|
|
What's new this month:
- Upcoming Webinars
- SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop: See You This Week!
- New SPEER Members
- Noteworthy
- In Case You Haven't Heard the News
- SPEER Resources & Webinar Archive
| | | |
Open Cell Spray Foam: Comfort, Compliance, and Code Clarity
September 23 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Presented by: Cody Wilson, Climate Control Insulation
Spray foam insulation continues to grow in popularity—but how does it really perform when it comes to energy code compliance, building durability, and occupant comfort?
We’ll discuss:
- How open cell spray foam compares to traditional insulation materials
- Common field questions about R-values, air barriers, and vapor control
- When and how open cell foam meets (or exceeds) the 2021 and 2024 IECC requirements
Whether you’re an inspector, builder, or energy rater, this session will equip you with the insights needed to evaluate open cell foam projects with confidence.
| | | |
Resilient Homes: Plain Talk for Regular Folks
September 25 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Join Citizens’ Environmental Coalition and CenterPoint Energy for a free webinar that breaks down the essentials of building science in easy-to-understand language. Learn how to lower energy bills, reduce mold, improve indoor air quality, and protect your home against extreme weather. Randy Plumlee, Sr. Manager of Building Performance at SPEER, will share practical tips on insulation, ventilation, and moisture control, plus how to spot costly inefficiencies. Perfect for Houston homeowners, seniors, and low-income households looking to improve comfort, health, durability, and safety—without sacrificing affordability.
Fundamentals Learned:
- A Home is a system. Every component of a house works together
- Proper insulation, mechanical ventilation, and moisture control techniques
- Find hidden inefficiencies
| | |
SECO Utility Management Reporting
October 1 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
This webinar focuses on Utility Management Reporting for the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) of Texas and will equip participants with the knowledge and tools to collect, analyze, and interpret utility data for reducing energy costs and improving performance. Participants will learn reporting best practices and benchmarking in ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager.
State law 4 Tex. Gov. Code §447.009 (c) and (e) directs each state agency and institution of higher education to set percentage goals for reducing its usage of water, electricity, gasoline and natural gas. The target audience is state agencies and higher education institutions.
| | | SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop: This Week! | |
Registration for this year's Industry + Policy Workshop is officially closed! If you missed out, we will have a few limited spots for onsite registration.
Make sure to join us on Thursday for our codes-specific panel, Beyond Code: Why Builders Choose to Build Above the Minimum Energy Code Requirements.
Check out the full agenda here. Looking forward to seeing y'all this week in Austin!
|
| | |
We are thrilled to announce that Resource Innovations has joined our organization of over 70 members!
We'd also like to welcome CPS Energy back to SPEER and look forward to future collaborations that advance energy efficiency across South Texas, while showcasing the outstanding work the utility is doing.
Thank you to all of our incredible members for your continued support of our mission. See how your organization can get involved and learn more about SPEER membership here.
|
| | |
NREL Contractor Survey
As state and local governments are rolling out new funding and training programs for building efficiency and trades, it is essential that these opportunities are accessible and attractive to contractors.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is conducting a 10-minute survey to gain insights into contractors’ perceptions and approaches to worker hiring, training, and upskilling.
Your participation will help decision makers ensure that the training programs available are responsive to industry needs and constraints. The first 75 completions will receive a $45 electronic gift card for your time & insight! Head here for the survey.
| |
Save the Date: Texas Energy Summit 2025
The 22nd Annual Texas Energy Summit is taking place from November 4-6, 2025, at the Texas Capitol in Austin!
This dynamic event spotlights the intersection of air quality and energy systems, uniting individuals and groups from government, industry, academia, and non profit organizations to explore and address pressing energy and air quality issues. Sessions include discussions of energy policies & the future, air quality, Texas energy leadership, and more.
Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and contribute to the energy landscape. You can learn more about the Summit, explore the agenda, and secure your spot here.
| |
OUBCC Technical Code Review Committee
The OUBCC has created a technical code review committee to review the 2024 editions of the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, and International Residential Code as they relate to possible changes for consolidated dwellings and affordable housing.
We are looking for volunteers to serve on this committee. The application deadline is October 1, 2025. Information regarding the available positions and qualifications as well as the application are available on the home page of their website.
| |
When: Sept 17th, 6-8 pm
Where: Energy Codes training for Bluebonnet ICC Chapter
When: Sept 18th – 19th
Where: SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop
When: Oct 9th
Where: Centennial Center Veterans Park for Manual J and S training in Tulsa
When: Oct 16th – 18th
Where: TPREIA-InterNACHI Convention in Dallas
| *Interested in SPEER bringing in-field training to you or learning about the 2021 IECC changes, mechanical ventilation training, and HVAC best practices? |
| | Next Code Adoption - While We Wait | | | |
Texas’ Energy Code Adoption: What You Need to Know
Texas follows a structured process for adopting new building energy codes, led by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) with technical review from the Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL) at Texas A&M. Every three years, the International Code Council releases updated codes, and SECO opens a public comment period before ESL analyzes stringency, cost impacts, and—especially for single-family homes—housing affordability and payback periods.
Commercial codes are updated on a 3-year cycle, while single-family residential codes follow a 6-year cycle. If adopted, new codes take effect no sooner than nine months after SECO’s decision, giving industry time to adjust. Local governments may adopt amendments, but in air-quality “non-attainment” areas, amendments cannot weaken state standards.
This process ensures that energy codes in Texas balance efficiency, cost, and local flexibility, while maintaining a consistent statewide framework. A new adoption process will begin September 1, 2025, so stakeholders should be ready for refinement to timelines and requirements.
Click here for additional information.
| | In Case You Haven't Heard the News | |
Advancing Energy Efficiency Through Trusted Ratings
The Home Energy Rating Systems Council (HERS Council) has been the practitioner’s voice for home energy raters, verifiers, and auditors since 1993. As a nonprofit trade association, the HERS Council advocates for high-quality energy verification practices, helps shape federal and state policies, and provides a platform for collaboration among building professionals.
From establishing industry standards to supporting professionals in the field, the HERS Council plays a pivotal role in driving energy efficiency, building performance, and homeowner value. If you’re a builder, energy rater, policymaker, or simply passionate about sustainable housing, this is an organization worth following.
To learn more about HERSC and explore membership opportunities, head here.
|
| | SPEER Resources & Webinar Archive | Check out all the resources we have on our website, including a link to our YouTube page with hours of video training content! |
| | | | |
