|
In this newsletter:
- Registration Open: SPEER's Building Operator Certification Summer 2025 Course
- Texas Energy Advocates (TEA-UP)
- Two Upcoming SPEER Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshops
- Upcoming Events & Webinars
- Noteworthy Announcements
- What We're Reading
| | 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.
| | Texas Energy Advocates - University Program (TEA-UP) | | |
As SPEER's newest initiative, 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.
Its members include experts from academia, facility and energy managers, industry professionals, and graduate students, all working together to advance efficiency and implement impactful initiatives. Through data-driven solutions, policy discussions, and hands-on projects, TEA-UP creates a space where industry and academia connect to drive change.
Check out the newly-built webpage here and learn more about this fantastic program!
| | TWO Upcoming SPEER Heat Pump Contractor Training Workshops | | |
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. Spots are almost full!
| | |
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.
| | Upcoming Events & Webinars | | |
TEA-UP Higher Education Energy Conference
April 8 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
| | |
Join Us for a Half-Day Conference 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:
-
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.
Drive meaningful change within your academic community—don’t miss this opportunity to lead the way in sustainability!
Register today!
| | |
SPEER’s 2025 Energy Code Ambassador and TECCC Meeting
April 10 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
| | |
Save the date! Our Energy Code Ambassadors and Texas Energy Code Compliance Collaborative (TECCC) meeting is on the horizon for Thursday, April 10th in Round Rock, TX. We're excited to get our coalition together to gain valuable insights into the wide spectrum of code related activities taking place across Texas.
Importantly, this meeting serves as a critical platform for all our stakeholders. We highly value your active participation, as it drives the evolution of our energy practices. In this spirit, we'll be facilitating a robust discussion regarding the adoption and enforcement of the 2021 and 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and well as 2021 and 2024 Building Codes. Your input is instrumental in steering these discussions and shaping future strategies.
We look forward to bringing together our vibrant community of stakeholders, fostering collaborative dialogue, and paving the way for future energy conservation initiatives.
When:
Thursday, April 10th
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where:
Hilton Garden Inn
2310 North IH35
Round Rock, Texas, 78681
Register here.
| | |
Webinar: Blower Door Testing & Its Impact on HVAC Sizing
April 15th, 2025, 10:30 AM Central Time
Are you ensuring your HVAC systems are designed for maximum efficiency and code compliance? Proper airtightness is a critical factor in determining HVAC system performance, energy consumption, and overall indoor air quality. Blower door testing is a key diagnostic tool used to measure air leakage in buildings, helping professionals design and verify energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings.
Join us for this in-depth webinar, where we will break down the importance of blower door testing, its role in HVAC system design, and how it impacts code compliance and long-term building performance.
Three Key Lessons Learned from the Field:
1. Right-sizing HVAC is crucial – Many homes and buildings suffer from oversized HVAC systems due to outdated assumptions about air leakage. A tighter home means lower heating and cooling loads, leading to more efficient, properly sized equipment.
2. Ventilation must be carefully designed – Airtight buildings require balanced mechanical ventilation systems (HRVs/ERVs) to maintain healthy indoor air quality and prevent moisture-related issues such as mold and condensation.
3. Small leaks can cause big problems – Even minor leaks around attic hatches, recessed lighting, and electrical penetrations can significantly impact energy efficiency and thermal comfort. Addressing these leaks can make a major difference in both blower door test results and HVAC performance.
Register here.
| | |
The upcoming Retrofit USA Conference will be held in Texas for the first time on April 23-24 in Austin! We’re thrilled to announce SPEER’s very own Senior Manager of Building Performance, Randy Plumlee, is serving on the Advisory Board of this premier event, which will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from keynote speakers, expert panels, interactive roundtables and workshops. Experience live product demonstrations and learn from knowledgeable exhibitors about how cutting-edge materials, approaches, technology integration, and game-changing climate resiliency techniques are transforming retrofits across the country. Save 15% with our discount code: SPEER15 or by clicking here.
| | |
Building Performance Association Energy Efficiency Jobs Report Released
Exciting news: Building Performance Association reports that Texas now ranks number two in the nation for energy efficiency jobs, with over 172,000 employed in more than 32,000 EE-related businesses!
Check out their full report here.
| |
Input Needed: NREL Residential Contractor Survey
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is conducting a national survey of residential trade allies to understand how they view hiring, training, and workforce development opportunities. The goal of this survey is to better understand ways that federal and state programs can support companies and their workforce through training, education, and other resources.
The survey is intended for contractors involved in improving the energy performance of residential buildings, including single family, manufactured housing, and multi-family dwellings. This can include business owners, individual workers, managers, hiring managers, and other personnel involved with or receiving hiring and training that perform work in the following skilled labor professions:
- HVAC/R mechanics, installers, or technicians
- Electricians
- Insulation workers (floor, ceiling, and walls)
- Plumbers
- Building performance specialists
- Siding installers
- Window installers
- Weatherization technicians
- Energy auditors, HERS raters and energy consultants
- Residential remodelers
- New home construction and building constructions
If you or someone you know falls into one of the categories above, we would appreciate it if you could complete the survey or share it within your network. The survey should take about 10 minutes. Head here to complete it.
| | |
Need to Catch Up?
Missed our latest policy newsletter or recent Local Government, Oklahoma, or Energy Code newsletters? Browse past issues of our newsletters and subscribe to other distribution lists here.
| | | | |
