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Hello CELC members and partners,
This month, there’s a lot happening at SPEER for local governments—but first, our hearts are with those affected by the devastating floods in Central Texas. This tragedy has deeply impacted our communities, where lives were lost and families forever changed.
There are meaningful ways to support recovery: Austin Monthly has an updated resource of central Texas organizations providing relief. In addition, the Footprint Project is collecting mobile solar generators for disaster relief, and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is deploying backup generators to community hubs—consider proposing one in your area. These efforts help strengthen resilience as we recover and prepare for what’s ahead.
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In this newsletter:
- SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop 2025: Early Bird Registration
- Mark Your Calendar: Exciting CELC Opportunities Ahead
- Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP)
- Local Government Energy Reporting for 2024
- Now Live: SPEER's 2025 Texas 89th Legislature Wrap-Up
- What We're Reading: Insights and Inspiration
- Resources to Accelerate Your Energy Improvements
| | SPEER 2025 Industry + Policy Workshop: Early Bird Registration Ends 7/31! | | |
Registration is open and the agenda is live – save your spot now and join us at SPEER’s 2025 Industry + Policy Workshop, September 18-19 at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center in Austin.
We have a lot of exciting things to offer our local government and community affiliates! We’ll kick off the conference by touring the Carl J. Eckhardt Combined Heating and Power Complex on Thursday, September 18th from 9:30 am - 11:30 am. Did you know UT has one of the largest campus microgrids in the country and generates 100% of the university’s electricity, heating, and cooling? This tour will offer participants hands-on exposure to real energy systems and is only open to CELC and TEA-UP members. You have the option to sign up for this when you register; please note spots are limited to the first 25 registrants. The group will walk from the AT&T Conference Center and we’ll share more information as the date approaches.
Panel Highlight: Energy Efficiency is No Longer Just Inside the Building – Innovative Action is Driving Change Across the Country
Energy efficiency is no longer confined to what happens inside the building envelope. Discover how solutions like cool roofs, impervious cover management, on-site renewables, advanced window coverings, and climate-responsive landscaping contribute to a more energy-efficient built environment. Explore how integrating these exterior mechanisms can significantly enhance sustainability, resilience, and long-term cost savings.
Our current speakers include:
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Bill Updike, Program Manager, Smart Surfaces Coalition
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David Webber, CEO & Founder, Webber + Studio Architecture
2024 Recap:
If you need a refresher on last year's fantastic event, check out our video recap from the 2024 Industry + Policy Workshop. While last year was a huge success, we are excited to set the bar even higher this year in a bigger venue.
Register today:
**We’re offering discounted non-member pricing for local governments and non-profit organizations. Early bird pricing closes July 31st. Take advantage of our discounted hotel block and register today!
| | Mark Your Calendar: Exciting CELC Opportunities Ahead | | Webinar: Increasing Efficiency & Reducing Peak Demand Through Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies |
July 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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.
Register here.
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July 11th @ 9:30 am
Location: Virtual - Zoom
Join SPEER’s Senior Manager of Government and Community Engagement as she leads monthly open discussions with members of the local government and higher education community focused on sharing insights and exploring ways to expand exciting energy efficiency in our communities.
The next Community Efficiency Leadership Coalition (CELC) virtual coffee hour is the
morning of July 11th at 9:30 AM CST. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the shared goal of creating sustainable and energy-efficient environments. 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: Email cities@eepartnership.org if you do not have the reoccurring meeting invitation.
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Webinar: Integrated Building Systems - Advancing Design, Air Quality, and Performance |
July 17 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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
Register here.
| | Share Your Expertise: Call for Webinar Presenters | | Unleash your knowledge! We're seeking passionate experts to lead our upcoming webinars. If you're an industry leader with insights to share, we want to hear from you. Join us in inspiring and educating our community. Submit your proposal now! | | Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP) | | Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP) Quarterly Meeting | | |
July 25 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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. 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.
| | TEA-UP Member Highlight: UT Austin | | |
The Green Fund is a competitive grant program funded by student tuition and supports
sustainability related projects and research on the UT Austin campus and affiliated
locations. Each May, projects are chosen to be funded via selection by the student-majority
Green Fund Committee.
This year, the committee voted to approve 20 projects for a total of $486,807. Eleven grants
were awarded to students, seven to staff and two to faculty.
Congratulations to all grant awardees! Check their website for the full list of projects and amounts awarded.
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Local Government Energy Reporting for 2024 | |
Congratulations to these 169 local governments, agencies, and organizations who committed to energy management goals in 2024!
This reporting ensures responsible use of government funds, avoids wasted resources, strengthens voter confidence, and improves transparency.
Check out the full list here via SPEER's Community Efficiency Collaboration program page.
| Now Live: SPEER's 2025 Texas 89th Legislature Wrap-Up | |
It’s officially sine die in Texas as the legislature adjourned the 89th session with a relatively quiet ending relating to energy issues. Over the course of session, SPEER has tracked over 300 bills relating to all things energy. For the second session in a row, an energy efficiency goal bill was moved out of its initial chamber and received bipartisan support, although looming deadlines ultimately ended its chances of being sent to the Governor’s desk.
However, a few demand-side bills did get sent to the Governor and became law. HB 5323, which establishes the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee, and SB 783, which allows SECO to adopt new energy codes, will be effective on September 1st this year. The priority energy bill, SB 6, was also passed, while several anti-renewable bills were killed. For a full write-up of the session highlights, please see our recap here.
| | Resources to Accelerate Your Energy Improvements | |
Air Quality Programs and Funding Opportunities
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has several regional air quality programs and initiatives to reduce air pollution in North Central Texas. In addition, funding opportunities and incentives are available for projects that reduce air pollution from vehicles and equipment and/or help improve energy efficiency.
More information here.
| | What We're Reading: Insights and Inspiration | | | | |
