Better Buildings Workforce

A skilled and qualified workforce is key to making American buildings more energy efficient and American companies more competitive. DOE is working closely with the commercial buildings industry and other Federal agencies to develop training tools, materials, and voluntary credentialing guidelines to advance different elements of the Better Buildings Workforce Framework, a pillar of the Better Buildings Initiative.

DOE works with public and private-sector industry stakeholders to strengthen and align the six elements of this framework to improve the quality and consistency of the commercial buildings workforce.

  • Technical standards, codes, and specifications that define safe, durable, high-quality work related to commercial building energy efficiency.
  • Skills standards, that define the job tasks and knowledge, skills and abilities that workers need to perform quality work in accordance with the appropriate technical standards.
  • Curricula and training programs, built on clear learning objectives and aligned with technical and skills standards.
  • Industry-recognized certifications for energy-related job titles, built on common certification blueprints when appropriate.
  • Third-party accreditation, for training and certification programs to evaluate program quality and alignment with industry-recognized content.
  • Driving market demand, for a high-quality workforce through policy mechanisms and government and industry recognition of accredited workforce credentialing programs.
Technical Standards
Codes, and specifications that define safe, durable, high-quality work related to commercial building energy efficiency
Skills Standards
Define the job tasks and knowledge, skills and abilities that workers need to perform quality work in accordance with the appropriate technical standards
Curricula & Training
Built on clear learning objectives and aligned with appropriate technical and skills standards
Industry-Recongized Certifications
Built on common certification blueprints when appropriate
Third-Party Accreditation
Evaluation of program quality and alignment with industry-recognized content
Driving Market Demand
Supporting a high-quality workforce through policy mechanisms and government and industry recognition of accredited workforce credentialing programs