Webinar: A2L Refrigerants & the 2025 HVAC Transition - What Building Officials Need to Know
2025-06-24 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
New Refrigerants, New Rules — Are You Ready?
Join us for a free, one-hour webinar designed specifically for building officials, inspectors, and code enforcement professionals preparing for the 2025 transition to A2 and A2L refrigerants in residential and commercial HVAC systems.
With the EPA phasing down high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A starting January 1, 2025, and manufacturers rolling out equipment charged with mildly flammable A2L refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B, it’s critical to understand what this means for plan review, installation inspections, and code compliance.
What You’ll Learn:

Why the refrigerant transition is happening – and what the AIM Act requires
How A2L refrigerants differ from A1’s (like R-410A) in safety, performance, and risk
Code changes, charge limits, and system placement requirements under the IMC and IRC
What to look for during inspections: equipment labeling, ventilation, leak detection, and training

BONUS:
All attendees receive a printable inspection checklist!!

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Webinar: Energy Efficiency Made Easy - SECO Resources for Texas
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:00
Looking to boost energy efficiency while saving money for your public facility? Join us for an informative and engaging webinar featuring the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), where you’ll discover valuable funding opportunities and expert resources designed to support energy-smart decisions in Texas communities.
This session will take a deep dive into SECO’s flagship Texas LoanSTAR (Saving Taxes and Resources) Revolving Loan Program, which offers financing for energy-related retrofit projects across public school districts, colleges, universities, and local governments. You’ll learn how to access this funding and make meaningful upgrades to your facilities.
Whether you’re a city official, school administrator, or facilities manager, this webinar will equip you with the tools and contacts to take the next step in your energy efficiency journey. This webinar is eligible for ICC Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Understand the Texas LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program and its funding opportunities for public entities.
Identify SECO’s available technical assistance and energy education resources.
Explore upcoming SECO programs that support energy efficiency and cost savings across Texas.

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, Senior Manager, Government and Community Engagement, SPEER: cities@eepartnership.org

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Webinar: Understanding Stone Wool in Interior and Exterior Applications - Solutions for Thermal, Fire, and Sound Control
2025-07-01 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for an in-depth exploration of stone wool (mineral wool) insulation—an innovative material delivering superior thermal performance, fire resistance, moisture control, and acoustic benefits. As energy codes and performance expectations rise, stone wool is being used more strategically across both interior and exterior assemblies. This session will provide valuable insights for architects, specifiers, engineers, contractors, and sustainability professionals.
Lessons Learned:

Understand Stone Wool Basics: Learn how stone wool is made, how it differs from fiberglass and foam, and what makes it a high-performance insulation material.
Explore Code-Compliant Applications: Discover how stone wool aligns with IBC Chapter 26 updates and NFPA 285 fire testing requirements for modern assemblies.
Design for Performance: See how stone wool improves thermal efficiency, enhances sound control, and contributes to sustainable building practices across commercial and roofing applications.

Credits:

1 ICC CEU/1 AIA/CES Learning Unit (HSW and SD)
1 GBCI CE Hour

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Webinar: Increasing Efficiency & Reducing Peak Demand Through Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies
2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:00
Discover innovative solutions from the Smart Surfaces Coalition and partners that improve energy efficiency and reduce peak demand through strategies outside the traditional building envelope.
Webinar Objectives:

Highlight emerging technologies and surface treatments that reduce heat and energy demand at the community level.
Share case studies from coalition partners demonstrating measurable impact.
Explore policy, funding, and partnership opportunities to scale non-traditional energy efficiency solutions.

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, Senior Manager, Government and Community Engagement, SPEER: cities@eepartnership.org

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CELC Virtual Coffee Hour: Energizing Connections
2025-07-11 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-08-05 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-09-02 09:30 - 10:30
Join our monthly coffee hour, happening the first Tuesday 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.
Brewing ideas together over a virtual cup of coffee!
Interested in attending? Join CELC at this link – then we will send you the meeting invite series!

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Webinar: Integrated Building Systems - Advancing Design, Air Quality, and Performance
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:00
Buildings have evolved from simple shelters to complex systems requiring integration of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and sustainability goals. This session outlines the progression of building design and highlights the growing role of indoor air quality programs. It will present a practical methodology for managing design, installation, testing, and operations in today’s increasingly interconnected building environment.
Condensed Learning Objectives:

Outline the evolution of building design and usage, highlighting key historical changes and their ongoing influence.
Explain the drivers behind energy conservation and indoor air quality programs, including occupant needs, contaminants, and control strategies.
Describe an effective methodology for managing design, construction, performance verification, and operation in today’s complex building systems.

Speaker:

Gerald J. Kettler, PE, CCP, CIAQM, TBE, BEAP, REM, CEM – Managing Principal, CEO, LEED Fellow, Facility Performance Associates

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Webinar - From the Field: Real-World Compliance and Enforcement Trends in the New IECC
2025-07-22 10:30 - 11:30
This session delivers a boots-on-the-ground perspective of how the 2021 and 2024 IECC are playing out in the field. We’ll explore what code officials, energy inspectors, and third-party verifiers are seeing during inspections—where compliance is working, where it’s not, and why. Expect practical insights on the most commonly missed requirements, how builders are responding, and strategies jurisdictions are using to improve consistency, coordination, and enforcement. Whether you’re enforcing the code or preparing for it, this is the real talk you need.
Three Lessons Learned:

Common Violations Stem from Documentation Gaps, Not Just Install Mistakes: Builders often fail to submit HVAC designs, duct leakage test results, and ventilation documentation, which makes enforcement difficult—even if the installation is adequate.
Third-Party Coordination is Critical but Often Overlooked: Cities relying on third-party energy verifiers need clear communication and defined roles between verifiers, inspectors, and code officials to prevent missed steps in the field.
Training and Field Resources Make or Break Compliance: Jurisdictions that invested in inspector training, updated checklists, and clear plan review protocols saw far better compliance and fewer failures during final inspections.

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GBRC Webinar: Residential HVAC Training for HVAC Professionals, Energy Raters, and Building Inspectors
2025-07-24 11:00 - 12:00
Hosted by: Green Building Resource Center (GBRC) & SPEER!

This free online training will focus on:

Improving indoor air quality
Increasing system efficiency
Best practices for HVAC system design and duct installation

Designed for HVAC professionals, energy raters, and inspectors, this session offers practical guidance on ensuring residential HVAC systems meet performance and code expectations.
CEUs:
Participants will earn .01 ICC Preferred Provider CEUs, provided by the City of Houston.

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Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP) Quarterly Meeting
2025-07-25 10:00 - 11:00
The Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP) is a coalition funded by the State Energy Conservation Office, created to make a meaningful impact in the world of energy advocacy and sustainability in higher education. SPEER was funded by the State Energy Conservation Office to create a coalition of higher education organizations. We would like to give a voice to higher education sustainability implementers and energy managers in leading the conversation and provide a platform to convene.
Our meetings are designed to be engaging and informative. Each one-hour session will begin with a 20-minute presentation by a guest speaker.
Register as a TEA-UP member to attend here.

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Weatherization Focus Group Discussion (Hosted by SPEER & HARC)
2025-08-21 09:00 - 13:00 | Travis County Veterans Services, 5325 Airport Blvd, Suite 1100, Austin, TX, 78751, United States
Weatherization in Focus: Focus Group on Community, Coordination, and Impact (*REGISTER HERE)
Hosted by SPEER & HARC
Join us for a Weatherization Focus Group event where we will discuss enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in our communities. We invite stakeholders from Texas and Oklahoma to share their insights and experiences regarding weatherization practices. SPEER and HARC are committed to fostering collaboration and innovation among participants. Participate to gain valuable knowledge and foster partnerships as we advance weatherization efforts together!
Stakeholders include:

Weatherization Implementers
Utilities
Weatherization Program Managers

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Webinar - High-Performance Heat Pump Solutions with LG: Comfort, Efficiency, and Compliance
2025-08-26 10:30 - 11:30
Presented by: Kevin DeMaster, LG Air Conditioning Technologies
Join us for a deep dive into LG’s innovative heat pump technologies for air conditioning, space heating, and water heating. As energy codes become more stringent and the push for electrification grows, HVAC systems must evolve to meet higher performance and efficiency standards. LG Air Conditioning Technologies is rising to the challenge with industry-leading solutions that combine comfort, energy savings, and code compliance.
In this live webinar, we’ll explore:

What sets LG’s HVAC and heat pump products apart from other manufacturers
How their solutions align with IECC, ENERGY STAR, and electrification goals
Strategies to integrate LG technologies in new and retrofit residential and commercial projects

3 Lessons Learned:

Not All Heat Pumps Are Created Equal: Learn how LG’s inverter-driven, variable capacity technologies optimize efficiency and comfort in a range of climates—far beyond conventional systems.
Integrated Design Can Simplify Compliance: Discover how LG’s multi-functional products (like heat pump water heaters and ducted/ductless hybrid systems) help designers meet multiple code requirements in one solution.
High-Performance HVAC is Key to Electrification: Understand the role LG’s systems play in electrifying buildings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions—while still keeping utility bills low.

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Webinar: 2025 Texas 89th Legislature Wrap-Up – Grid Reliability, Energy Efficiency & Legislative Outlook
2025-08-28 14:00 - 15:00
The 89th Texas Legislative Session addressed some of the most pressing energy challenges facing the state—from grid reliability to energy affordability. This webinar, presented by SPEER, offers a comprehensive review of key legislation and policy trends impacting Texas’ electric grid, energy efficiency programs, and distributed energy resources (DERs).
Attendees will gain insight into major bills such as SB 6, the continued implementation of the Texas Energy Fund, and legislative efforts related to renewables, workforce development, and building codes. Learn how the session’s outcomes may shape regulatory priorities, customer costs, and energy strategies ahead of the 90th Legislature.
By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

Identify and analyze the most impactful energy-related legislation from the 89th Texas Legislature, including SB 6 and bills affecting renewables and transmission planning.
Evaluate the implications of legislative actions on demand-side resources, energy efficiency standards, and residential energy policy in Texas.
Understand emerging trends in energy workforce development, building code modernization, and how they intersect with statewide goals for grid resilience and consumer affordability.

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SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop 2025
2025-09-18 - 2025-09-19 | AT&T Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 University Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78705, United States
SPEER’s 2025 Industry + Policy Workshop is coming up quickly, and we’re excited to gather in person once more to exchange success stories, explore cutting-edge energy efficiency technologies, discuss demand-side strategies, and (of course) revisit the age-old debate over who brings their best cowboy boots. Registration is open and the agenda is live!

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Webinar - Open Cell Spray Foam: Comfort, Compliance, and Code Clarity
2025-09-23 10:30 - 11:30
Presented by: Cody Wilson, Climate Control Insulation
Spray foam insulation continues to grow in popularity—but how does it really perform when it comes to energy code compliance, building durability, and occupant comfort?
Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Wilson of Climate Control Insulation, where we’ll explore the practical benefits of open cell spray foam insulation and clear up some of the confusion around its use in residential construction.
We’ll discuss:

How open cell spray foam compares to traditional insulation materials
Common field questions about R-values, air barriers, and vapor control
When and how open cell foam meets (or exceeds) the 2021 and 2024 IECC requirements

Whether you’re an inspector, builder, or energy rater, this session will equip you with the insights needed to evaluate open cell foam projects with confidence.
3 Lessons Learned:

R-Value Isn’t the Whole Story: Discover how open cell spray foam can deliver superior performance by addressing both air infiltration and thermal resistance—a key factor in meeting code requirements.
Proper Application Is Critical to Compliance: Learn the essential installation practices and inspection tips to ensure foam is applied correctly, safely, and in compliance with the latest codes.
Code Flexibility with High-Performance Materials: See how open cell spray foam fits into prescriptive and performance paths, and when it qualifies for trade-offs under the UA or ERI compliance methods.

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Webinar: SECO Utility Management Reporting
2025-10-01 10:30 - 11:30
This webinar focuses on Utility Management Reporting for the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) of Texas and will equip participants with the knowledge and tools to collect, analyze, and interpret utility data for reducing energy costs and improving performance. Participants will learn reporting best practices and benchmarking in ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager.
State law 4 Tex. Gov. Code §447.009 (c) and (e) directs each state agency and institution of higher education to set percentage goals for reducing its usage of water, electricity, gasoline and natural gas. The target audience is state agencies and higher education institutions.

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CELC/SPEER Webinar: Aligning Policy and Research for Municipal & Higher Ed Energy Innovation
2025-10-16 14:00 - 15:00
Panelists:
– Hammad Chaudhry, Austin Energy
– Andee Chamberlain, Texas State University
– Chris Pasch, CLEAResult
– Noah Oaks, SPEER
Join us for a dynamic webinar exploring how cross-sector partnerships advance energy efficiency and sustainability. Hear from experts in local government, academia, and industry as they share insights, challenges, and successes in implementing real-world energy solutions. Ideal for policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals seeking impactful collaboration models across Texas and beyond.
Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, utility professional, or industry stakeholder, this webinar offers valuable perspectives on how collaborative models can shape a more energy-efficient future for communities across Texas and beyond.

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Healthy Homes & Climate Readiness
2025-10-22 10:30 - 11:30
Community navigators play a powerful role in connecting homeowners with resources that improve comfort, safety, and affordability. This training equips navigators, contractors, and city/county staff with the tools to educate and support households through weatherization and climate readiness efforts.
Participants will gain a practical understanding of:

The benefits of weatherization (lower bills, comfort, durability, indoor air quality).
Thermal envelope basics: insulation, air sealing, and alignment.
HVAC system essentials: Manual J/S/D, ductwork sealing, and equipment right-sizing.
Mechanical ventilation & indoor air quality: ensuring healthy, safe airflow.
Climate readiness strategies to reduce heat stress, moisture issues, and energy insecurity.

This training is designed to be accessible and actionable, bridging technical best practices with everyday homeowner conversations.
Register Here

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Webinar: Texas Residential and Commercial Building Code Update
2025-10-24 10:00 - 11:30
The 2024 IECC Residential brings notable updates to insulation/labeling, air-leakage limits and testing, duct location & leakage, lighting efficacy and controls, and renewable-/electric-ready provisions (solar-ready, EV infrastructure, branch circuits). We’ll also cover compliance pathways (Prescriptive, Performance, ERI), added efficiency packages, and what’s new for additions and alterations so you can hit compliance confidently on day one.
Key Takeaways:

Understand new air-sealing thresholds, testing options, and sampling rules
What’s changed for ducts in walls/floors, pipe insulation, and heat-pump controls
Lighting efficacy & control requirements (interior/exterior) made simple
Electric-readiness, solar-ready, and EV infrastructure—what must be on the plans
How the performance/ERI paths and additional efficiency packages affect design choices

Register Here

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TEA-UP Quarterly Meeting
2025-10-27 14:00 - 15:00
TEA-UP is building a strong coalition for energy advocacy in higher education. Register as a TEA-UP Member here.
Join the quarterly meeting (via Teams) here.

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Austin ECO Fest
2025-11-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Bartholomew District Park, 5201 Berkman Drive, Austin, TX, 78723, United States
Austin ECO FEST – a Roots & Wings Festival Event
SPEER will be at the Austin ECO Fest to demonstrate practical weatherization techniques to help homeowners improve energy efficiency and resilience. We will be distributing free weatherization kits for qualified attendees to try at home.
More information about the event here.

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Webinar: Navigating IECC Energy Code Compliance for Demand-Controlled Hot Water Recirculation Systems
2025-11-03 10:30 - 11:30
Join SPEER and AutoHot for a deep-dive technical session on IECC Energy Code requirements for Demand-Controlled Hot Water Recirculation (DCHWR) systems in residential construction.
This webinar will unpack the engineering principles behind DCHWR technology, explore its measurable impact on energy performance and water-use efficiency, and clarify the IECC compliance pathways that govern its integration in modern residential design.
Participants will gain insight into product knowledge that hits the mark, control logic, and sensor-based operation focusing particularly on their wireless Receiver Kit and Under Sink Crossover System and its role in optimizing system responsiveness and code alignment.
This session is designed for builders, mechanical engineers, plumbing designers, and code officials seeking to elevate their understanding of demand-controlled hot water systems and confidently implement compliant, high-performance solutions in residential builds.

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Texoma Made Conference
2025-11-05 11:20 - 12:20 | Austin College, 900 N. Grand Avenue, Sherman, TX, 75090, United States
Texoma Made Conference
November 5 @ Austin College, Sherman, TX
11:20 am-12:20 pm: “Turning Data into Action: Energy Efficiency Strategies for Resilient Communities,” presented by Shaun Auckland.
Explore how local governments use energy data to cut costs, improve efficiency, and build resilient communities.
Register here.

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CELC Virtual Coffee Hour: Energizing Connections
2025-11-18 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-12-02 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-01-13 09:00 - 10:00
Join fellow CELC members for a 10-minute presentation on boosting energy efficiency in our communities followed by an open group discussion and thought sharing. Learn more on our event page and see our current CELC members.
Registration: Sign up as a CELC member to receive the invitation. *CELC members can email cities@eepartnership.org if you do not have the reoccurring meeting invitation.

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Webinar: 2024 IECC Residential: Duct Systems & Duct Testing—What Changed and How to Comply
2025-11-25 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for an in-depth look at the 2024 IECC residential duct system requirements. This session breaks down the latest code changes—covering duct location, insulation, leakage testing thresholds, and new documentation standards. We’ll walk through Section R403.3 step by step, highlighting the most significant updates, exceptions, and testing protocols.
A major addition in 2024 is a new performance-based table for total duct system leakage, replacing the old one-size-fits-all limit. The allowable leakage rate now varies by conditioned floor area served and the number of ducted returns—a fundamental shift that rewards tighter, more efficient duct design and installation.
Topics of Discussion:

Testing Clarity Matters:
The 2024 IECC clarifies that Total Duct Leakage (TDL), not leakage to outside, is the prescriptive compliance metric—ending years of confusion between testing types and helping ensure consistent enforcement across jurisdictions.
New Testing Allowances:
The new R403.3.8 table rewards well-designed, compact duct layout and penalizes oversized, leaky systems. Accuracy in test setup and documentation now matters more than ever.
“Inside Conditioned Space” Isn’t Always What It Seems:
Many systems labeled “inside” still fail compliance because of unsealed chases or ducts crossing unconditioned zones. The new ≤10-foot exception limit forces design and inspection teams to verify true envelope continuity.

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Webinar: 2024 IECC Commercial Mechanical Systems – What’s New in Section C403
2025-12-11 10:30 - 11:30
The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) introduces several key updates to Commercial mechanical system requirements found in Section C403—and these changes will directly affect plan reviews, HVAC designs, and field inspections.
Join us for a practical walkthrough of what’s new in C403 and how these updates will impact compliance and enforcement in your jurisdiction.
What you’ll learn:

New occupied-standby and door interlock control requirements
Expanded Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) provisions and space-type triggers
Updated humidification/dehumidification control limits
Revised ventilation and exhaust requirements, including dwelling-unit systems
Introduction to the Total System Performance Ratio (TSPR) compliance option
Key items plan reviewers and inspectors should verify under the new code

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TEA-UP Coalition Quarterly Meeting
2026-01-14 14:00 - 15:00
Join SPEER’s TEA-UP coalition for our upcoming Quarterly Meeting—featuring expert insights from Anna Morton Rivera, P.E. (UTSA), updates on TEA-UP’s annual goals, and space for member announcements and collaboration.
Head here to join the meeting.

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