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In this Newsletter:
- Upcoming Webinars & Previous Webinars
- SPEER Ambassador/TECCC Meeting in Conjunction With SPEER's Industry + Policy Workshop
- Join SPEER! 18-Month Special Ends Soon
- Resiliency in New Construction: Building for the Future of Texas
- Where I'm Headed/Where I've Been
- What We're Reading
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The Future of Hydrogen in Texas: Navigating New Policies and Opportunities
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.
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.
Speaker: Emily Beagle, Ph.D. | Research Associate, The University of Texas at Austin, Webber Energy Group
When: Thursday, August 22nd @ 10:00 AM CST
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REScheck and IC3 Features and Key Updates from the 2021 IECC for Residential Buildings
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.
When: Thursday, August 29th @ 10:00 AM
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In Case You Missed It - Past Webinar Offerings | |
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SPEER Presents: An Onsite Walkthrough
A great webinar to revisit is an onsite walk-through where we discuss the “checklist” items from the IECC. This comprehensive presentation is centered around Table R402.4.1.1 of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), an important resource for understanding the insulation and fenestration requirements, as well as the sealing methodology for constructing energy-efficient buildings.
Check it out on SPEER's YouTube channel.
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SPEER is looking for individuals or organizations with a passion for our Energy Conservation Code. Are you interested in presenting on one of our webinars? Do you have a topic that is value for builders, inspectors, city officials, 3rd party raters? Contact us today! | |
SPEER Ambassador/TECCC Meeting in Conjunction With SPEER's Industry + Policy Workshop | |
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We have scheduled an in-person Ambassadors/TECCC Meeting on Thursday, September 19th in Austin, TX from 9:00 – 11:30. This will be held in conjunction with the SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop at the Archer Hotel in The Domain, beginning at noon on the 19th. This combination meeting will allow for our current listed SPEER Ambassadors to attend the workshop FREE of CHARGE. **Unsure if you’re a current SPEER Ambassador, or would like to learn more about our Ambassador program or apply? Please contact SPEER’s Energy Code Manager, Randy Plumlee, at rplumlee@eepartnership.org.
The meeting currently has the following agenda (subject to change). If you have topics you would like for us to cover, please let us know:
- Welcome/Introductions
- SPEER Mission for Ambassadors
- Code Updates SPEER State Network (highlights)
- Ambassador Updates/Open Questions – Local Jurisdictions
- 2024/2027 Code Outlook – PNNL Partnership – Federal Funding
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 (please contact me directly if a hotel room night is needed – listed Ambassadors only) and meals for those Ambassadors who are attending, and again, the SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop will be FREE of CHARGE for Ambassadors.
Please register HERE and, as always, let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you on September 19th in Austin.
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SPEER would like to thank our fantastic roster of sponsors for this year's event! These sponsorships are incredibly important to us and help continue the sustaining efforts of our organization as we educate and support energy efficiency across the Texas and Oklahoma region. With your support, we are able to further our mission and initiatives. | |
Join SPEER! 18-Month Special Ends Soon | |
SPEER's mission is large-scale and becoming more urgent by the moment. High impact weather events are happening more often, our region is growing drastically, and energy efficiency is more important than ever to protect the future of our grid.
Membership dollars allow us to push forward in our commitment to expand energy efficiency in our territory and beyond, and to help create a more sustainable, healthy environment for all Texans and Oklahomans.
Join us today – we are offering an 18-month special until the end of month (8/31), and your membership will last through 2025! Your contribution will go directly to driving this organization and the crucial mission it represents.
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Resiliency in New Construction: Building for the Future of Texas | |
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Resiliency in new construction has become a critical focus in Texas, driven by the state's unique challenges and its rapidly growing population. As we witness the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, from devastating hurricanes along the Gulf Coast to record-breaking heatwaves and unexpected cold snaps, the need for resilient construction practices has never been more apparent.
Resiliency in construction refers to the ability of a building to withstand and quickly recover from adverse conditions. In Texas, this encompasses not only the capacity to endure natural disasters but also the capability to maintain energy efficiency and functionality under challenging circumstances.
Texas' diverse climate zones—from the humid Gulf Coast to the arid West—demand region-specific strategies. Coastal areas, for example, require construction methods that can withstand high winds and flooding. This includes elevating structures, using flood-resistant materials, and ensuring robust wind-resistant designs. Conversely, in arid and hot regions, the focus is often on managing extreme temperatures, which involves enhancing insulation, using reflective roofing materials, and integrating energy-efficient HVAC systems.
Energy resilience is another critical aspect, particularly in the wake of events like the 2021 winter storm that led to widespread power outages. New construction in Texas is increasingly incorporating backup power systems, such as solar panels with battery storage, to ensure that homes can remain functional during grid disruptions. Additionally, adopting energy-efficient building practices not only reduces dependency on the grid but also lowers operational costs, providing long-term savings for homeowners.
Using sustainable and durable materials is key to enhancing resilience. Innovations in building materials, such as high-performance concrete, impact-resistant windows, and advanced insulation, contribute significantly to the longevity and safety of new constructions. These materials help buildings resist the harsh Texas environment while also promoting sustainability by reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
The adoption of resilient construction practices is further supported by evolving building codes and regulations. Texas has made strides in updating its energy codes to reflect the need for higher efficiency standards, ensuring that new buildings are not only resilient but also aligned with the state's energy goals. Training and educating builders, architects, and code officials on these codes are essential steps in fostering a culture of resilience in the construction industry.
Resiliency in new construction is more than a trend—it's a necessity for the future of Texas. By embracing resilient design principles, utilizing sustainable materials, and enhancing energy efficiency, we can create buildings that not only protect their occupants during extreme events but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient Texas for generations to come.
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Where I'm Heading/Where I've Been:
When: Sept. 12th
Where: Attending the City of Austin’s 2024 IECC Council meeting
When: Sept. 19th-20th
Where: SPEER's 2024 Industry + Policy Workshop
When: Sept. 25th-26th
Where: Attending and presenting for the MEEA Mid-West Codes Conference
When: Wednesday, October 30th @ 9:50 AM
Where: North Texas Facilities Expo, Irving, TX
Session 11: 2021 IECC Update: Key Changes in Commercial HVAC, Lighting, and Building Codes
This valuable presentation will describe the significant changes introduced in the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for commercial buildings. The session will cover essential updates in HVAC systems, lighting requirements, and overall building codes to enhance energy efficiency. Gain insights on how these changes impact design, implementation, and compliance. Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the new standards effectively in your upcoming projects.
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*Interested in SPEER bringing in-field training to you or learning about the 2021 IECC changes, mechanical ventilation training, and HVAC best practices? Contact us! | |
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What We're Reading:
From the Energy Vanguard: 10 Ways to Reduce Your Indoor Humidity
Most of us in Texas are well aware of the high humidity that attaches itself to us during the majority of the year.
Here’s a great article from Energy Vanguard that provides practical tips for managing indoor humidity levels. Key suggestions include keeping doors and windows closed, using bath fans and range hoods sparingly, covering pots while cooking, taking shorter showers, sealing air leaks in the attic and crawl space, ensuring duct systems are sealed, adjusting thermostat settings, setting AC fans to "auto," having an HVAC professional check airflow, and using dehumidifiers if necessary. Implementing these strategies can help maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
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Check out all the resources we have on our website, including a link to our YouTube page with hours of video training content! | | | | |
