The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Public Architecture, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have partnered to connect building owners seeking ENERGY STAR certification with licensed professionals willing to provide pro bono verification services.
Previously, the required use of licensed professionals to achieve ENERGY STAR certification was seen as a considerable barrier. There are countless buildings across the country performing to ENERGY STAR specifications but have not pursued certification because of this. This new initiative will work to bring these building into the fold.
To achieve this, AIA is offering participating architects up to 8 Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW) continuing education units (CEUs) – representing a major proportion of their annual requirement for continuing professional licensure! Engineers in licensure states with continuing education requirements may also be eligible to take advantage of CEU credits.
State Energy Offices, through the ENERGY STAR Task Force, have expressed great interest and support for these efforts. State Energy Offices can now incorporate and leverage this initiative in achieving their efficiency and ENERGY STAR goals in their state.
For more information please visit EPA’s ENERGY STAR website. In addition, EPA and AIA will be hosting webinars on the topic on the following dates:
1. Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. EST
2. Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. EST
3. Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. EST
4. Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. EST
NASEO members interested in learning more about the initiative, and how it could support their state programs, are encouraged to join the NASEO ENERGY STAR Task Force or contact NASEO’s Buildings Program Manager, Todd Sims.