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City Efficiency Leadership Council Newsletter


Happy Holidays to you! Energy efficiency is a great topic for outreach, especially during the holiday season when energy consumption tends to increase. Here are some tips to celebrate the holidays while being mindful of energy efficiency:

  1. LED Lights: Use energy-efficient LED holiday lights instead of traditional incandescent lights. LED lights consume less energy and last longer.
  2. Timers for Decorations: Set timers for your holiday decorations so they automatically turn off when not needed. This helps reduce energy consumption and ensures that lights aren't left on unnecessarily.
  3. Energy-Efficient Decorations: Choose energy-efficient decorations, such as those with low energy consumption or those powered by renewable energy sources.
  4. Cooking Efficiency: When preparing holiday meals, use energy-efficient appliances and cook multiple dishes at the same time to make the most of your oven's heat. Also, consider using the microwave or slow cooker for some dishes.
  5. Smart Thermostat: If you're hosting guests, use a smart thermostat to optimize heating and cooling in your home. Adjust the temperature when you have a full house and scale it back when the house is less busy.
  6. Gifts with a Purpose: Consider giving gifts that promote energy efficiency, such as smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, or LED bulbs.

In this newsletter:

  • Local Government Energy Reporting Workshop: December 5th
  • Energy Efficiency Jobs in America Report
  • Upcoming Energy Events + Webinars
  • Grants
  • Join CELC!
  • Training Opportunity
  • Election Day
  • What We're Reading and Listening Too
  • Job Opportunities



Upcoming Energy Events

CELC Webinar- Optimizing Industrial Efficiency

Insights from Oklahoma State's Industrial Assessment Center 


Join us for an exclusive webinar as we delve into the pioneering initiatives of the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Industrial Assessment Center (IAC). Discover how the OSU IAC stands out as a beacon of innovation, leveraging its resources to support local industries and enhance workforce skills. This webinar will provide a unique insight into the program's key objectives, methodologies, and success stories, showcasing its dedication to advancing sustainable practices, energy efficiency, and economic resilience.


Date: 11/30/23

Time: 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mwIL9XOqSCOPyFAE50NiNw

SPEER Energy Codes Webinar: The final draft of the 2024 IECC is quickly approaching. Register for SPEER's upcoming webinar (today, November 7th!) at 10:30 am central focused on the 2024 IECC Residential: What we know so far (part 2). Be sure to watch the recording for Part 1 and catch up on what you missed on our YouTube channel.

Local Government Reporting Workshop

Save the date for our upcoming workshop! Join AACOG (Alamo Area Council of Governments) and SPEER for a FREE in-person workshop to learn about the Local Government Energy Reporting Requirement, a state mandate to report and reduce electricity consumption for cities and counties. Attendees will gain helpful information and tips to successfully report in early 2024 and hear from, a local government staff representative who has completed the energy reporting requirement previously. A breakout session will be held to discuss questions and concerns about energy reporting, followed by a luncheon. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn about how to comply with the state mandate and lower your operational costs. 


When: Tuesday, December 5th, 11 AM - 12:30 PM

Where: 2700 NE Interstate 410 Loop Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78217

Speaker: Shaun Auckland, South Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER)

Learn More & Register Now

Energy Efficiency Jobs in America Report

Found in nearly every U.S. county, local economies greatly benefit from energy efficiency. The 2022 Energy Efficiency Jobs In America report reveals that 2.2 million Americans work in energy efficiency! In SPEER’s region of Texas and Oklahoma, Oklahoma placed in the top 5 for highest percentage growth of EE jobs for the second consecutive year, and Texas is number two for total gross jobs (164,470).


Buildings hold massive potential for deeper energy savings. Improved insulation, better HVAC and appliances, and new digital controls are just a few common efficiency upgrades that benefit building’s air quality, occupant comfort, and reduce emissions & energy waste. In this report you can now see details on energy efficiency workers, businesses, and more for each state.

Grants Opportunities

How to Apply for the Natural Gas and Propane Motor Vehicle

Federal Tax Credit Webinar

The Houston-Galveston Clean Cities Coalition is hosting a Lunch & Learn Workshop Webinar with the Lone Star Clean Fuels Alliance and the Texas Natural Gas Foundation. Come learn how to claim your natural gas and propane fuel tax credit.

December 5, 2023 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Central Time

Register Here

Resource guide

Technical Assistance to Tribal Nations and Entities Addressing Brownfields Grant 

A critical part of EPA’s Brownfields and Land Revitalization Program is ensuring that residents living in communities historically affected by economic disinvestment, health disparities, and environmental contamination can benefit from technical assistance for brownfields redevelopment. EPA’s Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization (OBLR) is soliciting applications from eligible entities to provide specialized technical assistance to increase the capacity of Tribal Nations and entities to build sustainable brownfield programs and strengthen capacity to manage successful brownfields reuse. 

Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grant

Offering funding for Tribes to develop their energy business or expand their energy capabilities

More information: https://www.bia.gov/service/grants/tedc

Become a CELC Member

Are you a Texas city or school district seeking to reduce energy costs and improve sustainability? Look no further than the City Efficiency Leadership Council CELC! As part of SPEER's Local Government Program, CELC is a collaborative network of public entities dedicated to sharing resources and best practices for energy management. Best of all, membership is FREE and sponsored by the State Energy Conservation Office SECO.


These benefits are: 

  • Network to 1,000 plus professionals  
  • Ten hours of technical assistance 
  • Access to templates for climate plans, support letters, and energy plans 
  • Resource-filled newsletters once a month 
  • Closed CELC LinkedIn Group for information sharing 
  • Opportunity to participate in a SPEER-sponsored ICELI Resilience Cohort. Does the cohort last for eight months at a training value of $? 
  • Invitation to participate in the CELC Training Development Working Group (limited to five local governments). The local governments who participate will have training provided to their staff. 
  • Invitation to participate in the CELC Resource Analysis Focus Group. The Focus Group findings will be shared with all participants and submitted to the State Energy Conservation Office. 

 

All City Leadership Efficiency Council (CELC) members are requested to fill out an application of interest for better recordkeeping and communications. The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) supports this program.  

 

If you would like more information and to apply, you can click here

Training Opportunity- Discounted Training Opportunity for SPEER Allies

We want to welcome SPEER's newest member, DISCO Learning Media, who specializes in eCourse development, digital publishing, program management, and provides an online resource for aspiring professionals. DISCO's parent company Upstryve has developed a comprehensive 2023 LEED Green Associate Prep and Review course designed with current and aspiring professionals in mind. They are offering SPEER allies and partners a 30% discount if you are one of the first 300 to apply the coupon code SPEER30 at checkout. This offer to unlock a greener future and get LEED accredited ends December 31, 2023. More details below.

In an era where sustainability has become an essential global mandate, the demand for skilled professionals equipped with advanced knowledge on energy efficiency is skyrocketing. LEED accreditation stands as a beacon of excellence in this transformative landscape, marking an individual’s expertise in one of the most widely recognized green rating systems in the world.

Why earn your LEED Accreditation?

• Broaden Your Horizons

• Drive Organizational Success

• Enhance Your Marketability

• Align with Social Responsibility

• No Technical Background Required 

 

Become LEED accredited and help shape a greener tomorrow: https://leed.upstryve.com

What We're Reading and Listening too

What to Know About the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund- USGBC Podcast

Sodium Batteries Offer an Alternative to Tricky Lithium- Economist


Tech Hubs to Spur American Innovation, Strengthen Manufacturing, and Create Good-Paying Jobs in Every Region of the Country- White House


Zombie Gas and Coal Plants May Rise From Their Graves Across Texas This Winter - Sierra Club, Lone Star Chapter


The new push for heat pumps (This blog is an Q and A with Harrison Grubbs, VP of Energy Efficiency Practice, to learn more about heat pump technology and what to expect from the upcoming incentive programs) - CLEAResult


United States Energy & Employment Report 2023 - DOE


Wind Power Life Cycle Assessment- University of Toronto


Job Opportunities

Climate Project Manager- City of San Antonio


Senior Energy Analyst- City of San Antonio


Environmental Project Manager- Travis County


Grants and Contracts Specialist- Houston Advanced Research Center



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