CARD webinars in October

Don't miss these three CARD webinars in October

Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) projects aim to uncover new technologies and strategies to maximize energy savings, enhance energy conservation programs, and document CO2 reductions. The results from CARD research provide utilities with timely information to improve energy-efficiency program designs within their Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) portfolios. Many previous CARD webinars can be viewed HERE.

For more information on the CARD program including recent research reports, articles and factsheets, visit the Applied Research and Development webpage or email Utility Energy Conservation Research Coordinator Lindsay Anderson.

Residential Multifamily Sector
(5+ units)

Right-Sizing Water Distribution Pipes and Water Heating Systems to Save Energy and Reduce Building Costs, 2050 Partners

October 14, 2025, 11a.m. to 12 noon CT Register

This CARD webinar will review results from 2050 Partners' study which validates an alternative pipe sizing method, the Uniform Plumbing Code Appendix M “Peak Water Demand Calculator” (WDC), based on findings from four residential multifamily buildings in Minnesota. Currently adopted and available to use in other jurisdictions’ plumbing codes, discover how this field study starts to shed light on the potential benefits of right-sizing piping in Minnesota multifamily buildings and resulting energy efficiency and construction cost reductions. As Minnesota advances its efforts to decarbonize water heating – primarily through increased adoption of heat pump water heaters – this webinar will also share insights on how right-sizing piping can support right-sizing water heating systems in an effort to further reduce costs and improve efficiency. Last, learn about how this work can support and inform ECO programs in Minnesota.

Industrial Sector

Industrial Electrification Through Heat Pump Adoption for Process Loads, Center for Energy and Environment

October 23, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Unlock the transformative potential of industrial electrification! This CARD project delves into opportunities for implementing heat pumps for moderate to high temperature applications in Minnesota manufacturing facilities. The webinar will explore how to overcome the "spark gap" – the largest market barrier relating to electric vs. natural gas costs – by understanding thermal process signatures, selecting appropriate equipment, and leveraging organizational priorities. You'll gain insights from screening criteria for industrial heat pump opportunities, learn about evaluations at six Minnesota facilities, and hear about successful applications, including energy cost-neutral solutions found at three food processing and one pharmaceutical site. The session will also cover estimated technical potential across the state and describe utility program opportunities.

All Sectors

Economic Impact Analysis of the Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Program 2018-2023, Cadmus Group

October 28,2025, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Join us to uncover the important economic benefits generated by Minnesota’s statewide ECO program. This study reveals how investments made from 2018-2023 have significantly boosted the state economy by creating jobs, increasing the labor force, and enhancing overall economic activity. Discover the long-lasting energy savings for participants and the benefits from reducing harmful emissions through 2048. The Cadmus Group will present findings from their comprehensive economic impact analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis, detailing net impacts on employment, labor force, economic activity, and disposable personal income. These impacts will be broken down by utility type (investor-owned, municipal, cooperative), ECO program fuel type (gas and electric), and income qualification (low-income and standard programs). Learn how these vital findings will inform ongoing and future ECO planning and development.