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In this newsletter:


  • Save the Date: SPEER's 2025 Industry + Policy Workshop
  • Texas Energy Advocates - University Program (TEA-UP)
  • New SPEER Member!
  • Building Operator Certification Webcast
  • Climate Power Releases New Clean Energy Report
  • Upcoming Events & Webinars
  • Noteworthy Announcements
  • What We're Reading

Save the Date: SPEER's 2025 Industry + Policy Workshop

New year, new Workshop! We're excited to announce dates and venue for the 2025 SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop, happening September 18-19 at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center in Austin. While last year's record-setting event will be hard to top, we're excited to set the bar even higher this year in a larger venue. We hope you will join us!


Registration info coming soon. In the meantime, check out our recap page with photos and video from 2024's fantastic Workshop.


Discounted overnight room reservations can be made here.

Texas Energy Advocates - University Program (TEA-UP)

Join TEA-UP:

Membership is open for SPEER's new initiative, TEA-UP, a dynamic new network for higher education institutions across Texas! By joining, you’ll receive the same benefits as our CELC members, plus exclusive opportunities to connect within a higher education-focused community.


As a TEA-UP member, you’ll have the chance to influence the upcoming conference agenda and ensure that the topics and issues most important to your campus are addressed. Additionally, you'll contribute to the development of essential training materials, shaping workforce development pathways that empower the next generation of energy professionals. Another plus: membership is free!


Apply here.

New SPEER Member!

SPEER is excited to welcome our newest member, Clean Energy Fund of Texas! We are thrilled to have them on board as we continue our mission to advance energy efficiency in our region. Read more about SPEER membership here.

Building Operator Certification Webcast

Did you know SPEER offers the national Building Operator Certification (BOC) program in our region of Texas and Oklahoma? This important and fundamental training provides building operators and maintenance staff with skill enhancement in energy efficient building operations, project planning, and improved decision making.


Participants will learn essentials in the following focus areas: HVAC systems and controls, lighting, energy benchmarking, indoor air quality, facility and electrical systems and systems operations/maintenance. Interested in enrolling in our spring course? Let us know!


Learn more about the program in this free informational webcast tomorrow at 10:30am!

Climate Power Releases New Clean Energy Report

In the last two and half years since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, over 400,000 new clean energy jobs and $422 billion + in investments across 48 states and Puerto Rico have been announced, with many of these located in and benefitting congressional districts represented by Republicans – 405 clean energy projects and 216,322 jobs, respectively. Texas falls in the top ten states for new clean energy jobs (ranking 3rd), adding 26,476 positions and seeing $17.16 billion in new investments.


Read the full report.

Upcoming Events

CELC Webinar: Conquering Deferred Maintenance - A Conversation with Local Government Facilities Officials

Feb. 6th, 2025, 12:00 PM


Deferred maintenance in facilities is an albatross, varying from several million dollars to hundreds of millions of dollars of backlog per local government organization. Join us as we discuss with experienced facilities directors across Texas strategies to conquer deferred maintenance, including best practices for capital planning, budgeting, procurement, and more.


Objectives:

  • Understand the impact of deferred maintenance.
  • Explore the challenges and financial implications of deferred maintenance on local government facilities.
  • Discover strategies for effective capital planning and budgeting.
  • Learn best practices for prioritizing projects, securing funding, and streamlining procurement processes.
  • Gain insights from experienced facilities directors.
  • Hear real-world success stories and actionable advice to address maintenance backlogs effectively.


Speaker: Umair Surani, Senior Account Executive, McKinstry


Register here.

Webinar: Understanding and Evaluating Manual J and S Reports

Feb. 11th, 2025, 10:30 AM


During this presentation, we dive into the world of Manual J and S reports, which are now part of the standard review process for city plan reviewers. Our expert presenter, Alex, will guide us through the intricacies of these essential reports, highlighting key points of attention and potential areas of concern. This webinar represents a unique chance for plan reviewers to elevate their knowledge and understanding of these critical tools. It’s designed to equip you with the necessary insights to evaluate HVAC system loads and sizing accurately, thereby facilitating well-informed permit decisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your permit department’s professional skillset, gain a more comprehensive understanding of Manual J and S reports, and ultimately ensure the accurate assessment of HVAC systems.


What You’ll Learn:

  • Importance of Manual J and S Reports in the Review Process
  • City plan reviewers must now include Manual J (load calculations) and Manual S (equipment selection) reports as part of their standard evaluation process. Understanding these reports is crucial to making informed permitting decisions.
  • Key Areas of Attention
  • The presentation highlights critical points to scrutinize within Manual J and S reports, such as ensuring accurate calculations for HVAC loads and appropriate equipment sizing for specific building designs and climates.
  • Improved Decision-Making
  • With a deeper understanding of these reports, plan reviewers can enhance their ability to assess HVAC system compliance, reducing errors and ensuring energy efficiency in building permits.
  • Professional Development Opportunity
  • Attending this webinar equips professionals with advanced skills, contributing to their overall expertise and improving the performance of their permit departments.
  • Significance of Accuracy in HVAC System Assessment
  • Accurate evaluation of HVAC loads and sizing promotes better system performance, occupant comfort, and compliance with energy codes and regulations.


Presenter: Alex Meaney with Mean HVAC


Register here.

Virtual Workshop: Navigating SECO Energy Reporting

February 13 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm


Join us for a comprehensive virtual workshop designed to demystify energy reporting regulations in Texas. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the intricacies of energy reporting with confidence.


The workshop will cover a range of topics, including:

– Understanding Texas energy reporting requirements

– Best practices for accurate data collection and reporting

– Strategies and tips for avoiding common pitfalls  


Speaker: Shaun Auckland, Senior Manager, Government and Community Engagement – SPEER



Register here.

11th Annual TRACS Summit - The Power of Sustainability: Energy Transitions, Conservation, and Education on Your Campus

April 6 - April 8

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 Texas Regional Association Campus Sustainability (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.


Call for Proposals:

The 2025 TRACS Summit invites thought leaders, innovators, and sustainability champions to share their insights and experiences on the critical role of sustainability in higher education. We seek presentations that support our theme of “The Power of Sustainability: Energy Transitions, Conservation, and Education on your Campus”. The deadline for speakers is February 21st, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. To submit an individual or group session proposal, submit your topic and abstract through the Call for Proposals site.


Traveling to San Marcos for the event? Take advantage of the TRACS Hotel Block here.



More info and registration here.

TEA-UP Workshop

April 8 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Join this interactive half-day workshop tailored for higher education professionals passionate about advancing energy efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability initiatives. Organized by SPEER in collaboration with the Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS), this event will explore:


  • Emerging trends in energy efficiency.
  • Strategies to develop resilient systems in response to climate challenges.
  • Practical methods to foster a culture of sustainability within academic institutions.


Facilitated by the TEA-UP Coalition and supported by the State Energy Conservation Office, this session will equip participants with actionable insights to drive meaningful change on their campuses.


Don’t miss this opportunity to network and exchange ideas with peers dedicated to creating sustainable futures for academic communities!


Register here.

Save the Date: SPEER's Texas Energy Code Compliance Collaborative – TECCC

in combination with the SPEER Code Ambassador Spring Gathering

April 10 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm


Where: Round Rock, TX


More details to follow!

Noteworthy

Member Highlight: CLEAResult


SPEER member CLEAResult has been awarded an important five-year building efficiency contract by the Energy Trust of Oregon. CLEAResult will implement its New Buildings program in the state to optimize building efficiency, reliability, and performance.


Read more via Utility Dive.

AESP FLEX Online Courses


Demand flexibility is the heartbeat of our future grid. It is the coordinated manipulation of energy consumption and production across grid devices on a massive scale, while maintaining livability and comfort standards.


AESP & the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are now offering free, convenient online courses designed for tomorrow's energy efficiency leaders.


Expand your knowledge and learn more now.

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

What We're Reading

New Report: Clean Energy Industry is Generating Billions for Texas Landowners and Local Governments - Solar Energy Industries Association



Next Generation Energy Efficiency Resource Standards Update - ACEEE


Texas tops US states for renewable energy and battery capacity - Reuters


Lone Star Adoption: Texas Microgrid Growth Up Nearly 20X in Past 10 Years - Microgrid Knowledge


The IRA will deliver a fourfold return on taxpayer investment, says ACP - Utility Dive


Ask the Experts: How to Hire an Attic Insulation Contractor - ENERGY STAR

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