Energy Management and Renewable Energy Newsletter

News and Updates:

Green Energy Helps NTMWD Offset Costs
Local Government Energy Reporting Updates
North Central Texas Council of Governments Awarded EPA to Conduct a North Central Texas Food Waste to Fuel Feasibility Study
SECO Notice of Loan Fund Availability
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Funding – Open Now!
DOE Connected Communities FOA
In Rare Bipartisan Climate Agreement, Senators Forge Plan To Slash Use Of Potent Greenhouse Gas
Beyond Buying Renewables: How Cities Can Influence the Energy System
ULI Greenprint: Commercial Real Estate Leaders on Track to Reduce Carbon Emissions 50 Percent by 2030
Reducing COVID-19 Risks In Commercial Buildings Without Wasting Energy
2019 Wind Energy Data & Technology Trends
Energy’s Role in a Safe and Secure Water Supply for the Nation

Events:

Dallas College: Sustainability Summit
What's the Deal with Benchmarking?
Connected Communities FOA Webinar
2020 Virtual Texas Energy Summit
Food & Flora Waste to Fleet Fuel: Development & Application of F4 Framework
Texas PACE Authority’s TX-PACE Opportunities in DFW
ENERGY STAR Webinar: Communicating Your Energy Plans and Achievements
CELC Webinar: Foundation Communities Energy and Sustainability for Affordable Housing
Texas PACE Authority’s T5 Webinar Series – The Future of Buildings, Transportation & Power
Energy Efficiency and Climate Policy Forum
CELC North Central Texas Regional Roundtable: The Public Utility Commission of Texas and Local Governments

Green Energy Helps NTMWD Offset Costs

Collecting, cleaning and moving water takes a lot of energy. For the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) that would be around 350-400 million kilowatts each year (mostly between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.) to provide clean water to their customer's tap and make sure the water going down drains is treated properly. That’s enough electricity to power around 28,000 homes.

According to NTMWD energy manager Scott Puckett, "Power is actually one of the largest costs for water system operators". Puckett recently shared on NTMWD's blog how they are constantly seeking ways to secure low-cost, reliable energy to support their operations and environment.

Click here to continue reading about how “green” or renewable energy is part of the solution.

Local Government Energy Reporting Updates

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) would like to remind you of the state-mandated energy reporting requirement.

Under Texas Health and Safety Code §388.005(c), all political subdivisions, state agencies and institutes of higher education in an ozone non-attainment area or an affected county are required to establish a goal to reduce electricity consumption by at least five percent each year. Each political subdivision must submit a report annually to SECO regarding the entity's progress and efforts to meet the five percent annual reduction goal. 2020 reports will not be due until February 1, 2021, and will cover CALENDAR year 2020.

The reporting form for 2020 is not yet available. The reporting process is undergoing some modifications.

For updates on the Local Government Energy Report and program, visit SECO's Local Government Energy Reporting webpage. If you have questions about the reporting requirements or report please contact energy@nctcog.org.

North Central Texas Council of Governments Awarded EPA to Conduct a North Central Texas Food Waste to Fuel Feasibility Study

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the selection of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) as a recipient of funding to help reduce food waste by diverting food waste from landfills and expanding anaerobic digester capacity in North Texas. The NCTCOG, partnering with the University of Texas at Arlington, will coordinate with stakeholders in the North Central Texas region to complete a North Central Texas Food Waste to Fuel Feasibility Study. The Study will advance regional efforts to divert food waste, and other organics, from landfills to preserve landfill capacity; increase regional renewable energy opportunities; and, evaluate the potential to reduce fleet emissions.

NCTCOG will initiate the study in early 2021 with a diverse group of stakeholders, including local governments, industry, non-profits, and other partners interested in evaluating food waste as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion and renewable natural gas energy production. For more information about NCTCOG’s award visit EPA.gov

SECO Notice of Loan Fund Availability

The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) recently announced the posting of a Notice of Loan Fund Availability and invites eligible entities to apply for loan assistance toward energy efficiency and retrofitting.

The Texas LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program finances energy-related, cost-reduction retrofits for state, public school district, public college, public university and tax district-supported nonprofit hospital facilities. Low interest rate loans enable successful applicants to implement energy-related, cost-reduction efforts at their facilities. The program’s revolving loan mechanism allows applicants to repay loans through the stream of energy cost savings realized from the projects.

For application information, visit the notice webpage.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Funding – Open Now!

As EVs are becoming an increasingly more common on the road, the need for a variety of charging station locations are an increased need for convenience and ease of driving around. A total of $10.4 million is available under the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP) for the purchase and installation of Level 2 charging equipment for light-duty zero emission vehicles in the State of Texas. Grant recipients will be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $2,500 per installation and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Publicly available chargers will receive 70% funding and multi-dwelling housing and workplaces will receive 60% funding. More information and how to apply to the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program here.

DOE Connected Communities FOA

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced up to $65 million through its Connected Communities funding opportunity announcement (FOA) to expand DOE’s network of grid-interactive efficient building communities nationwide. A Connected Community (CC) is a group of grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEB) with diverse, flexible end-use equipment and other distributed energy resources (DERs) that collectively work to maximize building, community, and grid efficiency. Under this FOA, DOE will select a portfolio of “Connected Community” projects totaling up to $65 million in varying climates, geographies, building types, building vintages, DERs utility/grid/regulatory structures and resource bases. Through funding these projects, DOE hopes to find and share technical and market solutions that will increase demand flexibility and energy efficiency.

To learn more about this FOA, and the corresponding informational webinar held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, please visit the EERE website here.

In Rare Bipartisan Climate Agreement, Senators Forge Plan To Slash
Use Of Potent Greenhouse Gas

In mid-September, key Senate Republicans joined Democrats in agreeing to phase out chemicals widely used in air conditioners and refrigeration that are warming the planet.

Despite the Trump administration’s refusal to join a global agreement to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, which are among the world’s most potent drivers of climate change, a push by an unusual coalition of US business firms and environmental groups appears to have swayed lawmakers.

The proposed phase-down will be offered as an amendment to a bipartisan energy bill, though it is unclear whether it will clear both chambers and be signed into law by President Trump before Congress adjourns in January.

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), who chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee commented, “This agreement protects both American consumers and American businesses. We can have clean air without damaging our economy."

Click here to read the full article by the Washington Post about this amendment to a bipartisan energy bill.

Beyond Buying Renewables: How Cities Can Influence the Energy System

As US cities and counties transition to clean energy for their own operations and communities, many are finding that stakeholders and policies beyond their jurisdictions affect their ability to purchase clean energy. Policy and regulatory decisions made by states, utilities, public utilities commissions, and wholesale market governing bodies determine the clean energy procurement options available to cities and counties. This can create challenges for meeting locally-defined resolutions and commitments.

To overcome these challenges and drive faster progress on renewables and carbon-free goals, some local governments are starting to engage with old stakeholders in new ways to change the rules of the game. By removing regulatory and legislative obstacles, local governments can create new pathways to access affordable, clean energy.

To help cities and counties better understand potential high-impact engagement opportunities, the American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator released a new interactive tool, the Local Government Renewables Action Tracker. The tool highlights efforts by local governments to work directly with the institutions and decision-makers who influence their ability to access clean energy and control the broader electricity system.

To read the full article, including four ways local governments can engage with stakeholders to decarbonize their electricity supply, click here.

ULI Greenprint: Commercial Real Estate Leaders on Track to Reduce
Carbon Emissions 50 Percent by 2030

The ULI Greenprint Center for Building Performance comprises an alliance of the world’s leading real estate owners, investors, and financial institutions that are committed to improving environmental performance across the global market.

Volume 11 of the Greenprint Performance Report™ measured and tracked the performance of 10,190 properties owned by Greenprint members. It found that over the past year, carbon emissions dropped by more than 3 percent, energy consumption by almost 3 percent, and water consumption by more than 3 percent. In 2019, Greenprint members invested over US$50.1 million on sustainability projects ranging from tenant engagement to building envelope upgrades and recommissioning, totaling more than 6,000 individual projects.

An economic analysis of Greenprint’s triple-bottom-line impact amounts to over US$687 million since its inception in 2009. This includes financial savings from energy and water use reductions, as well as the environmental value of carbon emissions reductions and the social value of air pollution and water. In total, this represents a reduction of 1.43 million tons of CO2 emissions from Greenprint members’ properties.

Click here to read the full article by ULI, including examples of member projects.

Reducing COVID-19 Risks In Commercial Buildings Without Wasting Energy

As more offices, schools, and retail stores are reopening, many building owners and managers are considering steps they should take to reduce chances of coronavirus transmission. Steve Nadel, Executive Director of ACEEE, writes to summarize what is known and unknow about the subject and then discusses recommendations based on the best expert guidance he’s seen.

While building owners and managers want buildings to be safe, this article looks for ways to make them safe without wasting energy. Reducing COVID-19 risks is the priority, and research and guidance show that many of the best recommendations to reduce risk can be implemented without excessive increases in energy use.

Click to read more.

2019 Wind Energy Data & Technology Trends

DOE National Laboratories recently released data on 2019 U.S. wind installations, technology trends, costs, and more for the offshore, land-based, and distributed wind sectors.

At the end of 2019, the U.S. offshore wind industry had a pipeline of 28,521 megawatts (MW) and the U.S. had added 9,000 MW of new land-based utility-scale wind power capacity and 18 MW of new distributed wind capacity.

View a PowerPoint summary or download the 2019 Offshore Wind Technology Data.

Energy’s Role in a Safe and Secure Water Supply for the Nation

On October 13, 2020, President Trump signed an Executive Order on Modernizing America’s Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure. The executive order established an Interagency Water Subcabinet that brings together senior federal agency officials to streamline and facilitate efficient, effective management and modernization of our water supplies and systems. The subcabinet includes leadership from DOE, the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Army Corps of Civic Works, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Click here to read more.

Has your Municipality Considered Adopting a Property Assessed Clean Energy program?

The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program provides low-cost, long-term financing for water and energy efficiency and conservation improvements to commercial and industrial properties. In 2013, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 385 (83R) allowing municipalities and counties to work with commercial lenders and property owners to pursue improvements using property assessments as a secure repayment mechanism.
Under a PACE arrangement, private property owners evaluate measures that achieve energy savings and obtain financing, repaid as an assessment on the building. The assessment mechanism allows access to low-cost, long-term capital to finance improvements to the property. By eliminating upfront costs, extending financing and simplifying the transfer of repayment obligations to new owners upon sale, PACE overcomes challenges that have hindered building energy efficiency and related projects.
As of November 2020, several PACE programs exist in the North Central Texas region including the following cities and counties: City of Corinth, City of Dallas, City of Farmers Branch, City of Princeton, Town of Prosper, Navarro County, and Tarrant County.
NCTCOG held several PACE related workshops and webinars several years ago that can be found at:
The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) has resources available on their website to assist local governments in establishing a PACE program. To learn more about the PACE program in Texas and how your government could start a program, visit https://comptroller.texas.gov/programs/seco/funding/pace.php.

Dallas College: Sustainability Summit

The 10th annual Virtual Sustainability Summit will focus on "Resilience for the Next 50 years." There are five tracks for the summit, Sustainability in Your Business, Facilities Management, Resilience: Adapting and Thriving After a Crisis, and Teaching Tracks 1 and 2. The Summit will also feature a Virtual Networking Lounge, Student Poster Presentations, Virtual Vendor Fair, and Zero Waste Panel Discussion.

Date: November 6, 2020
Time: 10:00 am CST
Register here

What's the Deal with Benchmarking?

The USGBC Texas and partners - ULI, AIA San Antonio, and San Antonio 2030 District - are hosting a speaker panel on energy benchmarking.

The discussion will focus on the importance of tracking and managing energy/water as a component of successful business operations and financial management, the expenses and efforts associated with benchmarking properties and portfolios, and since the City of San Antonio has yet to develop a draft benchmarking ordinance, now is the time to provide your input and perspective to influence how a potential ordinance on benchmarking is developed.

Date: November 9, 2020
Time: 12:30 pm CST
Register here

2020 Virtual Texas Energy Summit

The 2020 Texas Energy Summit will be 100% virtual this year with speakers, interactive breakout sessions, awards, student poster competition, and a sponsor exhibit space. The 17th annual educational conference and virtual expo will provide attendees the opportunity to engage with industry experts, state and local policymakers business leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, facility and energy managers, utility and energy service experts, and more in a lively conversation about cleaner air, a better built environment and a new energy economy. The conference will explore the intersection of energy systems, air quality and health, and economic development. The development of renewable energy and storage, electrification of transportation, energy efficiency and distributed energy resources, growing Texas' clean energy economy, undoing environmental racism and much more will all be explored at this year's summit.
To learn more about the daily themes of the Summit, visit the event website. The daily themes include:

Day 1 (November 10th): Path to Net Zero Emissions
Day 2 (November 11th): Electrify Texas
Day 3 (November 12th): Justice, Equality, and Health
Day 4 (November 17th): Clean Energy Jobs and Investment
Day 5 (November 18th): Energy in the 87th: A Preview of Energy Issues in the Next Session

Full conference registration rates are only $99! Two types of scholarships are available for this year's summit:

1) Scholarships of state or local government agencies, sponsored through the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO).
2) Scholarships for employees of non-profit organizations, sponsored through the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation and the Environmental Defense Fund.

Date: November 10th – 12th; and 17th – 18th
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 pm CST
Registration: https://texasenergysummit.com/registration/

Food & Flora Waste to Fleet Fuel: Development & Application of F4 Framework

As cities strive for more sustainable transportation systems, many are considering renewable fuels for fleets. Biogas has several advantages as an alternative fuel. Composed primarily of methane, it can be cleaned for use in natural gas vehicles, or burned in a turbine/engine to generate electricity for electric vehicles. Biogas can reduce air pollutant emissions from fleet vehicles; in addition, if wastes are used to produce the biogas in digesters, the problem of urban wastes is reduced.
Many cities already have anaerobic digesters that convert sewage sludge at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to biogas. Because of its abundance in landfilled waste (22%), food waste is of current critical concern to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Yard (flora) waste comprises an additional 7.8% of waste going to landfills. Both food and yard waste could be used to boost biogas production in WWTP digesters.

The overall project goal is to facilitate food/yard waste conversion to vehicle fuel, and help cities/regions answer the questions above, via development of the “Food/Flora Waste to Fleet Fuel” (F4) Framework. The F4 Framework will include: 1) Tools for input data collection, 2) Cost Optimization Model, 3) Food/Flora-Waste-to Fleet Fuel Model, 4) Food/Flora Waste Separation Policy Survey and City Guidebook. To select optimal WWTP digesters for converting food/yard waste to fuel, the Cost Optimization Model will balance trade-offs between food/yard waste transportation costs and capital costs for expanding digesters, cleaning gas/generating electricity, and installing refueling stations. The Food/Flora -Waste-to-Fleet Fuel Model will estimate fuel produced and emission benefits. The F4 Framework will be used to conduct an example feasibility study for the City of Dallas.

Hosted by Dr. Melanie Sattler of UTA’s College of Engineering

Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2020
Time: 3:00 pm CST
Registration is available here

Texas PACE Authority’s TX-PACE Opportunities in DFW

Get to know Texas – Hear from the DFW economic development experts, who will update you with economic activity overviews, PACE opportunities and PACE project opportunities in the economic and central hub of North Texas – the 4th largest metropolitan area in the US.
The experts will dissect the sophisticated PACE project capital stacks in case studies to uncover the benefits of layering PACE with historic tax credits, new market tax credits, opportunity zone investments, and more.

Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Time: 10:00 am CST
Registration is available here

ENERGY STAR Webinar: Communicating Your Energy
Plans and Achievements

Communicating your energy plans and achievements both internally to employees and externally to the public can be informative, motivational, and fun. Join this webinar to hear how and why three ENERGY STAR industrial partners implemented creative communications plans. CalPortland will share how they’ve implemented a variety of effective forms of communication, including training videos about their energy management plan, plant tours, an ENERGY STAR Showcase, K-12 school outreach, community fairs, advertising at a rodeo, sponsoring a crash derby car, and more. Celanese will discuss Energy Sparks, an energy training tool developed for communication to sites to motivate discussions and their Energy Small Bites program which they developed to promote Earth Day and energy awareness. Raytheon Company will share their employee engagement videos, Virgin Pulse “Save Energy” Challenge, and monthly energy outreach to inspire employee action on energy and water conservation.

Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm CST
Registration is available here

Texas PACE Authority’s T5 Webinar Series – The Future of Buildings, Transportation & Power

Buildings, transportation and power generation account for roughly 75% of energy conversions in our economy. Understanding the energy trends governing these sectors will help us develop a more sustainable future.

Join TPA for a special T5 webinar with energy efficiency pioneer Roger Duncan who will discuss his new book, The Future of Buildings, Transportation and Power, co-authored with Dr. Michael Webber.

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm CST
Registration is available here

Energy Efficiency and Climate Policy Forum

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) research has found that energy efficiency can halve U.S. energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With growing interest in policies to address global climate change, as well as a new Congress and a new presidential term set to begin in January 2021, ACEEE will be hosting the Energy Efficiency and Climate Policy Forum to discuss key steps and policies that will help the United States get on the 50% reduction pathway.

Date: December 3, 2020
Time: 9:00 am CST
Registration is available here

CELC North Central Texas Regional Roundtable: The Public Utility Commission of Texas and Local Governments

The next round of City Efficiency Leadership Council (CELC) regional roundtables will feature a discussion about the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The speaker will provide an overview of the PUCT's role in energy policy and regulation in Texas, upcoming energy issues (storage, renewables, efficiency), and how Texas local governments are represented in the process.

This roundtable is intended for representatives of public agencies including cities, counties, school districts, and Councils of Governments. This meeting is closed to vendors or service providers.

Date: December 1, 2020
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am CST
Register here

Fall BOC 1001 (A) Class: Energy Efficient Operations
of a Building HVAC Systems

Building Operator Certification is a national workforce training and certification program offering facilities personnel the job skills and knowledge to improve the energy performance of their buildings. NOTE: This class is the first in a series of eight classes; all classes are required. For more information download the fall 2020 course flyer. To learn more about the BOC certification process and new alignment with ISO 17024, please visit the BOC Program page.

Date: December 8th, 2020
Time: 8:30 am CST
Register here