Conservation

The South-Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource, a partnership of energy efficiency industry stakeholders committed to the accelerated adoption of advanced building systems and energy efficiency products and services in the south-central U.S., is hosting two workshops:

9am to Noon -- Commercial Building Diagnostic Tools and Lighting Technologies.
1-4pm -- Commercial Building Operators-Evaluating Common Opportunities and HVAC Economizers. Cost: $20/per workshop, $30/both workshops. Lunch provided. See website for directions, parking info.

Learn about the volunteer water monitoring program called Texas Stream Team and learn how to monitor water quality. Registration required.

At 11 a.m., Bird’s Fort Trail Park (meet at the pavilion), 5756 Riverside Drive. At 1 p.m. Jaycee Park
2000 W. Airport Freeway (meet at the low-water crossing). At 2 p.m., Centennial Park, 444 W. Second St. (meet at the low-water crossing). At 3 p.m., Towne Lake Park, 800 Esters Road (meet at the Gazebo). Register: http://www.ci.irving.tx.us/begreen/geo/geo.asp

Learn to make green cleaners out of vinegar, cooking oils and baking soda to reduce toxins and save money. Part of Irving's Urban Farming Lecture Series.

Green business professionals and environmentally minded residents meet monthly to network and learn about sustainable living. NOTE: The January is meeting is cancelled.

Learn how to use gray water to grow edible foods and irrigate your landscape. Register for course here: http://workingwithnature.org/graywaterworkshop.html. Address will be emailed.

Meeting explores how permaculture can solve water shortage issues in the future.

Learn to make eco-friendly, handmade gifts for the holidays, including beauty products, decor, greeting cards and more. Free.

Panel discussion on hydraulic fracturing or fracking with Ed Ireland, executive director of the the Barnett Shale Energy Education Council, and Terry Welch, a Dallas attorney who advises local governments on natural gas drilling. Hosted by Mountain View College's Office of Student Life Sustainability Committee.

Speakers to discuss the state of Texas' energy. Speakers include: Mark Armentrout, Former ERCOT chairman, CEO of Texas Technology Partners; Maria Richards, SMU Geothermal Lab Coordinator; Al Armendariz, PhD, Former Region 6 EPA Administrator, Sierra Club Texas Campaign Director; James Smith, PhD, Maguire Chair, Oil & Gas Management; and Jim Duncan, Solar Design Specialist, North Texas Renewable Energy Group. Sponsored by the Memnosyne Foundation, SMU and the Sierra Club.

Learn about professional home energy audits, energy retrofits and renewable energy. Tour the Environmental Ed. Center, Plano's only LEED platinum-certified building. Free.