Get familiar with the Building Performance industry:  The Building Performance industry is anticipating unprecedented growth in the immediate future.  This expectation is founded in several key factors:  changes in political priorities, availability of funding, climate change, desire to reduce dependence on foreign sources of energy, etc.  Now is a great time to become familiar with the many possibilities of a career in Building Performance.  Here are a few things to become familiar with:

• HERS:  Home Energy Rating System
• BPI:  Building Performance Institute (pay particular attention to the trainings and certifications available)
• Efficiency First
• CBPCA:  The California Building Performance Contractors Association
• ACI:  Affordable Comfort Institute 

 

• Start working for a Building Performance contractor:  Many Building Performance contractors do not currently require specialized training in Building Performance for entry level positions (although this is likely to change in the future as more trainings become available).  If you have any construction experience, I highly recommend contacting Building Performance contractors in your area to inquire about openings.  You can find Building Performance contractors by using directories like the one provided by the California Building Performance Contractors Association (CBPCA) website.

• Volunteer or intern:  There are many wonderful organizations working very hard to get people who want green jobs into green jobs.  Many of these organizations are non-profits on very limited budgets.  This means that volunteering and interning opportunities are plentiful.  While employment opportunities are not always guaranteed for volunteers and interns, developing these contacts and connections, accumulating this knowledge and being where things are happening is a great way to find your niche.  Here are few organizations looking for volunteers and interns:
• Rising Sun Energy Center
• The Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
• The Ecology Center
• Stop Waste
• www.Greenlining.org
• Bay Localize
• Grid Alternatives
• David Brower Center
• Rebuilding Together

 

• Get trained:  PG&E offers many free energy efficiency and Building Performance trainings.  Browse their listings here

• Get educated:  Read the book the Building Performance industry has identified as the standard:  "Residential Energy" by John Krigger and Chris Dorsi.  The book is available through their company, Saturn Resource Management

Thank you for your interest in GETS!  If you still have questions, contact George Kopf, GETS Program Director: by phone at (510) 665-1501 x17 or via email.