2004

RELEASE, IMMEDIATE: February 4, 2004
CONTACT: Ryan Moore
(518) 862-1090, ext.3267

State To Create Standardized Training For Multifamily Building Professionals
Specialized Training To Teach Energy Efficiency and Building Maintenance

Albany, NY - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced plans to create a standardized training certification program for multifamily building owners, managers, superintendents, maintenance staff, and other stakeholders. Using the latest industry standards and tools, training will include lessons in troubleshooting, routine maintenance, health and safety, surveying and implementing energy efficiency improvements, and lowering operation costs.

"By using industry experts to research and develop curricula and accreditation, NYSERDA intends to educate stakeholders on the value of energy efficiency, take steps towards standardized training and certification for New York State building managers and ultimately, create a demand for certified professionals," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith. "Experience has shown us that there needs to be a better understanding about how multifamily buildings function from an energy efficiency perspective. Compared to energy use in office buildings, schools, or even single-family homes, multifamily buildings are a different machine entirely. By defining a clear set of standards and practices for energy efficiency maintenance, multifamily housing in New York State will save energy, thus reducing utility bills for tenants and owners."

Structured so topics can be revised, expanded, or updated, the standardized training will include the following three aspects of energy efficiency:

• Energy-Efficient Building Assessment for energy auditors
  
  
• Energy-Efficient Multifamily Building Operations & Maintenance for superintendents and maintenance staff
  
  
• Energy-Efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Design, Commissioning, and Retrofit for engineering and design firms and HVAC installers

Three widely respected organizations, the Association for Energy Affordability, Community Environmental Center, Inc., and Steven Winter Associates will determine the proper training curricula for the program. The Association for Energy Affordability is a not-for-profit membership, training, and technical services organization with significant experience developing and implementing government and utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs. The Community Environmental Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides energy, building performance, and environmental services for residents in the New York Metropolitan area. Steven Winter Associates is a building systems consulting firm that employs "whole-building"strategies to improve energy efficiency within a building. Nationally recognized for their training and certification programs, Steven Winter Associates works closely with architects, building owners, developers, and other industry professionals to improve multifamily building energy use.

Currently, NYSERDA is working with the Building Performance Institute, Inc. and the training contractors to develop the industry standards and best practices, upon which the curricula and certifications will be based. The first expert panel convened earlier last month to develop the standards for the Energy-Efficient Building Assessment topic and consisted of a dozen energy experts from around the nation.

###