Two ASHRAE certification programs, the Building Commissioning Professional (BCxP) and Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP), have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as meeting the Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines.

The certifications achieved DOE recognition for aligning with Better Buildings Workforce specifications for two key commercial energy-related jobs, the building commissioning professional and energy auditor jobs, and for being ANSI-Accredited Personnel Certification Programs under ISO/IEC 17024 – Accreditation #1139.

Of the six programs DOE has recognized for aligning with Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines, two are ASHRAE certifications.

“ASHRAE certification programs provide value to built-environment professionals, employers and building owners across the globe – and embody our commitment to advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment,” says ASHRAE Certification Committee Chair Cameron R. Labunski, P.E., CPMP, HBDP, HFDP. “DOE recognition of these two ASHRAE certification programs positions the employers of BCxPs and BEAPs to compete for federal, state and local government body contracts calling for the services provided by these certified professionals.”

Better Buildings is a national initiative in which the DOE works with partners to promote greater energy efficiency to save energy and money, create jobs and protect the environment. A key element of the Better Buildings Initiative is to ensure a trained and skilled workforce to help accelerate involvement in energy efficiency.

The BCxP certification is for individuals who lead, plan, coordinate and manage a commissioning team to implement commissioning processes in new and existing buildings. The BEAP certification is for individuals who assess building systems and site conditions, analyze and evaluate equipment and energy usage and recommend strategies to optimize building resource utilization.