SPEER

Local Government Energy Reporting Workshop - NCTCOG and SPEER
2024-01-10 12:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER) are hosting a FREE in-person workshop to learn about the Local Government Energy Reporting Requirement, a state mandate to report and reduce electricity consumption for cities and counties. Attendees will gain helpful information and tips to successfully report in early 2024. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about how to comply with the state mandate and lower your operational costs.
Lunch will be provided.
Audience: This workshop is for all political subdivisions in local government, state agencies, and institutes of higher education in the affected counties of the region required to submit an annual report to SECO. Attendees include county commissioners, county administrators, city managers, city secretaries, county clerks, and special district secretaries, from organizations across the DFW region.
Speakers:Shaun Marie Auckland, M.S.I.S., LEED Green Associate, Local Government Program Manager – SPEER
Register here

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Webinar: Driving Sustainable Change - Annual Update on the Community Efficiency Leadership Coalition
2024-01-25 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for an insightful webinar/roundtable as we provide a comprehensive annual update on the Community Efficiency Leadership Coalition (CELC). As we navigate the evolving landscape of community development and sustainable practices, CELC continues to drive positive change.
Overview:

Explore the significant milestones achieved by CELC over the past year, showcasing successful projects and initiatives that have contributed to community development and efficiency.
Impact on Sustainable Practices
Discuss the collaborative efforts and partnerships that CELC has forged to strengthen its impact, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in achieving shared goals.
Get an exclusive preview of CELC’s upcoming projects and initiatives, offering insights into how the coalition will further enhance community efficiency and sustainability.
Presenters:
Liz John- Operations Director, SPEER
Shaun Auckland- Local Government Program Manager, SPEER

Register Here

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Webinar: Sealing Success - Residential Energy Code Inspections for Air Leakage (OJT)
2024-02-06 10:30 - 12:00
Join us for another great, On-the-Job training, walk-through where we’ll perform the Air Barrier inspection of several houses and dig into what’s failing and how it should be addressed for compliance. We’ll dive into the air sealing requirements and how they are viewed in the field.
Register here

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Virtual Workshop: Navigating SECO Energy Reporting
2024-02-14 11:00 - 17:00
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
Speakers: Shaun Auckland, Local Government Program Manager, SPEER

Register Here

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Webinar: Achieving Justice 40 through Community Engagement
2024-02-22 13:00 - 14:00
In the pursuit of a more just and inclusive society, the concept of “Justice 40” has emerged as a crucial framework. Justice 40 aims to ensure that at least 40% of the benefits from federal investments in areas such as clean energy, infrastructure, and environmental policies directly reach marginalized communities. This webinar explores the pivotal role of community engagement in achieving Justice 40, offering a comprehensive blueprint for empowering these communities and fostering equitable progress.
In this webinar, we will discuss the following:

Educate participants on the principles and goals of Justice 40 and its significance in achieving environmental and economic justice within communities.
Highlight real-world examples of successful community engagement efforts that align with Justice 40 principles, showcasing diverse approaches and outcomes.
Discuss the role of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and community leaders, in driving meaningful community engagement.

Speakers:
– Larry Franklin- Black Lives Veggies the Nonprofit
– Laura Morrison- Executive Director, Texas Electric Transportation Resources Alliance (TxETRA)
– Janis Bookout- Co-founder of Community Resilience Trust (CRT) and the Director of Earth Day Austin
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Smart Energy Education “S.E.E.” Your Future Career Day
2024-02-24 13:00 - 16:00
KLRN seeks organizations aligned with STEM, career readiness, and trades around STEM-focused work at the second annual Smart Energy Education “S.E.E.” Your Future Career Day! We invite you to share about your STEM-focused organization and your career at this event as a vendor or career day speaker, and/or by leading a STEM activity for students of all ages. We require that everything offered by vendors to the families and participants must be free and educational. At this event, there will be family-friendly STEM activities, career day speakers, STEM education resources for all ages, and more! If you or your organization is interested in participating as a vendor, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/i8xnhSmBd69aueBZ8
Thank you and we hope to S.E.E. you there!
Details:

Date: February 24, 2024
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Vendor set up: 12pm-1pm and Tear down: 4pm-5pm
Event Address: St. Philip’s College, 1801 Martin Luther King Drive, San Antonio, TX 78203
Contact us: rsalinas@klrn.org ; education@klrn.org

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Webinar: Harnessing Earth's Power - An Introduction to Residential Geothermal Technology
2024-02-27 10:30 - 12:00
Let’s learn how a geothermal system works and the benefits it has for our homes and the environment. Our expert speaker will guide you through the basics of how geothermal heating and cooling systems work, their environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and installation processes. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, cut down on energy consumption, or simply curious about this renewable energy source, this webinar offers a comprehensive overview of residential geothermal potential. Engage with our specialist during the Q&A session!
Register here

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CELC Monthly Coffee Hour: Energizing Connections in the New Year!
2024-02-29 09:00 - 10:00
As we embark on a fresh journey in this New Year, let’s make it a resolution to connect more often. Introducing our monthly coffee hour, happening the last Wednesday of the month. Mark your calendars, and if you can’t make it this time, no worries – there’s always next month!
Join us for an engaging session with fellow CELC members, where we’ll share insights and explore the exciting possibilities of boosting energy efficiency in our communities. This isn’t just an event; it’s a chance to connect, learn, and contribute to the shared goal of creating sustainable and energy-efficient environments.
Details:
First meeting: 2/28/24
Date: Last Wednesday of the Month
Time: 9:00 am- 10:00 am
Platform: Zoom Meeting
Let’s kick off the year right by brewing ideas together over a virtual cup of coffee!

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Heat Pump Training Workshop (In-person)
2024-03-05 10:30 - 15:00
Looking to expand your knowledge of heat pumps? Join us and learn from the experts at Mitsubishi Electric. They’ll cover IRA/IIJA funding opportunities, discuss where is the market going, what is driving the market change, new heat pump technologies, and much more. Thanks to our generous sponsor, Austin Energy, for providing space and lunch! Download the informational flyer and save your spot now for this in-person workshop.

Location: Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723
**Shudde Fath Room
Time: 10:30-3.
Lunch will be provided Space is limited to the first 60 registrants.

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What Energy Efficiency Looks Like in Today’s Homes
2024-03-09 10:00 - 23:30
SPEER’s Energy Code Manager, Randy Plumlee, will give us a presentation this Saturday, March 9th, for the North Texas Renewable Energy Group on “What Energy Efficiency Looks Like in Today’s Homes”.
Listen in and join with the zoom meeting link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86412871326?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 864 1287 1326
Passcode: [REDACTED]

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Webinar: What’s Hot with Heat Pumps
2024-03-19 10:30 - 11:45
Join us for our next SPEER webinar focused on heat pump technology, and why it’s ideal in southern markets. Our expert presenter will discuss the evolution of the technology over the years (which has improved dramatically!), cover why an inverter runs continuously, and why that’s a good thing. We will review cost perspective when it comes to homeowners and the life cycle of their equipment as well as any upfront costs and impacts to utility bills. Lastly, we’ll touch on important tax incentives and direction high performance homes are moving.
Speaker: Garrett Smith, Area Sales Manager (Central Texas), Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC
Register Now

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Webinar: Driving Sustainable Change: Annual Update on SPEER's CELC Program
2024-03-19 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for an insightful webinar/roundtable as we provide a comprehensive annual update on the Community Efficiency Leadership Coalition (CELC). As we navigate the evolving landscape of community development and sustainable practices, CELC continues to drive positive change.
Overview:
– Explore the significant milestones achieved by CELC over the past year, showcasing successful projects and initiatives that have contributed to community development and efficiency
– Impact on Sustainable Practices
– Discuss the collaborative efforts and partnerships that CELC has forged to strengthen its impact, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in achieving shared goals
– Get an exclusive preview of CELC’s upcoming projects and initiatives, offering insights into how the coalition will further enhance community efficiency and sustainability
Presenters:
– Liz John, Managing Director, SPEER
– Shaun Auckland, Local Government Program Manager, SPEER
Register here

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Webinar: Why Energy Codes Matter
2024-03-26 10:30 - 11:45
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.”
Speaker: Jason Vandever from NAIMA
Register here

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CELC Virtual Coffee Hour
2024-03-27 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!
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81228264659?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 812 2826 4659

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Webinar: Clean Energy Investment Act: Tax Credits & Elective Pay
2024-03-28 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by the Department of Energy (DOE), where we’ll delve into strategies for empowering investments in clean energy. In light of theInflation Reduction Act, which includes provisions for tax credits aimed at stimulating clean energy development, this webinar will explore the opportunities and implications for investors, businesses, non-profits, state and local governments, and policymakers.
Objectives:
• Overview of the Inflation Reduction Act and its impact on clean energy investment incentives
• Examination of tax credits available under the Act for clean energy projects
• Insights into elective pay options and their role in advancing clean energy initiatives
• Insights into how elective pay allows tax-exempt entities; including state and local governments, public schools and hospitals, public power, Tribes, and non-profits; to access clean energy tax credits.
Examples of eligible projects and opportunities to stack multiple sources of clean energy funding. Discussion on the broader economic and environmental benefits of clean energy investments
Whether you’re a renewable energy developer, investor, non-profit, policymaker, or simply interested in the intersection of finance and clean energy, this webinar will provide valuable insights and guidance for navigating the evolving landscape of clean energy investment opportunities.
Speakers:
• Dr. Alex Kate Halvey,AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow- U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Policy
• Kelsey Landau, Presidential Management Fellow-U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Policy
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Webinar: Eco-Educate: Empowering Schools for Energy Conservation
2024-04-11 10:00 - 11:00
Dive into the innovative Austin Energy All-Stars Program designed to empower 6th-grade students with electricity, savings, and sustainability knowledge. Join Austin Energy and the Austin Independent School District (AISD) representatives as they unveil the program’s outcomes and impact. Explore how this unique initiative blends in-class curriculum with practical energy-saving techniques, fostering a culture of efficiency and environmental consciousness among students, teachers, and families. Discover the rationale behind targeting 6th-grade students, the collaborative process with school districts, and the transformative effects on educational goals and behavior change.
OBJECTIVES:

Understand the strategies energy managers employ for behavior change within schools and among administrators.
Recognize the significance of targeting 6th-grade students in energy efficiency education and understand the long-term benefits of starting at this educational level.
Explore the engagement process with school districts, including why 6th grade was chosen and the development of curriculum tailored to this age group.
Evaluate the impact of the All-Stars Program on students’ understanding of energy concepts, as well as its broader educational implications within the Austin Independent Schools.

PRESENTERS:

Ana Echeverria, Energy Conservation Engagement Foreman·AISD
Donylle Seals, Environmental Program Coordinator·Austin Energy

Register Here
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 ideas for future webinars? Contact Shaun Auckland, Local Government Program Manager, SPEER, cities@eepartnership.org.

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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
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
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