Adopting statewide codes is a vital undertaking, but without compliance and enforcement, the associated benefits of energy codes cannot be realized. Achieving compliance is easier said than done. A shrinking codes workforce impacts quality assurance and makes it difficult to balance training with a steady flow of inspections. Compliance studies to determine a baseline compliance rate can be time-intensive and costly. But working with any new code requires training and support resources to ensure industry readiness.
When jurisdictions prioritize compliance, energy codes lead to higher levels of energy and cost savings. This means investing in training and workforce development programs at the state or utility level will save states time and money in the long-term by supporting a skilled and adaptable workforce that can accommodate future changes in industry standards.
Training, workforce development, and industry support resources take many forms and can be tailored to state-specific needs.
Resources
Code Enforcement Workforce Gap Analysis: New England and Mid-Atlantic Region
TEP Workforce Online Resource Center
Growing an Equitable Energy Efficiency Workforce
