In this Newsletter:
- Upcoming & Previous Webinars
- Texas Energy Advocates - University Program (TEA-UP)
- Retrofit USA Conference: Call for Speakers
- Where I'm Headed
- What We're Reading
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HVAC Ductwork Field Inspections: What Effect Does Poor Duct Installation Have on Airflow?
Poor installation practices can result in reduced airflow, increased energy costs, and uneven comfort throughout the building. In this webinar, we’ll explore how to identify these issues during field inspections and understand their impact on system performance.
Whether you’re a contractor, inspector, or HVAC professional, this session will equip you with actionable knowledge to improve your processes and outcomes.
What You’ll Learn
- Common Installation Issues: Discover the most frequently observed ductwork problems and how to spot them in the field.
- Impact of Poor Installation: Understand how improper ductwork affects airflow, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
- Inspection Techniques: Learn how to effectively evaluate ductwork
- Best Practices: Gain insights into proper design, installation, and sealing techniques to prevent future issues.
When: Jan. 21st, 2025, 10:30 AM Central Time
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Virtual Workshop: Navigating SECO Energy Reporting
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
When: Jan. 30th, 2025, 12:00 PM Central Time
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CELC Webinar: Conquering Deferred Maintenance - A Conversation with Local Government Facilities Officials
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
When: Feb. 6th, 2025, 12:00 PM Central Time
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Understanding and Evaluating Manual J and S Reports
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
When: Feb. 11th, 2025, 10:30 AM Central Time
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In Case You Missed It - Past Webinar Offerings | |
Why Energy Codes Matter
Discover through expert insights and a wealth of data the importance of energy codes in building energy-efficient homes. Learn how these codes not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also offer substantial cost savings. This informative session will guide you through the benefits, key components, and application of energy codes. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the energy code, this webinar will arm you with essential knowledge to contribute to a healthier planet. Dive into the future of construction, where efficiency and sustainability meet
Presenter: Jason Vandever from NAIMA
Original Airdate: March 26th, 2024
Check it out on SPEER's YouTube channel.
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SPEER is looking for individuals or organizations with a passion for our Energy Conservation Code. Are you interested in presenting on one of our webinars? Do you have a topic that is valuable for builders, inspectors, city officials, 3rd party raters? Contact us today! | |
Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP) | |
Join TEA-UP!
Membership is now 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.
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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. Early bird pricing for registration ends February 15th, so save your spot now!
Proposals for presentations, case studies, panels, and roundtables on topics such as energy efficiency, funding models, energy justice, and digital tools for project optimization are currently being accepted.
Call for speakers! Speakers will have the unique opportunity to share their expertise, engage with other industry peers, and shape the future of retrofitting. If you are passionate about this and have insights to share, they want to hear from you.
Submit your proposal to Giulia Timarco at giulia.timarco@energyconferencenetwork.com by January 23rd if you want to join the discussion.
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Where I'm Headed:
When: Jan. 26th – 30th
Where: 2024 RESNET Conference in Tempe, AZ
When: Feb. 18th
Where: Capital Homes in Tulsa OK for Energy Codes training
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*Interested in SPEER bringing in-field training to you or learning about the 2021 IECC changes, mechanical ventilation training, and HVAC best practices? Contact us! | |
The 2024 Energy Code Features More Flexibility for Builders - National Association of Home Builders
The International Code Council (ICC) published the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) on August 14, 2024. This edition introduces increased flexibility for builders, offering a wider range of compliance options while achieving approximately 7% greater efficiency for residential buildings and 10% for commercial structures compared to the 2021 edition. Notable changes include reverting ceiling insulation requirements to 2018 levels, enhanced design flexibility for wall insulation in specific climate zones, and updates to various compliance paths such as prescriptive, performance, and Energy Rating Index (ERI) methods. Additionally, the 2024 IECC features updated provisions for existing buildings and optional appendices to support state and local electrification goals.
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Check out all the resources we have on our website, including a link to our YouTube page with hours of video training content! | | | | |