As buildings become more efficient and technologically advanced, the next generation of the workforce needs to be prepared to develop, integrate, install, and diffuse energy-efficient technologies. Through DOE’s Better Buildings Workforce Accelerator (BBWA), partners are working to ensure training pathways for a diverse and qualified building efficiency workforce that enable high performance buildings. BBWA kicked off its workforce development efforts with its first partner meeting on September 16, 2020.
Over 30 organizations have committed to enhancing the energy efficiency workforce through one or more of the following focus areas:
This three-year effort will support a vision of the U.S. building workforce as a global leader in delivering quality efficiency products and services to American residents and businesses, thereby increasing energy affordability across the economy.
Accelerator partners represent a broad mix of organizations including industry practitioners, trade associations, educational institutions, local and state governments, utilities, unions, and training providers. Together, the goals of these partners demonstrate a significant opportunity to make strides in workforce development:
Through the Workforce Accelerator, partners will be able to engage in several opportunities that assist them in working toward these goals. Partners will have access to technical assistance from building science experts through DOE and its National Laboratories. Partners will also have access to a collaborative software platform and participate in quarterly meetings to connect with and learn from each other. Additionally, partners will provide input on resources including guidance documents, case studies, and educational materials that help build the efficiency workforce.
To stay up-to-date on the Accelerator’s progress, visit the Better Buildings Workforce Accelerator on the Better Buildings Solution Center.