High Yields: Investing in the Energy Code Workforce

A skilled and knowledgeable workforce is essential for successfully implementing building energy codes, which play a crucial role in lowering energy costs and protecting public health and safety.

A recent brief by the National Energy Codes Collaborative and ACEEE, Investing in Workforce Development and Training to Improve Energy Code Implementation, underscores the importance of the energy code workforce and outlines strategies for its ongoing development.

Keeping Pace with Evolving Codes

Energy codes are frequently updated to incorporate the latest in energy-efficient technologies and construction practices. This dynamic nature requires the building industry workforce – from architects and engineers to contractors and tradespeople – to continuously acquire new knowledge and skills.

The brief identifies several key challenges hindering effective code implementation. These include:

• A general lack of awareness about updated codes and their benefits
• Limited access to adequate and practical skills training (including for new technologies and in multiple languages)
• Unclear career pathways in the energy efficiency sector
• Difficulties navigating the complex language and processes of the codes themselves

Strategies for Success: A Phased Approach

The brief proposes a phased approach to address these challenges, offering strategies tailored to each stage of a typical building project.

During Project Initiation, the focus is on raising awareness among all stakeholders, including builders, developers, architects and engineers, about energy efficiency requirements and compliance responsibilities. An example of a successful program is the Urban Green Council’s “Crushing the Code” in New York, which provides free or affordable training on state and city energy codes.

In the Project Design and Planning phase, it’s crucial to provide architects, engineers and plan examiners with tools and resources that simplify code compliance. California’s Energy Code Ace program serves as a model, offering free training, checklists and innovative tools like “Forms Ace™” and “Navigator Ace” to facilitate understanding and adherence to the California Energy Code.

For Project Construction, collaboration with industry groups and the provision of practical resources like field guides are vital to assist tradespeople, contractors and consultants in understanding and implementing energy codes. Colorado’s Building Energy Codes Adoption Program demonstrates an effective approach by offering customized training, technical assistance and a comprehensive toolkit, with specific support for rural communities. 

Finally, the Project Monitoring and Evaluation phase ensures building systems perform as expected. Training on testing and verification procedures, coupled with access to diagnostic tools, empowers testers, raters and commissioning professionals to confirm compliance and optimize building performance. The Southface Institute in Georgia provides a strong example with its wide array of training sessions and resources that support compliance with Georgia’s energy codes, emphasizing building science fundamentals and leading to industry-recognized certifications.

Progressing the Energy Code Workforce

Investing in workforce development is a critical step towards a future with more energy-efficient, resilient and affordable buildings. By fostering collaboration, sharing best practices and developing targeted training programs, the building industry can cultivate the skilled workforce necessary to meet the evolving demands of energy codes and achieve higher levels of energy efficiency.

Read the brief in full here.

To access key professional development resources, visit the Code Council’s dedicated webpage here.