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This month’s CELC Virtual Coffee Hour was a fantastic space for collaboration, with seven agencies joining us to share insights, passion projects, and challenges. It was an inspiring discussion that highlighted the incredible work happening across our community.
Looking ahead, the Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) & TEA-UP Conference is just five weeks away! Higher education professionals and industry partners won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with thought leaders, spark new collaborations, and bridge the gap between academia and industry. Stay tuned for more details, and mark your calendars!
With spring break around the corner, we hope you take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the season. Whether you’re traveling or unwinding at home, have a safe and fun break!
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In this newsletter:
- SPEER's 2024 Impact Report
- Mark Your Calendar: Exciting CELC Opportunities Ahead
- Spotlight on CELC: Member Events and Updates
- Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP)
- Career Moves: Hot Opportunities and Job Openings You Should Know
- What We're Reading: Insights and Toolkits
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SPEER's 2024 Impact Report | |
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2024 was truly a banner year for SPEER and one that we are all very proud of. As we look back on last year, there are many achievements we are celebrating. Click here to check out some highlights in our 2024 Impact Report.
We are thankful to all of you who joined us in our efforts last year. Here's to even more progress in 2025 as we continue our commitment to promoting energy efficiency in Texas and Oklahoma!
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Mark Your Calendar: Exciting CELC Opportunities Ahead | |
11th Annual TRACS Summit- The Power of Sustainability: Energy Transitions, Conservation, and Education on your Campus | |
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April 6-8, 2025
The Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) was formed in 2008 at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conference in Raleigh, North Carolina with the support of the Environmental Science Institute at the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas State Energy Conservation Office. Since 2008, TRACS has facilitated events and collaborations to forward campus greenhouse gas emissions reductions and sustainability initiatives, including the Annual TRACS Summit hosted by a different participating college or university each year.
The TRACS summit focuses on continued education for sustainability practices, and participants will have the opportunity to engage and converse about overcoming the emerging issues arising in today’s society. SPEER is thrilled to support this summit recognizing energy and sustainability in higher education, and is a proud sponsor of this year’s event.
More info and registration here.
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TEA-UP Higher Education Energy Conference | |
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April 8 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Join Us for a 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!
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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! | |
Spotlight on CELC: Member Events and Updates | |
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SolSmart: Planning for Solar Training
Thursday, March 27th, 10:00am-11:30am
The Alamo Area Council of Governments invites you to attend their free Planning for Solar Training. This training will provide communities with strategies for incorporating solar into plans, ordinances, and development regulations.
A local government’s approach to zoning and development can have a significant impact on solar energy growth. Learn how the inclusion of solar energy planning and zoning best practices can provide a foundation that can help facilitate the growth of solar energy, while balancing other development priorities in a community.
Where: 2700 NE Loop 410, Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78217 (virtual option available)
Register here to attend.
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Austin Climate Action Plan - Waste, Materials, & Industry Workshop
March 28th, 9:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Government, business, technical experts and community stakeholders will have the opportunity to share their perspectives, explore regional projects, and identify opportunities to advance strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in the Waste, Materials, and Industrial sectors.
This workshop serves as a key step in developing a regional air quality improvement and emission reduction plan—the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan. The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan will outline strategies for local governments across Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties to reduce emissions. Each strategy will be accompanied by an assessment of impacts and benefits including air quality, co-benefits (resilience, lower bills, green space), and workforce among others. More information can be found at the City of Austin website.
Location: Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752
Register here.
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Austin Energy Green Building Workshop Series
Tuesdays, April 1, 8, and 15, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (CT)
Interested in buying, building, or remodeling a sustainable home? Austin Energy’s free online workshops guide you through the entire process, from planning and design to efficient building practices that improve comfort and reduce maintenance costs. Attend one, two, or all three sessions. AIA Learning Units/HSW and certificates of completion available.
Location: Live webinar (via WebEx)
Register here.
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SPEER Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshop | |
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Following last year's successful event, SPEER is back with another Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshop, which will cover new and future heat pump technologies, the long-term effects of market transformation opportunities, benefits and barriers of heat pump installation, incentives, and much more.
Details:
April 9th, 8:30 AM – 1 PM
Austin Energy Headquarters: 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723
Shudde Fath Room
Coffee, breakfast and snacks will be provided.
This training is FREE thanks to our sponsor, Austin Energy! Register here.
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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.
Location: EarthX
Register here.
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Career Moves: Hot Opportunities & Job Openings You Should Know | |
What We're Reading: Insights and Inspiration | |
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Peaker Plant Mapping Tool - Clean Energy Group
Peaker Plant Mapping Tool allows users to access basic operating and emissions information for the U.S. fleet of fossil-fuel peaker power plants, along with demographic information about populations living near each power plant.
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