Project Overview
The Pacific Northwest Building Training and Assessment Center (PNW BTAC), funded by the Department of Energy, aims to train the next generation of students interested in best practices for building performance and energy efficiency in commercial and institutional buildings, particularly in buildings in traditionally underserved communities.
Long-Term Goals
Our long-term goal is to address crucial gaps in workforce training on topics such as building health, energy efficiency, and decarbonization. We strive to foster a cycle of affordable building assessments and workforce development to transform the Pacific Northwest’s building infrastructure. One of our primary goals is to help the region achieve net-zero emissions targets.
Skills You Will Develop
Participants will develop hands-on skills in improving building performance, strategic planning for energy efficiency, and compliance with building performance standard policies. They will gain experience in energy assessments, operations, maintenance, and navigating emerging energy technologies, thereby becoming adept at steering buildings towards higher performance and lower carbon footprints.
Quick Points
- The PNW BTAC is led by the University of Washington Integrated Design Lab (UW IDL) and the University of Washington Industrial Assessment Center (UW IAC).
- Our core training partners are the South Seattle College’s (SSC) Sustainable Building Science Technology Program and Northwest Indian College’s (NIC) Physics and Engineering Program.
- This initiative aligns with DOE’s energy and workforce programs, extending the reach of federal initiatives and contributing to decarbonization goals.
- It provides a pathway for students and professionals to become qualified providers under Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standards, enhancing the region’s skilled labor force in building operations.
- The center is a Hub, uniting educational, governmental, and industry sectors, for a comprehensive approach to building performance improvement and workforce development.