2025 is the Year of Focus

by Steve Skodak

Workforce. Rebates. Consumer demand. Awareness. Certifications. Electrification. Carbon emissions. Government policies. Building codes. Which of these has the biggest impact on your business or job?

Likely, they all do and the amount in which they do varies depending on factors such as if your state is receiving federal funding or if you live in an area recently impacted by a natural disaster. Both of these factors initiate action from either programs and organizations or homeowners and renters. 

And while they may initiate action, the truth is that humans are naturally reactive–we generally wait for something to happen to do anything about it. The majority of people don’t think about proper home insulation until they have trouble sleeping in the summer because their bedroom is in the hottest room of the house. The majority of people don’t think about putting together an emergency preparation kit until the town closest to them is burned down by a major fire.  

The good news is this: the Building Performance Association (BPA) is not like the majority. This association is made up of proactive individuals who know that humans are reactive and also know that the industry in which we work doesn’t have to be.  

As we enter 2025, we know that challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the building performance industry. With a new political administration taking shape, our nation will experience significant transitions. Rest assured, though, that these are not transitions we haven’t encountered before, and they are not transitions we don’t already have a plan for. Amidst all change, BPA will remain focused on our vision to ensure that all American homes are safe, efficient, and comfortable.

The ongoing discussions around federal, state, and local priorities are important, but the most important information we can give you for the year ahead is this: a skilled and well-trained workforce will be essential to meet the growing demand for home efficiency improvements.

One promising development in the past year has been the progress in the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which is slowly unlocking unprecedented funding and incentives to improve energy efficiency across the building sector. BPA is playing a key role in helping state energy offices and local governments navigate these new resources while also building the workforce needed to carry out these crucial projects. We are committed to ensuring that these investments benefit all communities, particularly those that are underserved.

In the coming year, we’ll continue to advocate strongly for the value of these programs and incentives, expanding our network of allies who are committed to this important work. Whether it’s through local projects, collaborations, or our travels across the country in support of these efforts, we will be there to drive progress and ensure that no community is left behind.

Workforce development will be front and center in 2025. As demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, we must focus on attracting, training, and retaining a diverse, capable workforce to meet the growing needs of our industry. The industry’s success depends on building a robust talent pipeline, offering top-notch education, and creating clear pathways for career advancement within building science.

BPA is already identifying existing resources, supporting workforce development efforts, and helping increase capacity where needed. Through initiatives like registered apprenticeships, partnerships with state energy offices (SEOs), and our continued work with like-minded organizations and allies, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable workforce.

We are also more committed than ever to ensuring that all communities, especially those that have been historically underserved, have access to the opportunities these efforts create. As the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable building practices grows, it’s crucial that we provide support for diverse communities to thrive.

That support continues to come from advocacy and education. In just a few months, we’ll host the industry’s largest networking and educational event, the National Home Performance Conference, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Each year, this event grows, and 2025 promises to be our biggest and most impactful yet. With over 170 sessions across 14 tracks, there will be something for everyone, whether you’re looking to deepen your technical expertise or expand your professional network. Our partnership with the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) this year continues to highlight the intersection of home performance, health, and weatherization and our efforts to collaborate across the industry.

As we move forward, we will remain focused and proactive in the face of ongoing change. BPA is dedicated to providing the resources, training, and advocacy necessary to help our members thrive in this dynamic landscape. Together, we can continue to shape a sustainable future for our industry and the communities we serve.