Energy Thought Summit
2024-04-15 - 2024-04-18
Energy Thought Summit (ETS) has an impressive lineup of 70 confirmed speakers for its 11th annual event, scheduled to take place at the Marriott Downtown in Austin, TX, from April 15-18, 2024. The theme for this year’s summit is “Imagine,” inviting participants to reflect on the industry’s past achievements while envisioning and working towards a future powered by clean, accessible energy sources.
SPEER will be speaking on the April 17th session: Decarbonizing Heat and Buildings – Innovative Solutions for Energy Efficiency and Electrification. Join us and many other energy experts as we explore energy equity and resilience, and a future powered by clean, accessible energy sources. Learn more and register here.

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Watt Watchers Earth Day Virtual Session
2024-04-17 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
Earth Day Resources with Watt Watchers of Texas
Join KLRN and our friends to learn about smart energy education and how to be an energy saver at school, at home, and in the community. We will explore free TEKS-aligned lessons and activities from Watt Watchers of Texas!
Special guest speakers for this event include:

Dr. Araceli Ortiz, UTSA
Juan Garcia, Disco Learning Media
Brandy Russell, CPS Energy
Shaun Auckland, SPEER

Thank you to our supporting organizations and PBS partner stations! 1 hour of continuing education credit will be awarded upon completion of the session and accompanying post survey.

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Energy Code Ambassador & TECCC Meeting
2024-04-18 09:00 - 15:00
SPEER supports the Texas Energy Code Compliance Collaborative (TECCC), which was launched by SPEER in 2011 in partnership with State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). By facilitating the Collaborative, SPEER connects industry stakeholders to help develop resources and programs that encourage compliance with state and local energy codes. This group of collaborative members meets quarterly and aids with the following efforts:

Develop strategies to increase compliance rates
Provide and disseminate information to their respective industry stakeholders
Participate in the effort to measure and verify the State’s code compliance

Save the date for our upcoming in person TECCC meeting on April 18th! We will be combining this in-person meeting with our Ambassador meeting, which you can learn more about here and we invite you to become a SPEER Energy Code Ambassador.
The meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin – Round Rock: 2310 N. IH 35. Please let us know if you plan to join us for both the TECCC and Ambassador meeting: Save your spot and Register here!

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Webinar: Implications of EER Requirements on Heat Pump Adoption in Texas and Oklahoma
2024-04-23 11:00 - 12:00
Our region’s peak energy demand is driven by residential and small commercial heating and cooling. New advancements for heat pumps, including variable speed systems, may provide necessary energy reductions during the hottest summer days and coldest winter nights. However, adoption in Texas and Oklahoma is not yet where it needs to be to effectively reduce peak demand. With federal and state incentives available and additional funds from the IRA likely, there are concerns with the EER requirements and its impacts to heat pump adoption policy. Jonathan Moscatello with Daikin will review the efficiencies gained by these systems, discuss the EER issues that remain, and look forward to policy implications for this transformative technology.
Speaker:
• Jonathan Moscatello, Utility Relations Manager – Environmental Promotions Office, Daikin
Register Now

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CELC Virtual Coffee Hour: Brewing Energy Efficiency in Texas Communities
2024-04-25 09:00 - 10:00
Come engage with other Community Efficiency Leaders Coalition (CELC) members, share insights, and explore the possibilities of enhancing energy efficiency in your community. This Virtual Coffee Hour is not just an event – it’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the collective efforts of creating sustainable and energy-efficient environments. Let’s brew ideas together over a virtual cup of coffee!
Register Here

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Webinar: HouseRater Reports for Energy Code and Home Energy Ratings
2024-04-25 10:30 - 12:00
In this webinar we’ll cover how to interpret energy code and home energy rating reports generated through HouseRater. HouseRater is an integrated software tool, bridging the gap between energy modeling and field inspections. The full integrated solution is exclusively used by Raters/Verifiers certified under the Building Science Institute home energy rating system. The energy modeling calculation engine behind HouseRater is EnergyPlus, through an API to the OS-ERI module. This engine is developed and maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Speaker: Connor Dillion, Quality Manager, Building Science Institute (BSI)

Register here

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Webinar: IECC Energy Codes and Hot Water Distribution: The Benefits of Demand Controlled Recirculation Systems
2024-04-30 10:30 - 12:00
For many newly built homes, the hot water delivery times at some fixtures are substantially longer than from homes built in the past, resulting in wasted water, energy, and frustrated occupants. Recirculation pumps can be incorporated into a hot water system to significantly reduce the time to tap and therefore achieve water savings. Too often though these pumps are left running excessively, which then causes the water heater to run longer to make up for distribution heat losses. The IECC now requires demand sensing controls for service water heating circulation pumps to regulate the runtime of the pump and help mitigate energy losses while preserving the usefulness of the pump. This session will cover the basics of on-demand hot water recirculation technology and the impact it has on building performance relative to other methods of hot water delivery.
Speaker:
• Gabe Ayala, Business Development from Enovative Manufacturing LLC and AutoHot

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Webinar: Building a Sustainable Future: Affordable Housing Innovations
2024-05-14 10:30 - 12:00
At Levven, our mission is clear: making homes more affordable to build, purchase, and operate. We are excited to invite you to our upcoming webinar, where we will explore innovative strategies to reduce the costs and environmental impact of homebuilding. Our experts are passionate about developing products that not only save time and materials but also enhance the value delivered to all stakeholders involved in the homebuilding process. This webinar will provide valuable insights for builders, tradespeople, and anyone interested in the intersection of affordability and sustainability in the housing industry. Join us to find out how Levven is making a difference in the world by making essential shelter affordable and environmentally friendly.
Speaker:
• Sean Vo, National Director of Sales and Strategic Partnership and Vanessa Wright, Sustainability Manager from Levven Electronics

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SECO Grant Webinar: Empowering Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
2024-05-30 13:00 - 14:00
SECO will provide reimbursable grants as part of the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) to support state organizations’ efforts in energy efficiency, sustainability, and workforce development. Over $30,000,000 in funding will be used for multiple programs, with the intent of reducing carbon emissions in all sectors of the economy.
Public school districts, rural and community hospitals, and tribal governments can apply for funding to assist in lighting retrofit projects and solar/battery-powered storage system implementation. Additionally, Texas community colleges and technical schools will have the chance to expand their energy-efficiency certification programs by applying for funding to purchase equipment that will help bring new learning opportunities for their students.

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Webinar: Heat Pump Rooftop Units: Underutilized Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Strategy for Low-Rise Commercial Buildings
2024-06-06 10:00 - 11:00
This webinar will describe the recently launched Commercial Buildings Heat Pump Accelerator by the U.S. Department of Energy, which aims to drive adoption of high-efficiency heat pump RTUs available today and develop next-generation cold-climate heat pump RTUs.
Objectives:
• Gain a better understanding for the key barriers and opportunities for HP RTUs.
• Learn about several case studies where building owners have adopted HP RTUs.
• Understand how the Accelerator can support and amplify the work they’re doing.
SPEAKERS:
• Jim Young – Associate Director: Guidehouse
• Rachel Lebendinsky – Consultant: Guidehouse
• Saad Saleem – Senior Consultant: Guidehouse
CELC webinars are intended to extend the conversation about public sector energy management best practices through education, training, and discussion. Webinars are open to anyone interested in public energy management in Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond.
Have questions or idea for future webinars? Contact Shaun Auckland, Local Government Program Manager, SPEER, cities@eepartnership.org

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Webinar: Instant Solar Permitting with SolarAPP+
2024-06-13 10:30 - 11:30
SolarAPP+ is an online tool created by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to produce code compliant residential solar permits instantaneously. SolarAPP+ reviews residential solar and storage applications for building, fire, and electrical code compliance, processes payments, and ultimately issues permits. Because of the extensive code compliance checks performed by SolarAPP+, the tool allows jurisdictions to ensure safe solar installation in their communities. SolarAPP+ can also be customized to be compatible with your existing permitting process.
During this presentation, we will first go over an introduction of the tool and its benefits, as well as explaining the steps to adopt SolarAPP+ in your jurisdiction. Then, we will walk through a technical demonstration of an actual project within SolarAPP+, showcasing what contractors see when submitting for a SolarAPP+ permit. Ultimately, SolarAPP+ is meant to streamline the residential solar permitting process, which saves staff time and produces safe, code compliant solar project approvals instantaneously.

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Webinar: How to Achieve Market Transformation Painlessly and Effectively
2024-06-24 14:00 - 15:00
Achieving market transformation is a key objective of the HER and HEAR programs under the IRA and a key milestone to unlocking full funding. While it may seem like a monumental challenge, states that recognize the major barriers to market transformation can overcome these hurdles relatively painlessly and meet this goal. Join experts from Pearl Certification, NASEO and state energy offices as they identify the primary barriers to and solutions for achieving market transformation.
Moderator: Jordan Elliott, Pearl Certification
Panelists:

Robin LeBaron, Pearl Certification
Chad Kruse, Former Manager of the Office of Energy of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Patrick Woodcock, Former Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and Former Director, Maine State Energy Office
Maddie Koewler, Program Director, NASEO

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CELC Virtual Coffee Hour: Brewing Energy Efficiency in Texas Communities
2024-06-26 09:00 - 10:00
Come engage with other CELC members, share insights, and explore the possibilities of enhancing energy efficiency in your community. This Virtual Coffee Hour is not just an event – it’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the collective efforts of creating sustainable and energy-efficient environments. Let’s brew ideas together over a virtual cup of coffee!
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Interested in attending? Join CELC at this link – then we will send you the meeting invite series!
*This event is for local government agencies only.

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CELC Webinar: Building Operations, Workforce Training, and Navigating Federal Grant Requirements
2024-07-11 13:00 - 14:00
The field of building operations and facility management are evolving rapidly due to factors such as benchmarking, grid enhancing technologies (GETs) and a swiftly retiring workforce. Join us to learn more about the Building Operator Certification (BOC), a program addressing the need for maintenance staff training as new technologies enter the market. Renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, BOC is an ideal choice for meeting various federal government grant training requirements in energy efficiency. BOC is the nation’s leading training and credentialing program for building engineers and maintenance personnel, and is now aligned with an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – ISO 17024. Graduates make their buildings more comfortable, efficient, environmentally friendly, and save $10,000 annually in utility bills thanks to skills they master in classes.
In this webinar, we will discuss the following:
• Gain insights into the comprehensive curriculum of the BOC program.
• Understand how BOC meets federal government grant training requirements in energy efficiency.
• Review case studies and examples of how BOC graduates have improved building performance.
Speaker: Melanie L Danuser, M.P.A., LEED Green Associate Director of Education & Training
Register here

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CELC Webinar: Resilience Through a West Texas City Lens
2024-07-18 10:00 - 11:00
Join us as we explore the unique challenges and opportunities that West Texas cities face in building resilience. This session will delve into how these communities navigate economic, environmental, and social resilience in the face of adversity.
Date: July 18th
Time: 10:00 am CST
Speaker: Nicole Ferrini, Climate & Sustainability Officer, City of El Paso
Nicole Ferrini holds degrees in both interior design and architecture from Texas Tech University. It is from that basis in the world of design that Nicole launched her career building better, stronger, more prosperous communities. In 2007, she founded Uncommon LLC as a mechanism to affect positive change within the built environment. The Uncommon concept of “Build for Life” is about creating environments that move with the way we live now and change for the way we will live tomorrow, while always maintaining respect for the rich cultural history that represents where we’ve come from.
Nicole is a founding member of the USGBC Chihuahuan Desert Chapter, Eco El Paso Founding Board Member, and member of the Congress for New Urbanism. Through her work with these organizations, Nicole has established herself as a community leader working to raise the bar for design and provoke a new conversation among civic leaders, industry professionals and the community at large. Most recently Nicole acted as spearhead for the GRO El Paso Initiative, focused on building grass roots resilience at a regional scale with emphasis on issues ranging from climate instability, resource conservation and crisis management, to urban development and social justice.

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Webinar: New COMcheck Features and Key Updates from the 2021 IECC for Commercial Building
2024-07-30 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for an informative webinar where we will explore the latest features of COMcheck, the essential software for energy code compliance, and delve into the significant updates from the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that impact commercial buildings. This session will provide valuable insights for architects, engineers, and building professionals on how to leverage these tools and standards to enhance energy efficiency and ensure compliance with the latest regulations. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of energy conservation and building performance.
Register here

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CELC Virtual Coffee Hour: Brewing Energy Efficiency in Texas Communities
2024-07-31 09:00 - 10:00
Come engage with other CELC members, share insights, and explore the possibilities of enhancing energy efficiency in your community. This Virtual Coffee Hour is not just an event – it’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the collective efforts of creating sustainable and energy-efficient environments. Let’s brew ideas together over a virtual cup of coffee!
Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Interested in attending? Join CELC at this link – then we will send you the meeting invite series!
*This event is for local government agencies only.

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EECBG Program Webinar for Local Governments
2024-08-01 13:30 - 14:30
Join us Thursday, August 1st at 2:30 EST for a webinar co-hosted with the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program team. This program provides flexible, formula grant funding to local governments, Tribes, and states all over the US.
The webinar will provide an overview of the program, including eligible uses of funds, the application process, compliance and reporting requirements, and support resources for the application process. We will also share examples of recently awarded projects across a range of topics, such as building efficiency upgrades, EV infrastructure, and more. The final 15 minutes will be dedicated to audience questions.
Local governments can apply for EECBG Program grants through October 31, 2024.
Panelists:

Andi Mirviss, DOE EECBG Program Outreach Lead
Sarah Yeager, ICMA Technical Assistance Lead
Alvaro Escalera, ORISE Fellow, EECBG Program
Sarah J. Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator, Iowa City, IA

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Building Effective Partnerships with Local Governments to Advance Energy Efficiency and Innovation
2024-08-14 08:00 - 09:00
Join the SPEER team at the AIA Austin Design Excellence Conference as they discuss the significance of energy codes and policies to advance efficiency. SPEER’s Shaun Auckland, Local Government Manager; Noah Oaks, Policy Manager; and Randy Plumlee, Energy Code Manager will take a deep dive into various policies and strategies that support the advancement of energy efficiency technologies, current programs, and other innovative practices within local governments. Other speakers and inspiring breakout sessions will be focused on sustainability, resiliency, and inclusive design.
Learn how these initiatives strengthen local economies, enhance public health, and improve the quality of life for communities. Register here.

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The Future of Hydrogen in Texas: Navigating New Policies and Opportunities
2024-08-22 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for an insightful webinar on the evolving landscape of hydrogen energy in Texas. As the state positions itself at the forefront of clean energy innovation, recent hydrogen policies are shaping the future of this promising sector. This session will explore how new regulations and initiatives impact hydrogen development, infrastructure, and economic prospects in Texas. Whether you’re an industry professional, policymaker, or energy enthusiast, this webinar will provide valuable insights into the intersection of hydrogen policy and its future in Texas.
Presenter: Emily Beagle, Ph.D., Research Associate, The University of Texas at Austin, Webber Energy Group
CELC webinars are intended to extend the conversation about public sector energy management best practices through education, training, and discussion. Webinars are open to anyone interested in public energy management in Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond.
Have questions or idea for future webinars? Contact Shaun Auckland, Local Government Program Manager, SPEER, cities@eepartnership.org.

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CELC Virtual Coffee Hour: Brewing Energy Efficiency in Texas Communities
2024-08-28 09:00 - 10:00
Come engage with other CELC members, share insights, and explore the possibilities of enhancing energy efficiency in your community. This Virtual Coffee Hour is not just an event – it’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the collective efforts of creating sustainable and energy-efficient environments. Let’s brew ideas together over a virtual cup of coffee!
Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Interested in attending? Join CELC at this link – then we will send you the meeting invite series!
*This event is for local government agencies only.

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REScheck and IC3 Features and Key Updates from the 2021 IECC for Residential Buildings
2024-08-29 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for an informative webinar where we will explore REScheck and IC3, the essential software for energy code compliance, and delve into the significant updates from the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that impact residential buildings. This session will provide valuable insights for architects, engineers, and building professionals on how to leverage these tools and standards to enhance energy efficiency and ensure compliance with the latest regulations. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of energy conservation and building performance.

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SPEER Industry & Policy Workshop 2024
2024-09-19 - 2024-09-20 | Archer Hotel, 3121 Palm Way, Austin, 78758, United States
This year’s SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop will be held in Austin at the Archer Hotel on September 19-20th. Join us for insightful discussions and presentations encompassing:

Consumer’s role in resiliency
Shifting demand with energy efficiency policies and residential demand response programs
Heat pump research insights & a deep dive into estimated energy requirements (EER) and their impact on heat pump adoption
Navigating DERs policy implementation and VPP expansion
Overcoming skill gaps in local governments as they prepare their communities for a clean energy future and build resiliency

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Pipe Insulation and Penetration Sealing Requirements
2024-09-23 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for an in-depth webinar focusing on the Texas Pipe Insulation and Pipe Penetration Sealing Requirements under the 2021 code updates. This session is designed to provide crucial insights for builders, contractors, and inspectors to stay compliant with the latest regulations.
Key Topics Covered:
– New requirements and exceptions in 2021 codes
– Pipe insulation thickness and R-Value standards
– Fire and smoke safety standards for insulated pipes
– ADA compliance for pipe insulation
– Hot water and solar pipe insulation guidelines
– Effective methods for pipe penetration sealing
Who Should Attend: Builders, HVAC professionals, inspectors, engineers, and anyone involved in new construction or renovation projects in Texas.

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Webinar: An Energy Code Roadmap to Success for Your Building Department
2024-10-22 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for an engaging and informative webinar designed to equip your building department officials, inspectors, plan reviewers and code enforcement staff with the tools and strategies needed to successfully implement and enforce the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This session will provide a comprehensive “roadmap to success” tailored specifically to the challenges faced by building departments as they work to ensure compliance with the energy code while balancing the demands of busy workloads and limited resources.
Areas of Focus:

Navigate the key changes in the IECC and their impact on building departments.
Overcome common challenges such as staffing limitations, inconsistent training, and builder pushback.
Streamline the compliance process using innovative tools and technology.
Foster positive relationships with builders and developers through outreach and education.
Develop effective procedures for enforcement that ensure long-term energy savings and sustainability.

Who Should Attend:

Building code officials
Inspectors
Permit and plan review staff

When: Tuesday, October 22nd @ 10:30 AM CST

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GridNEXT DFW
2024-10-25 09:00 - 15:00
Join us at CleanTX DFW Chapter’s third annual one-day seminar GridNEXT – Meeting The Demand, hosted at the University of Texas at Arlington to highlight thought leadership coming from the north Texas region. GridNEXT envisions the integrated infrastructure of our future by engaging industry partners, leaders, government, and private stakeholders across the vast Texas energy space to provide networking and discussion about the ERCOT Grid.

Session topics include:

Unveiling the Hottest Trends in Cleantech and Renewable Energy with Peter Kelly-Detwiler
Powering Tomorrow: An Overview of Utility-Scale Renewable Project Development
Guarding the Grid: BESS Practices in Safety
Keynote Lunch: Woody Rickerson, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, ERCOT
Meeting the Demand: How Texas Energy Developers Will Rise to the Challenge
Decentralized Power: The Rise of Microgrids and Distributed Energy in Texas
A Look Ahead: Direction of Texas Electric Regulatory and Electric Policy

Learn more & Register here

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Webinar: Commercial Building Codes and Commissioning
2024-10-31 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for a comprehensive webinar that delves into the commissioning process for commercial projects, covering key requirements outlined in various national model building codes and standards. This course will guide participants through the necessary steps for ensuring code compliance, highlighting enforcement activities critical to successful commissioning.
What You’ll Learn:

National Codes and Standards: Identify national model building codes that mandate commercial commissioning.
Commissioning Process Overview: Review the steps and documentation necessary for successful commissioning.
Code-Specific Requirements: Explore commissioning requirements embedded within different model codes.
Code Enforcement: Understand how code enforcement intersects with commissioning to ensure project compliance.
Role of the Commissioning Provider: Discover the essential qualifications and responsibilities of a commissioning provider.

This webinar is ideal for building professionals, inspectors, and enforcement officers involved in commercial project development and compliance.
Speaker: Jerry Kettler from AET / Air Engineering and Testing
When: Thursday, October 31st @ 10:30 AM CST

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CELC Webinar - Empowering Change: Sustainable Financing Mechanisms for Texas Communities
2024-11-14 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for an insightful webinar introducing the Clean Energy Fund of Texas (CEFTX), a national leader in promoting clean energy solutions. During this session, you’ll learn who we are, what drives our mission, and the impactful programs we offer that enable communities to access sustainable financing and drive energy efficiency.
In this webinar, you’ll:
– Explore Sustainable Financing Accelerator and learn how it helps communities secure resources for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
– Gain insight into statewide efforts to support local clean energy initiatives that stimulate economic growth and foster resilient communities.
– Understand how financing options empower residents in Texas and Oklahoma to make clean energy upgrades.
Who Should Attend: Whether you’re a community leader, financial professional, or clean energy advocate, this webinar offers a valuable opportunity to learn about impactful, sustainable financing tools and explore ways we can collaborate for a cleaner, greener future.
CELC webinars are intended to extend the conversation about public sector energy management best practices through education, training, and discussion. Webinars are open to anyone interested in public energy management in Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond. Have questions or idea for future webinars? Contact Shaun Auckland, Local Government Program Manager, SPEER: cities@eepartnership.org.

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Texas Energy Summit 2024
2024-11-19 - 2024-11-21 | Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The 21st Annual Texas Energy Summit will take place from November 19th to 21st, 2024, 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. Learn more about the Summit, explore the agenda, and secure your spot here.

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Building Operator Certification (BOC) Training Course
2024-12-03 08:30 - 12:00
Our winter BOC training and education course kicks off on December 3rd and runs through mid-March 2025! This course will be taught live, via zoom by our approved instructors. Operations & maintenance best practices can save 5-20% annually on energy bills but buildings can only be operated efficiently if the building operator is properly trained. Participants will learn a range of building maintenance best practices including, Energy efficient operation of building HVAC systems, measuring and benching energy performance, indoor environmental quality, HVAC control fundamentals, building scoping for operational improvement and much more. Learn more about the BOC Program.
Download the course syllabus here.
Save your spot now!

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