we can align energy production and demand and reduce the need for costly infrastructure investments in transmission and central generation. Demand flexibility is the coordinated manipulation of energy consumption and production across grid devices on a massive scale while maintaining livability and comfort standards.
AESP is offering free online courses that are convenient and designed for energy efficiency leaders. Elevate your expertise with FLEX's accredited online courses and dive into water heaters, lighting, HVAC systems, and cutting-edge distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar, battery storage, and EVSE. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, FLEX's 3-course series offers flexible learning modules and equips tomorrow's workforce with skills for grid-interactive energy technologies.
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Free education course in March: Coastal Adaptation and resilience: A Blueprint for Coastal Adaptation: Uniting Design, Economics, and Policy
Basic level | 1 CE credit | Created by Island Press | Webinar format
Coastal cities are centers of innovation and economic productivity, and they're at the forefront of climate change. Experts in the field of climate adaptation gather in this panel discussion, exploring efforts to build resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change along coastlines, looking at insurance markets, New York City, FEMA, and a recent emphasis on equity.
The course includes a 40-minute webinar featuring Jainey Bavishi, the resilience director for New York City's Office of the Mayor; Paul Huang, the acting assistant administrator of resilience for FEMA; and Caroline Kousky, the executive director of Wharton Risk Center at the University of Pennsylvania and an editor of "A Blueprint for Coastal Adaptation," an excerpt from which is also used in this course.
View the Course
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Job and Grant Opportunities | |
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SchoolPool Grant
SchoolPool is a grant-based program that leverages online and mobile tools to match parents and caregivers to potential carpool network opportunities. All schools selected to participate in SchoolPool will receive $500 as an incentive to develop a carpool, bikepool, and walkpool program at their school and to cover any initial launch expenses. Every other month, Movability will evaluate SchoolPool participation and offer an additional $100 to each school that has maintained or increased the number of SchoolPools operating on their campus since the last evaluation period up to $500. The school with the most SchoolPools in operation will be recognized with an end-of-the-year celebration on their campus.
*Movability is targeting private and charter schools that serve grades K-8 for the pilot program, possibly including one or two area public schools. Movability is also happy to work with your school community if you want to open up carpooling opportunities to school faculty and staff!
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