Training a New Generation of Energy Auditors
Helping create a multi-state training program to grow the certified energy auditor workforce across the Southeast.
The mission
In late 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled $40 million in competitive funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the “purpose of training individuals to conduct energy audits, or surveys, of commercial and residential buildings.” As an eligible applicant, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Office of Energy Programs (TDEC OEP) enlisted Milepost to help create an award-winning approach.
Through market research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement activities, Milepost supported TDEC OEP with the creation of a collaborative, partnership-based energy auditor training program designed to dramatically increase the number of qualified and certified professionals across the southeast region.
Through our discovery process, we helped TDEC OEP bring on four states — Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina — and the US Virgin Islands as grant partners.
At the same time, we supported TDEC OEP with successfully engaging Southface Energy Institute as the lead training partner and created messaging strategies that emphasized the benefits of a standardized, regional approach to a pervasive challenge.
With program partners in place, Milepost led development of a program plan that helped identify primary and secondary goals and objectives; success factors; risks; training curriculum and standards; plans for connecting trainees with employment opportunities; strategies for outreach, recruitment, enrollment, and retention; and considerations for long-term sustainability after the grant’s period of performance. We then facilitated multi-stakeholder meetings to define implementation methodologies and desired outcomes.
The application process involved collaboration with stakeholders to produce a concept paper and full application to DOE, including detailed budgets, certifications, and training plans.
What we did
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Reporting strategy
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Facilitated visioning sessions
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Data collection
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Data analysis
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Messaging strategy
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Copy development
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Market research
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Engagement strategy
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Messaging framework
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Project management
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Stakeholder identification and outreach
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Coordinated efforts with internal stakeholders
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Technical assistance
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Compliance management
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Grant writing
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Proposal development
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Funding identification
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Application strategy
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Partner identification and recruitment
The results
Our work resulted in the successful creation of a multi-state residential energy auditor training certification process with DOE’s approximate $3 million award to TDEC OEP and partners. The regional cooperation fostered by this project has led to ongoing partnerships with Southface Institute and other stakeholders.
When funded and completed, the project is expected to certify 323 new energy auditors in the residential sector alone, significantly addressing the energy auditor deficits in the participating states.