Energy Efficiency Certification & Training Programs in Oregon

Northwest Energy Education Institute (NEEI):
Located in Eugene, Oregon, the Northwest Energy Education Institute (NEEI) provides energy efficiency training and development throughout the Northwest region for practicing professionals in the energy industry. Established in 1998, we offer both standard and custom learning opportunities including a range of 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs and certification programs in fields including energy management, renewable energy, water conservation, sustainable building, among others.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs (2 years):

- Energy Management Degree Program:
Students learn to apply basic principles of physics and analysis techniques to the description and measurement of energy in today’s building systems with the goal of evaluating and recommending alternative energy solutions that will result in greater energy efficiency and energy cost savings.

- Renewable Energy Technician Degree Program:
This professional technical program is offered as a second year option within the Energy Management Program. The coursework prepares students for employment designing and installing solar electric and domestic hot water systems. Renewable students, along with Energy Management students, take a first-year curriculum in commercial energy efficiency giving them a solid background that includes residential energy efficiency, HVAC systems, lighting, and the usual requirement of physics and math.

In the second year, renewable students diverge from the Energy Management curriculum and take coursework that starts with two courses in electricity fundamentals and one course in energy economics. In the following terms students learn to design, install, and develop a thorough understanding of photovoltaics (PV) and domestic hot water (DHW) systems. Oregon law requires all renewable energy installers to be licensed, and this may require participation in a State recognized apprenticeship program.

- Water Conservation Technician Degree Program:
The Water Conservation Technician program is a career-technical curriculum offered as a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. It trains individuals to evaluate water use patterns; develop, implement, maintain and market conservation programs; perform public outreach; recommend water efficiency techniques; and perform systems analysis to solve problems.

- Resource Conservation Manager (RCM) Degree Program:
The RCM sector is currently showing exponential growth. Regional utilities are developing significant programs that will require qualified graduates to be employed by school districts, higher education, and city and state agencies to help control their waste throughput. The US military has increased posted positions for Resource Efficiency Managers and Better Bricks, the education department of the Northwest Energy Efficency Alliance has asked to join forces with the Energy Program to develop RCM coursework.

Certification Programs:

- Energy Management Certification (2 weeks):
EMC is an advanced certification program that requires the student to implement an energy-saving project, and measure the results. This program goes beyond the fundamentals and teaches a broad spectrum of energy management principles and techniques. Topics include building energy use, glazing, insulation, building envelope, heating/cooling, secondary HVAC, controls, central plant equipment, energy auditing, operation and maintenance. Each topic is covered by a discipline expert.

- Building Operators Certification:
BOC is a professional development program created by The Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC), and delivered in Oregon by NEEI. It is designed for operations and maintenance staff working in public or private commercial buildings. It certifies individuals in energy and resource-efficient operation of building systems at two levels:

Level I - Building System Maintenance
Level II - Equipment Troubleshooting and Maintenance

- BPA Residential Energy Certification (5 days):
Residential Energy Auditor Training is ideal for employees who will be involved in a residential weatherization program and working with residential customers, helping them determine how energy is being used in their homes, what measures can be taken to save energy, how much those measure will cost and how quickly the measures will pay for themselves.

This five-day course that includes training in the principles of energy auditing and weatherization inspection. This comprehensive program includes training in the principles of energy, energy and the building shell, energy auditing, air leakage, insulation, windows and doors, heating and cooling systems, indoor air quality, lighting and appliances, and water heating. Attendees will be trained to conduct energy audits and work with utility customers in the field.

- Sustainable Building Advisor (9 months):
The Sustainable Building Advisor (SBA) Certificate Program is a nine-month, specialized training program, designed to enable graduates to advise employers or clients on strategies and tools for implementing sustainable building. Benefits from participating in the SBA program often include saving long term building operating costs, improving the environmental, social and economic viability of the region, reducing environmental impacts and owner liability plus a chance to improve your skills in a rapidly growing field. Classes are offered one weekend per month and are adapted for the working professional.

Customized Training:
NEEI offers customized energy training that is tailored to meet your specific educational needs. Custom training programs cover a range of energy efficiency topics and can be delivered at your facility. NEEI has provided training nationally and internationally for over 15 years and is able to utilize instructors from our network of industry experts.

Examples of training topics we provide:
- Residential HVAC
- Commercial HVAC
- Emerging Conservation Technologies
- Addressing High Energy Bill Concerns
- Green Procurement
- Residential Inspector Certification
- Compressed Air Challenge
- Load Calculations
- Water Efficiency & Conservation
- Data Logging
- System Maintenance
- Solar
- Energy Deregulation, Direct Access