Building Performance Association Advances Workforce Development, National Policy

July 14, 2021, Pittsburgh, PA – The nation’s largest association representing the residential energy efficiency industry and contractors, Building Performance Association (BPA), announced today it has accepted $50,000 from E4TheFuture to help move its agenda, which includes the recently re-introduced HOPE for HOMES legislation.

E4TheFuture is a non-profit promoting residential clean energy and sustainable resource solutions. The organization’s strategic investment in BPA will support the essential mission of growing and developing a highly-skilled workforce and helping the home performance industry make the benefits of residential energy efficiency accessible to everyone.

“With the support of our strategic partner, E4TheFuture, we’re helping to build our industry and attract, train, and retain a highly-skilled workforce. E4TheFuture understands the critical time we are in, and how support is needed more now than ever,” says BPA’s CEO Steve Skodak.

“The $50,000 is a portion of the funds necessary to make the impact that is needed. We urge other industry stakeholders to join in boosting BPA’s effort through memberships, sponsorships, and contributions to raise an additional $100,000 or more,” says E4TheFuture president Stephen Cowell.

Workforce development issues consistently rank as a top concern for BPA members and industry partners. A crucial part of the industry support plan outlined in HOPE for HOMES, which was submitted to the U.S. House and Senate on May 19, 2021, focuses on workforce development and training.

Home performance contractors need access to better-trained workers. Skilled workers also need better access to training to grow their careers. Additionally, to create an equitable, balanced set of opportunities, there must be on-ramps for people in traditionally underserved demographics to enter and begin their career.

Using E4TheFuture’s seed funding and further contributions, BPA will achieve policy goals and objectives via federal and state legislation and programs.

Promoting smart policy at state and federal levels is critical to long-term success via program investments, incentives, and workforce development. Our industry must develop and expand the skills and capabilities to implement new building technologies, plus savvy outreach and marketing, to improve long-term mission success.

This investment moves BPA closer to its goal of offering transformative industry resources to support and expand the residential retrofit trades. But it is not possible to reach this goal without the proper industry support. “I’m calling on additional industry allies to partner with BPA to address this dire need,” says Skodak.

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The Building Performance Association is a membership-driven 501(c)(6) industry association dedicated to advancing the home and building performance industry. Built upon three decades of experience, the association is well-positioned to provide industry support through key areas including advocacy, education, programs, networking, publications, and community. Our 9,500+ members are individuals, companies, and organizations who work to deliver improved energy efficiency, health, safety, and environmental performance to people in their homes across North America. For more information, please visit www.building-performance.org.