Metropolitan Energy Center

BOMA Metropolitan Kansas City Introduction to MEC
2022-07-19 09:00 - 09:45 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Mary English, MEC’s Building Performance Program Manager, will give an overview of MEC to the Building Owners and Managers Association of Metropolitan Kansas City (BOMA Kansas City) on July 19 at 9am via zoom. She will share how MEC serves the CRE industry including:

– Our role as facilitator/implementer for KCMO’s private building benchmarking ordinance and our free services for building managers.

– Programs and services that help buildings become more energy efficient and make greenhouse gas reduction a priority.

– Knowledge sharing of resources outside of MEC that can also help!

When: Tuesday, July 19, 9am-9:45amWhere: Zoom

The Great Car Show
2022-07-17 10:00 - 15:00 | National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
The Great Car Show is a benefit car show in support of the Kansas City Automotive Museum. Selling out every year, this event has seen hundreds of vehicles from all over the Midwest and welcomed thousands of visitors. Metropolitan Energy Center will be hosting our very own panel on electric vehicles and will be facilitating Ride and Drives that will allow attendees to either test drive electric vehicles, or ride along on these test drives!

The unique venue for a car show contributes to a day full of fun for the whole family! Food trucks, vendors, and activities are available for visitors to enjoy. In addition to the car show, individuals have the opportunity to visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

This is a paid event with adult tickets costing $5, all children above the age of 5 will be $2, and all children that are 5 years old or younger will be admitted for free. We hope to see you there!

Energy Benchmarking 101 - Third Session
2022-07-13 11:30 - 12:30 | MO
Are you a building owner or property manager of a building larger than 50,000 sq. ft. who wants to understand how to benchmark your building’s energy and water use?

Join Metropolitan Energy Center for our upcoming webinars on May 25, June 15, or July 13 (all begin at 11:30am CT) to receive free training and support to submit your building’s 2021 energy and water data in order to comply with the City of Kansas City, MO’s annual benchmarking requirements. During the webinar, MEC’s Building Performance staff will give a tutorial on the basics of ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, instructions on how to submit your report, and resources to navigate this process. The event is for anyone who is familiar with their respective building’s utility bill and facility upkeep. Roles may include property managers, leasing management companies, facility managers, building owners, etc.

Meet Your Presenters
Mary English, Program Manager, Building Performance
Prior to joining MEC in 2021, Mary worked in the sustainable built environment industry conducting energy assessments, testing, consultation, and overall experience in the field of building performance in both the residential and commercial sectors.
Mary founded Small Step Energy Solutions LLC which became a leading home energy assessment provider, as well as a building consultant for sustainable new buildings and homes. During this time, Small Step worked with municipalities – including the Kansas City, MO codes department – to review and update building energy codes. She also worked closely with area developers to create sustainable developments and multi-family housing based on equity goals. Mary then moved into commercial-business sustainability, helping start-up businesses in passive house panel construction; energy benchmarking; and efficiency upgrades in commercial HVAC systems. She currently serves on the Programs Committee for the USGBC Central Plains Community; and the Equity Committee for Climate Action Kansas City.

Brittanie Giroux, Building Performance Associate
Brittanie joined MEC as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in October of 2020. She came to MEC after completing a previous AmeriCorps service year in the City of Evanston, IL’s Office of Sustainability where she led climate education initiatives and was involved in energy and waste franchise agreement processes.
In October of 2021, Brittanie came on board full time as MEC’s Building Performance Associate. In this role, she manages the Healthy Housing Taskforce, co-manages the Energy and Water Benchmarking program, creates social content and newsletters, and conducts community outreach and events. Brittanie received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Vanderbilt University.

Energy Benchmarking 101 - Second Session
2022-06-15 11:30 - 12:30 | MO

Building Science: Energy Code Standards & Trends
2022-06-15 08:00 - 2022-06-16 12:00 | MO
Are you a local building official or work on building and energy codes? Want to understand the latest standards and trends? Join MEC for a FREE multi-day training course!

Cities in our region are in process of adopting more recent energy codes, so MEC is hosting a FREE building science & energy codes training. The course is valued at $200+ and attendees are eligible for up to 8 Continuing Education Hours.
This course will provide an overview of the history of residential energy codes in the IRC and IECC and the development of multiple compliance paths. It provides a common understanding of the thermal envelope, including the impact of windows, doors, and skylights, what is included in insulation installation grading, and advanced framing techniques. Heating, cooling, and mechanical ventilation systems are also covered along with a discussion of the importance of duct tightness. Lighting, appliance, and clean energy contributions are discussed. The role of a HERS Rater as a third-party verifier and the verifications they perform, as well as what to look for in their reporting is included. Index scores and what they mean, along with similarities and differences between the HERS Index and the ERI are discussed.
When: June 15 & 16, 8am-12pmWhere: Plexpod Westport Commons – 300 East 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111

In July there will be a one-day training session on the commercial energy code. Stay tuned for additional details.
Meet Your Instructor
Sharla Riead, Hathmore Technologies LLC, EnergySmart Institute
Sharla’s energy and environmental experience began with her first energy audit in 1979 and spans years of progression from working as an energy auditor through construction and installation of solar panels to directorships and management of energy conservation and consulting companies and culminates in her leadership of Hathmore Technologies, LLC. For over five decades she has performed heat load calculations, residential energy diagnostics, solar and alternate energy design, energy conservation instruction, contracting, and consulting. As a Certified Building Analyst and Envelope Specialist, Sharla assisted hundreds of homeowners with energy retrofit improvement analysis and design. As a Certified Home Energy Rater, Sharla and her team provide testing, certification, and program compliance services for national energy and environmental programs such as ENERGYSTAR, NAHB Green Build, US Green Building Council’s LEED® for Homes Program and Federal Energy Tax Credits. Sharla and her company have supported several hundred builders with their Green Building goals.

School Transportation Safety Conference
2022-06-01 08:00 - 2022-06-03 17:00 | Tony’s Pizza Event Center, Salina, Kansas, 67401, United States
Are you interested in transportation for schools? Would you like to see what’s new for school transportation?
The 2022 School Transportation Safety Conference is scheduled for June 1-3 at Tony’s Pizza Event Center, Salina, KS. The event kicks off on Wednesday, June 1 with the State Safe Driver Competition, followed by two days (June 2-3) of educational workshops designed for every person on the school transportation team. The conference concludes with the association’s annual banquet and awards ceremony on Friday evening.
On June 2nd, our very own Brandt Hertenstein will be guiding listeners through the benefits of Electric School Buses, and why they are a very feasible path towards reducing the carbon footprint of schools. This presentation will be held at 2:00 P.M. Central Time. This is a paid event, and you can register by clicking the button below!

Meet Our Presenter
Brandt Hertenstein, Program Coordinator & Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coordinator
Brandt joined MEC in the fall of 2020 as a Program Coordinator. His focus is in the transportation sector, specifically advocating for electrification of vehicles and infrastructure development in the Midwest region. He is a Co-Coordinator for the Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition.
Prior to his position at MEC, Brandt was a member of Bridging the Gap’s city-wide recycling team. He received his bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, where he also went on to complete his Master’s in Bioenergy.

Energy Benchmarking 101
2022-05-25 11:30 - 12:30 | MO

Earth Day 2022
2022-04-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Celebrate nature, energy efficiency & clean transportation all in one place: Metropolitan Energy Center’s Project Living Proof
We’re marking Earth Day 2022 with a special celebration! Visit Project Living Proof, our 108-year-old home retrofitted with multiple comprehensive energy-saving systems. Check out the latest in electric cars and talk with their owners. Tour natural wildflower and vegetable gardens with the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City. Or learn how you can save money for years to come on home energy expenses with cost-effective rebates, incentives, and upgrades. There’s something Earthy for everyone, and it’s all in one place on April 30.
With energy prices spiking, there’s never been a better time to consider home energy upgrades. These can be as simple as a weekend DIY project or as ambitious as large-scale whole-house renovations. And if you’re dealing with sticker shock at the gas pump, you’ll want to check the advantages of leaving petroleum wholly (or at least partially) behind. Whether your interests are fixed or mobile, MEC staff and event volunteers will be happy to answer your questions, suggest additional information and show you around the property. Project Living Proof is a unique regional resource and we hope you’ll be able celebrate Earth Day with us.
Project Living Proof is located at 917 East Cleaver II Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64110, just east of the Nelson-Atkins Gallery and west of Troost on the south side of the street. Parking is available just south of the house at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center at 4750 Troost (which is also the location of the electric car showcase).

Energy Benchmarking Training 101
2022-04-28 11:30 - 12:30 | MO

Drive Electric Earth Day - DEED Electric Car Show
2022-04-20 16:30 - 19:00 | MO
Join MEC on April 20 at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, KS for Drive Electric Earth Day.
Owners and electric vehicles will be present! Feel free to stop by and talk to owners about their experiences driving cleaner, more efficient vehicles. For a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card (provided by Plug In America, terms and conditions), register to attend or participate and complete a short survey.

All attendees and volunteers are required to wear face masks whenever they are within six feet of another person at all Drive Electric Earth Day 2022 events.

Energy Benchmarking Training 101
2022-03-31 11:30 - 12:30 | MO
Are you a building owner or property manager of a building larger than 50,000 sq. ft. who wants to understand how to benchmark your building’s energy and water use?

Join Metropolitan Energy Center for our upcoming webinars on Thursday, March 31 or Thursday, April 28 (both at 11:30am CT) to receive free training and support to submit your building’s 2021 energy and water data in order to comply with the City of Kansas City, MO’s annual benchmarking requirements. During the webinar, MEC’s Building Performance staff will give a tutorial on the basics of ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, instructions on how to submit your report, and resources to navigate this process. The event is for anyone who is familiar with their respective building’s utility bill and facility upkeep. Roles may include property managers, leasing management companies, facility managers, building owners, etc.

Meet Your Presenters
Mary English, Program Manager, Building Performance
Prior to joining MEC in 2021, Mary worked in the sustainable built environment industry conducting energy assessments, testing, consultation, and overall experience in the field of building performance in both the residential and commercial sectors.
Mary founded Small Step Energy Solutions LLC which became a leading home energy assessment provider, as well as a building consultant for sustainable new buildings and homes. During this time, Small Step worked with municipalities – including the Kansas City, MO codes department – to review and update building energy codes. She also worked closely with area developers to create sustainable developments and multi-family housing based on equity goals. Mary then moved into commercial-business sustainability, helping start-up businesses in passive house panel construction; energy benchmarking; and efficiency upgrades in commercial HVAC systems. She currently serves on the Programs Committee for the USGBC Central Plains Community; and the Equity Committee for Climate Action Kansas City.

Brittanie Giroux, Building Performance Associate
Brittanie joined MEC as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in October of 2020. She came to MEC after completing a previous AmeriCorps service year in the City of Evanston, IL’s Office of Sustainability where she led climate education initiatives and was involved in energy and waste franchise agreement processes.
In October of 2021, Brittanie came on board full time as MEC’s Building Performance Associate. In this role, she manages the Healthy Housing Taskforce, co-manages the Energy and Water Benchmarking program, creates social content and newsletters, and conducts community outreach and events. Brittanie received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Vanderbilt University.

What is an energy code anyway? Policymakers hold the key to better buildings in Kansas City
2022-03-03 11:30 - 12:30 | MO
During the cold snap in 2021 and record-breaking temperatures this past summer, communities across the Kansas City area continue to experience firsthand the detrimental impacts of living in inefficient homes. Luckily, there are model building codes to guide prudent action — roadmaps for new construction and updating existing buildings. Included in the suite of building codes is the life-safety energy code.
You may be wondering what exactly is an energy code, what code your municipality has adopted, and why are these people telling me it’s so important? Join Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) on Thursday, March 3 at 11:30am as we simplify the code and discuss how it can ensure your residents have healthy, safe, and affordable places to work, play, and call home.
This event is for policymakers in the Kansas City region including, but not limited to, City Council Members, Mayors, City Managers, and Directors and staff of applicable departments (Planning & Development, Health, etc.).

Join MEC to Celebrate Energy Awareness Month
2021-10-25 00:00 - 2021-10-31 23:59 | MO
October is annually designated as National Energy Awareness Month. The U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) participates annually with the intent to draw attention to our nation’s electrical grid system and “to highlight the importance of energy to our national prosperity and security.” As the US DOE states, “Energy, our most critical infrastructure, is all but invisible to most, but our focus on continued innovation protects American lives today and ensures better lives tomorrow.”
This year, Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) will use this truth to draw attention to energy efficiency and how it relates to our infrastructure, including our transportation systems and the built environment. There is indeed innovation happening on a national scale, and it’s occurring quickly. MEC is either hosting, co-hosting, or cross-promoting a number of in-person and virtual events this October to highlight all the ways our nation can modernize the way it uses energy to create a prosperous future for our youth and future generations. Click the links below to learn more about each event and how to participate (more links to come as the suite of events is finalized).
Whether an industry professional or policy maker or technician or a member of the general public, we have at least one event for you. Join us and our members, volunteers and friends during Energy Awareness Month. We’ll celebrate recent achievements and foster accelerated adoptions of energy conservation, renewables and cleaner fuels.
Energy Awareness 2021 Event List:

Native Plant Sale & Drive Electric Week Event at Project Living Proof with Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City
Sept. 25

National Drive Electric Week: South Park in Lawrence
Sept 25

Lion Electric School Bus Ride and Drive: Lee’s Summit Schools
Sept 28

National Drive Electric Week: Driving Electric: Black & Veatch EV Drivers Tell All (Virtual)
Sept 29

National Drive Electric Week: Prairie Village Presbyterian Church
Sept 29

National Drive Electric Week: Independence Chamber of Commerce CANCELED
Oct. 2

National Drive Electric Week: ICT (Wichita Towne East Square)
Oct. 2

National Energy Efficiency Day (Ask Emily for a model Proclamation for your city, business or organization)
Oct. 6

Marquee Event: Our Best Buildings Yet: A Forum on Energy Efficiency in the Kansas City Region and Beyond
Oct. 7

Virtual Workshop on Diesel Emissions Reduction Funding Opportunities: Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative
Oct. 12-14

Webinar: EV Fleet Trends: Advice from the Experts (hosted by Louisiana Clean Fuels Coalition)
Oct. 13

Marquee Event Day of EVs (In-Person): Exploring EVs in Municipal Fleets with City of Olathe, Indian Creek Library in Olathe, KS
Oct. 19

Marquee Event Day of EVs (Virtual): Electrifying Terminal Trucks: Best Practices and Lessons Learned from Deployments in the Kansas City Region and Beyond
Oct. 19

Our Energy Horizon: A Solar, Storage, Electric Vehicle & Transmission Event, Thompson Barn in Lenexa, KS (hosted by Clean Energy Business Council)
Oct. 25

Weatherization Day 2021
Oct. 30

Electrifying Terminal Trucks: Best Practices and Lessons Learned from Deployments in the Kansas City Region and Beyond
2021-10-19 12:00 - 13:30 | MO
In 2020, three fleets deployed all-electric terminal trucks in the Kansas City and Chicago metropolitan areas under Metropolitan Energy Center’s (MEC) grant project, Electrifying Terminal Trucks in Unincentivized Markets.
On Tuesday, October 19 at 12pm CT, MEC will host a virtual roundtable with the project fleets as they share their real-world experiences with zero-emission freight handling. During an engaging Q&A session, they will discuss project costs, implementing the required charging infrastructure, training fleet personnel, and more. Orange EV, the electric truck manufacturer; Evergy, Kansas City’s electric utility; and our research partner from Penn State University will also join the panel to answer questions and share best practices to prepare for fleet electrification.

Panelists:

Chris Butler, Director of Fleet Services, Johnson County Kansas
Darin Darr, Lineage Logistics Site Manager, Hirschbach Motor Lines
David Stringer, VP of Innovation, Lazer Spot Inc.
James Telson, Associate Director of Innovation & Sustainability, Compass Supply Chain Solutions
Jason Dake, Vice President Legal & Regulatory Affairs, Orange EV
Julie Dietrich, Electrification Program Manager, Evergy
Drew Torkelson, Lead Product Manager, Evergy
XB Hu, Professor, Pennsylvania State University

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Award Number DE-EE0008887.

Exploring EVs in Municipal Fleets
2021-10-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Indian Creek Library, 16100 W 135th St, Olathe, KS, 66062
Municipal fleet electrification. Is it possible today? What vehicles can I order as plug-ins? Are they reliable? What metro fleets are using electric cars and trucks already? How can I get help funding electric vehicles in our city or county?
Join City of Olathe and Kansas City Regional Clean Cities to find out the answers to these questions and tour the solar-powered electric charging stations at Indian Creek Library. Olathe has been upgrading their EV fleet and installing 4 off-grid solar EV chargers. Find out what else they’re doing to clean up their fleet.
Attendees will include members of the local chapter of American Public Works Association, with lots of opportunities to share information, lessons learned and best practices.
Stick around for additional lunch and learn regarding all-electric terminal tractors being used in metro yards, including at Johnson County’s wastewater treatment plant.
Attendance is limited. Register today to guarantee your seat and claim your complementary lunch.
Agenda
Welcome and Introduction

City of Olathe Fleet

Clean transportation planning, research, and deployments. Insight into the differences between EV and CNG refuse haulers.
Fleet Electrification Assistance and Funding Opportunities

Green Fleet analysis and support, funding opportunities, Kansas City Regional Clean Cities assistance portfolio
Lunch & Learn with Orange EV

On Display: Solar-powered charging station, Alt fuel refuse hauler

Our Best Buildings Yet: A Forum on Energy Efficiency in the Kansas City Region & Beyond
2021-10-07 10:30 - 12:30 | MO
Energy Awareness Month is right around the corner, but why is it important?

As nationwide awareness grows over the connection between indoor air quality and extreme weather, the Kansas City region is feeling the heat due to its aging building stock. Luckily, there are code manuals to guide prudent action — roadmaps for new construction and adapting existing buildings.

Join Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC), KCMO Councilwoman Andrea Bough, The Builders’ Association, and a panel of buildings experts on Thursday, October 7 at 10:30 am CDT as we discuss best building practices, the International Energy Conservation Code, and what can be done to clean up the interior air of our buildings. The event will be relevant to codes departments, policymakers, builders, contractors, and anyone who is motivated to create a brighter, cleaner, & healthier future for all.
*Visit the Speakers & Panelists page to learn more about our experts!

We want to hear from YOU.
Complete this quick survey to tell us what topics you would like discussed during the event.

Native Plant Sale and EV Display
2021-09-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Join us rain or shine on Sept 25 for a native plant sale.

Native Plants
Butterfly Station
Garden Tour
Photo Booth
Electric Vehicle Display

Learn about native flowers of Missouri from a Master Gardener, visit our butterfly station, and capture a selfie at our custom photo booth!

There is also a display of electric vehicles. We may be able to accommodate small parties with tours of the interior of the demonstration house. If so, masks will be required for house tours.

Your patronage supports the work at Project Living Proof, a partnership of Metropolitan Energy Center and Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City. Here, we demonstrate a green living landscape with the use of native plants and the production of fruits and vegetables, which go to a local food pantry.

This event is also supported by the Pilgrim Center and the Prairie and Wetland Center.

Glynite Construction
2019-12-13, 2019-11-16, 2019-10-18 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109

Benchmarking Data Jam
2019-12-10 08:30 - 13:00 | Mid-America Regional Council, 600 Broadway Boulevard, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri, 64105
Public Sector Benchmarking Data Jam
Join us for a Free Energy and Water Benchmarking Data Jam exclusively for public
sector building operators and managers.
Tuesday, December 10
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kansas City, MO
In this event, attendees will:
• Gain a basic understanding of benchmarking
• Learn about its value and how to convey it to leadership
• Understand how to access, collect and upload building energy and water
data.
In addition, public sector attendees will receive free hands-on instruction on how
to enter your buildings’ energy and water consumption information into the
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Tool.
Registration
Register early for this free event so we can help you obtain the information
needed. Please visit https://kcdatajam.eventbrite.com to register. Space is limited.
Location
Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Conference Center
Broadway Room
600 Broadway Boulevard, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64105
For more information, please contact Ian Blanding, Building Policy Manager at
MEEA, at iblanding@mwalliance.org or 312-784-7269.

Green Drinks
2019-12-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Evening presentation on utility-scale solar and wind.

MEC Board Meeting
2019-11-20 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109

PLP Board & Staff Workday
2019-11-16 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109

Landlord Efficiency Summit
2019-11-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Westport Presbyterian Church, 201 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO
Metropolitan Energy Center invites landlords and property managers to attend an informational event for those looking to learn more about retaining tenants, lowering communal energy costs, or replacing old appliances and systems with rebates and incentives. Cut bills by 20-40%, ensure healthy environments, maintain compliance with Kansas City, MOs Benchmarking Ordinance, and more with this 1-Day Landlord Energy Efficiency Summit.
We are excited to announce the honorable Mayor Quinton Lucas as our Opening Speaker, and look forward to the perspectives he will bring regarding the future of sustainability, equity, housing, and economic development in our city.
Here’s what you can expect to learn at the Landlord Efficiency Summit:

Benefits of Energy Efficiency in the Rental Environment: Energy efficiency updates can be a boost for the wallet, tenant happiness, and property values.

Rebates, Incentives and Financing Efficiency Projects: Area utilities will discuss rebates, programs and other opportunities for you to save and create a healthy space

Benchmarking and Energy Efficiency Policy: Learn how to use EnergyStar Portfolio Manager or other benchmarking software to track utility usage and find areas to save.

Current and Cutting-Edge Efficiency Products & Ideas: Area companies discuss green roofs, solar, efficiency heating and cooling and more.

Networking: Spend time meeting and networking with energy efficiency groups, developers, landlords, and attendees.

Join us for this informative and cutting-edge workshop, so you can cut your energy costs, capitalize on local incentives programs, work in harmony with tenants, and promote healthier living environments.

Green CAT
2019-10-04 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Green CAT energy efficiency testing in the home.

Green CAT
2019-10-02, 2019-10-01 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Green CAT Training Program to help educate individuals and homeowners in the community to promote energy efficiency.

Project Living Proof Tour
2019-09-30 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Tour of Project Living Proof for out of town visitors, and locals who are interested in the house.

Green CAT
2019-09-30 | Project Living Proof, 917 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64109
Green CAT Training Program to help educate individuals in the community to promote energy efficiency.
