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In this Newsletter:

• Upcoming Webinars
• New! Oklahoma "Powering Forward" Newsletter
• AESP/DOE Online Training Opportunity
• TECCC & Ambassador Meeting: April 18
• Save the Date: SPEER's Annual Industry Workshop - Sept. 19-20
• Call for Speakers
• Noteworthy + Previous Webinar Offerings
• What We're Reading
• The Top 10 Energy Efficiency Upgrades for your Home

Upcoming Webinars

Implications of EER Requirements on Heat Pump Adoption in Texas and Oklahoma

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

When: Tuesday, April 23rd, 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

HouseRater Reports for Energy Code and Home Energy Ratings

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)

When: Thursday, April 25th, 10:30 A.M. - 1.5 hours

IECC Energy Codes and Hot Water Distribution: The Benefits of Demand Controlled Recirculation Systems

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

When: Tuesday, April 30th, 10:30 A.M. - 1.5 hours

Building a Sustainable Future: Affordable Housing Innovations

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.

Speakers: Sean Vo, National Director of Sales and Strategic Partnership and Vanessa Wright, Sustainability Manager from Levven Electronics

When: Tuesday, May 14th, 10:30 A.M. - 1.5 hours

New! "Oklahoma: Powering Forward" Newsletter

We are excited to announce a new bi-monthly newsletter from SPEER focused on the latest energy developments in Oklahoma! In this edition we will cover policy, legislative advocacy, grant opportunities, climate action plan adoption, the changing landscape of building codes, and ways local governments are driving efficiency forward. If you are interested in getting on this distribution list and receiving this newsletter, or one of SPEER’s other four newsletter options, you can update your preferences here.

In-Person TECCC & Energy Code Ambassador Meeting

2024 is already an exciting year for SPEER, our partners, and affiliates. We look forward to all the great work you all will accomplish, and we are happy to be a part of such a terrific group of leaders.

We have scheduled an in-person Ambassador's Meeting this Thursday, April 18th in Round Rock, TX to begin at 9:00 AM at the Hilton Garden Inn @ 2310 IH35, Round Rock, TX. This meeting will be held in combination with our Texas Energy Code Compliance Collaborative (TECCC). We welcome you to attend the full day of code discussion through both the Ambassador meeting and the TECCC meeting. Coffee and meals will be provided during these events.

Please register HERE and as always, let me know if you have any questions. 

We’ll cover the following agenda items (subject to change): 

-       SPEER Mission for Ambassadors & TECCC

-       Upcoming Code Updates, SPEER State Network (highlights) 

-      Upcoming 2024 IECC Changes/Federal Opportunities

-       Ambassador Updates/Open Questions – Local Areas

-       2024/25 Code Outlook – PNNL Partnership – Federal Funding 

-       Upcoming 2024 IECC Changes/Federal Opportunities 

-       Local Area Updates 

 ** If you have topics, you would like us to cover, please let us know.

We hope you can join us for this ongoing partnership between code professionals and SPEER. As in the past, SPEER will cover mileage, one hotel night and meals on April 18th. We look forward to seeing you in Round Rock.

Call for Speakers

SPEER is looking for others with a passion for our Energy Conservation Code and is open to hosting a webinar for you.

AESP/DOE Online Training Opportunity

We need to maximize the value of flexible loads as both a grid asset and a customer asset. Demand flexibility is the coordinated manipulation of energy consumption and production across grid devices on a massive scale, while maintaining livability and comfort standards. AESP and the Department of Energy (DOE) now offer free online courses designed for energy efficiency leaders, focused on exploring water heaters, lighting, HVAC systems, and cutting-edge distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar, battery storage, and EVSE.

Expand your knowledge and learn more now.

Noteworthy

Where I'm Heading:

• When: April 16th
• Where: NCTCOG meeting - attending the Regional Codes Coordinating Committee meeting

• When: April 17th
• Where: City of Tyler - 2021 IECC training for Building Inspectors and Staff

• When: April 18th
• Where: Round Rock - SPEER's TECCC and Ambassador meeting

• When: May 6th-8th
• Where: Sacramento, CA - National Energy Codes Conference - Will be on a panel for discussion of energy codes training and workforce development

• When: May 18th
• Where: Rio Grande Valley Builders Show - Multiple presentations around the 2021 ECC training, mechanical ventilation training, and HVAC best practices including Manual J and S requirements for code compliance

• When: May 21st
• Where: City of Alton and Misson - Presenting/training for City of Alton building department and hosting an On-the-Jobsite training for the surrounding cities in the Rio Grande Valley

What We're Reading:

A great article from The Spruce discusses various types of insulation used to enhance home energy efficiency and comfort. It covers blanket batts and rolls, foam boards, sprayed and foamed-in-place foam, loose-fill and blown-in insulation, and reflective systems, each catering to different parts of a home and specific insulation needs. These materials are chosen based on their thermal resistance, application ease, and effectiveness in different environments, such as attics or foundations. Properly selecting and installing the right type of insulation can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs while improving overall home comfort.



For the full article: 10 Types of Insulation Every Homeowner Should Know (thespruce.com)

Great Prerecorded Webinars:

Spray Foam Insulation, When Is It Installed Correctly?

We are seeing more and more residential and commercial buildings using spray foam insulation to meet the energy code. Unlike fiberglass batts, applied foam does not contain an R-value mark that’s observable for inspection. Let’s talk about and look at the things to look for and verify to ensure the building envelope meets the requirements of the Energy Code.

Head over to our YouTube channel and subscribe now to receive updates when we add new webinars and training recordings.

1.     Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Old, leaky windows and doors are significant culprits in heat loss during winter and cool air loss in summer. Upgrading to energy-efficient models equipped with double glazing and quality weather stripping can dramatically reduce energy consumption and enhance the comfort of your home.

2.     Invest in High-Efficiency HVAC Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems consume a large chunk of home energy. Modern high-efficiency systems are designed to provide maximum comfort while using less energy than older models. Consider options like heat pumps that are known for their effectiveness and energy conservation.

3.     Install Solar Panels

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity and provide a renewable and clean source of energy. By installing solar panels, you can generate your own power, reduce your dependence on the grid, and enjoy lower electricity bills.

4.     Switch to LED Lighting

LED bulbs are a simple yet effective upgrade. They use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. This switch not only saves energy but also reduces the frequency of bulb replacements.

5.     Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow for automated and optimized control of your heating and cooling systems. They adjust temperatures based on your habits and preferences and can be controlled remotely, ensuring energy isn’t wasted.

6.     Enhance Home Insulation

Proper insulation helps maintain your home's internal temperature, reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems and lowering energy consumption. Insulating attics, walls, and floors are particularly effective.

7.     Energy-Efficient Appliances

Appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines account for a significant portion of energy bills. Modern energy-efficient appliances operate using a fraction of the energy and water, which substantially lowers utility bills.

8.     Water-Saving Fixtures

Installing fixtures like low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can dramatically reduce water usage. Less hot water use also means less energy spent on water heating, compounding savings.

9.     Solar Water Heating

A solar water heater uses the sun's power to heat your water, significantly cutting down on electricity or gas use. This system can be integrated with your existing water heating setup and can provide substantial energy savings.

10.  Home Energy Audit

Finally, consider a professional home energy audit to identify where your home is losing energy. An auditor can provide tailored recommendations and help prioritize upgrades for the best return on investment.

Implementing these energy-efficient upgrades can significantly reduce your home's energy consumption, lower utility costs, and increase your property's value. Start with the changes that best suit your budget and energy goals to make your home a model of efficiency and sustainability. With these strategic upgrades, you'll not only enjoy a more comfortable living environment but also contribute to a healthier planet.

Check out all the resources we have on our website, including a link to our YouTube page with hours of video training content!