Last spring, the Energy Department (DOE) launched its Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines, a national framework that helps professional organizations develop high-quality training and certification programs for their members. The Guidelines, which provide national recognition to this work, help address consistency, quality and scalability in commercial energy efficiency workforce and training programs.

This week, the Department announced that the Association of Energy Engineers’ (AEE) Certified Energy Manager® is the first certification program to be recognized under the Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines program. AEE represents more than 17,000 energy professionals in 90 countries working in the fields of energy engineering, energy management, renewables, power generation, energy services, and sustainability. AEE has certified over 28,000 energy professionals since 1981, with over 15,000 currently holding the CEM certification. As of today, 15,059 hold the CEM.

“We are excited that AEE has taken this step to align their industry leading Certified Energy Manager credential with the Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines,” said Dr. Kathleen Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “They are helping develop a highly skilled workforce for the energy efficient operation of the nation’s commercial buildings, offering billions in savings in energy costs.”

Al Thumann, P.E., C.E.M., executive director for the Association of Energy Engineers said, “the CEM program is the most recognized credential for energy managers, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated high levels of experience, competence, proficiency, and ethical fitness in the energy management profession. Since 1981, over 15,000 professionals have earned the CEM credential providing the BBWG with a quality workforce in place to meet the growing demands of the marketplace.”

To receive recognition, a certification program must be accredited by a third party to ISO/IEC 17024, and certificate programs must be accredited to IREC 14732. As an official participant in the workforce guidelines program, AEE can use the “Better Buildings Recognized Program” logo in their marketing materials for CEM.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines program, contact Priya Swamy, or visit the website.