This webpage provides resources to assist states, local governments, and K–12 school districts in building their energy teams, including position description templates, national programs that support public-sector energy teams, and case studies that highlight how public-sector organizations leveraged these programs to support their energy teams.

Position Templates

The following position description templates reflect the responsibilities, capabilities, and qualifications for important public-sector energy team roles. You may also consider where transferrable skills and capabilities already exist within other offices in your organization (e.g., environmental, transportation, facilities, IT, or budget) that you can leverage to build your energy team.

National Fellowships and Other Programs That Support Public-Sector Energy Teams

This section contains information about nationally available programs that states, local governments, and K–12 school districts can leverage to enhance the capabilities and capacity of their energy teams. Download the table version.

On-Site, Full-Time Support Programs and Fellowships

Focus Area or Program Type*

Public Service Program

Program Description

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential service program for 18- to 26-year-olds. AmeriCorps are assigned to one of four regional campuses and then placed into teams ranging between 8–12 members. The teams complete a variety of service projects, which are generally 3–13 weeks in duration, and respond to local communities' needs throughout the United States and territories. Teams live in the communities they serve to better understand the culture, participate in service-learning, and build leadership and life skills. AmeriCorps NCCC teams are assigned 3–6 service projects throughout their 10-month service term, primarily in the states or territories within their region.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

18- to 26-year-olds with a wide variety of socioeconomic, cultural, geographic, and educational backgrounds.

Example(s) of Support Provided

Projects are designed to address one or more of these issue areas: energy conservation, environmental stewardship, infrastructure improvement, natural and other disasters, and urban and rural development. Energy conservation projects promote energy-efficient practices with organizations, communities, families, or individuals.

Examples of projects include, but are not limited to: 

  • Providing energy efficiency assessments.
  • Assisting with installations of energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
  • Developing recycling programs.
  • Performing home weatherization projects for low-income, disabled, and senior citizens.
  • Providing and developing educational programming on sustainability and conservation practices.

Host Eligibility

States, local governments, and K–12 school districts

Host Application Deadline

Host applicants first submit a project concept form for review by AmeriCorps NCCC regional staff; if approved, the next step is to submit a full service project application. Regional deadlines for service project application submissions are based on dates for which the team is requested. Generally, applications should be submitted at least 4 months prior to the preferred start date of the project.

Program Start Date

Project dates vary by region. See the Project Concept Form and Service Project Application Instructions document.

Program Duration

3–13 weeks of full-time service with the organization.

Cost to Host

There is no fee to sponsor (host) a project team.

Project Sponsors provide:

  • On-site technical oversight and direction with the team each day.
  • At least 40 hours of enriching service per week, per member.
  • Project supplies, equipment, materials, and any necessary building permits.
  • Schedule of work and training plan.
  • Lodging with showers.
  • Cooking facilities (unless meals are provided).
  • Service-learning support and opportunities to understand community impact.
  • Inclement-weather work plan. 

Additional benefits to AmeriCorps members include an education award and living allowance provided by AmeriCorps NCCC. 

How to Get Started

Determine the appropriate regional campus as your point of contact. Reach out to regional staff to discuss your ideas for a project, clarify questions, and learn more about the program.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of March 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of March 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Focus Area or Program Type*

Public Service Program

Program Description

AmeriCorps is an opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to strengthen communities. AmeriCorps State and National engages in strategic grantmaking to support organizations that see service as a solution to local and national challenges. Multi-state, state, local, and tribal grantees recruit, train, and manage AmeriCorps members in direct service and capacity building activities to address unmet community needs in six focus areas: education, healthy futures, clean energy and environment, veterans and military families, disaster services, and economic opportunity. In 2020, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) announced $576 million in AmeriCorps funding, including grants and education awards, through the 2020 AmeriCorps State and National Competition. In total, this funding will support approximately 60,000 AmeriCorps members.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Age 17+, no experience required

Example(s) of Support Provided

South Bend, Indiana, will have 15 AmeriCorps members to provide energy and healthy home assessments and deliver weatherization and healthy home measures and education. At the end of the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will have provided a minimum of 250 energy/healthy home audits and installed measures in 125 low-income residences resulting in a reduction of energy consumption/costs, along with mitigation of health and safety deficiencies. In addition, AmeriCorps members will leverage 50 volunteers in a minimum of four community education or service projects focused on energy efficiency, healthy homes and environmental stewardship.

For more information, see the 2020-2021 AmeriCorps Program Directory.

Host Eligibility

State and local governments

Host Application Deadline

Varies. Organizations that operate in a single state apply through their State Service Commissions.

Program Start Date

Varies.

Program Duration

Part-time and full-time positions; length of service varies. 

Cost to Host

AmeriCorps grants of varying amounts are provided to organizations that host AmeriCorps members. See 2020 AmeriCorps Grants.

Grants provide partial funding to support AmeriCorps projects and programs. AmeriCorps grants include an allotment of AmeriCorps member positions and funds awarded by CNCS are directly tied to the specific number of members awarded. Grant recipients (hosts) must contribute match funding to support the project. In Indiana, for example, grantees are required to provide a minimum cost share of 24% in the first three years (more in later years), and are responsible for the following costs in support of full-time AmeriCorps members: 

  • Living Allowance (min $15,100; max $30,200)
  • Health Care
  • Federal payroll tax (FICA).

CNCS covers:

  • Loan forbearance and interest accrual
  • Education Award
  • Child Care Assistance.

In one 2020 program example from South Bend, Indiana, the CNCS investment of $167,109 was matched with $249,758 in public funding.

How to Get Started

Contact your State Service Commission for more information.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of March 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of March 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Focus Area or Program Type*

Energy and Environment Fellowship

Program Description

Climate Corps is cultivating the next generation of sustainability professionals united to advance climate solutions. The innovative fellowship program trains the brightest, most engaged graduate students and pairs them with companies, public institutions and cities determined to meet their climate and energy goals. Climate Corps fellows spend a summer designing and implementing new tools and practices to reduce energy consumption, procure renewable energy, set carbon reduction targets and engage customers, employees and suppliers in achieving sustainability goals.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Current or recent graduate students studying engineering, business, sustainability, environmental management, public policy, or relevant degree with at least 2 years of work experience.

Example(s) of Support Provided

To help improve the Washington, D.C., public school system’s energy efficiency, the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment enlisted an Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Climate Corps fellow. The fellow was tasked with designing a simple, yet effective way to increase efficiency without increasing upfront costs. The fellow identified a performance contract as the best option to pursue. Using this financing technique, energy service companies can install efficiency upgrades with little or no upfront cost, while the District pays back the loan through the realized energy savings. To design the contract, the fellow used a three-phased approach for analyzing energy use in the District. By switching out inefficient lights with LEDs, adding occupancy sensors and refrigeration controls and upgrading the HVAC systems, the public school system could save nearly 900 megawatt-hours of electricity a year, as well as gain enormous monetary savings.

Host Eligibility

States, local governments, and K–12 school districts

Host Application Deadline

On or around Feb. 1 each year. 

Program Start Date

June

Program Duration

Fellows attend an in-depth, week-long training in May; summer fellowships take place for 8–12 weeks, on-site or remote, from June to August.

Cost to Host

Hosts hire fellow(s) directly at a salary of at least $1,250 per week for at least 8 weeks. Total fellowship cost is about $12,500. Public-sector hosts may apply for a full or partial subsidy from EDF.

How to Get Started

Complete the Host Application online.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of March 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of March 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Focus Area or Program Type*

Public Service Fellowship

Program Description

FUSE is a national nonprofit that partners with local governments to help urban communities thrive. [FUSE] works with cities and counties on a range of issues, including economic and workforce development, healthcare, public safety, climate change, and education. [FUSE's] approach centers around an executive fellowship program. [FUSE] works closely with [its] government partners to design yearlong strategic projects, recruit experienced leaders to take on those challenges, and provide the ongoing support to help fellows achieve their full potential for community impact. Since 2012, FUSE has placed more than 160 fellows in over 100 local government agencies throughout the country.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Senior-level professionals with at least 15 years of experience.

Example(s) of Support Provided

San Jose, California, established San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE) which offers renewable energy options at competitive prices to residents and businesses. SJCE is also working to develop clean energy programs that generate revenue for the community, expand clean energy options for residents, and help the city meet its climate goals. To advance these initiatives, SJCE hired a FUSE Executive Fellow to develop a roadmap of clean energy programs that benefit residents and implemented a $14 million electric vehicle charging infrastructure program. The fellow also led the application submission to the California Public Utilities Commission to administer a community solar program to provide an electricity bill discount with 100% solar electricity to low-income San Jose residents. The fellow also helped SJCE register its 100% renewable energy product through the California Air Resources Board Low Carbon Fuel Standard's alternative fuel portal.

Host Eligibility

Local governments

Host Application Deadline

Rolling

Program Start Date

Fellowships are announced on a rolling basis throughout the year. Each fellowship description specifies its expected beginning and end dates.

Program Duration

One year; full-time commitment. 

Cost to Host

Executive fellows are employees of FUSE Corps and receive an annualized base salary of $80,000. They also have access to a range of benefit options, including health, dental, and vision insurance. The cost of a fellowship is covered by the government partner and/or philanthropic partners.

How to Get Started

Complete the web form to send a message about hosting a fellow.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of March 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of March 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Focus Area or Program Type*

Public Service Fellowship

Program Description

Govern For America (GFA) bridges the gap between governments and emerging leaders to build a pipeline of diverse and dynamic public sector talent. [GFA] recruits, trains, and places recent graduates into full-time jobs and supports them as they develop into effective public sector leaders throughout their two-year fellowship.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Recent college or master's program graduates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and majors. 

Example(s) of Support Provided

One GFA fellow serves as energy program manager for the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, increasing the accessibility, inclusivity, and equity of Rhode Island's clean energy programs and policies. See the Our Fellows section on the Become a Fellow webpage for more information.

Host Eligibility

State and local governments

Host Application Deadline

Hosts sign partner agreements in September–December for placements beginning the following June or July.

Program Start Date

Fellows attend GFA Summer Institute in June; placements begin in June or July. 

Program Duration

Two years; full-time commitment. 

Cost to Host

Hosts pay fellows' salaries. Fellows are government employees and the range of salaries is broad, depending on the position and the state. A starting salary can be anywhere from $45,000 to $60,000. There is an additional $2,500/year program fee for professional development and fellow support.

How to Get Started

Email us to request more information or contact Kyleigh Russ to inquire about hiring a fellow.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

†Content is verbatim from the program website as of March 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of March 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Focus Area or Program Type*

Public Service Fellowship

Program Description

Local Government Management Fellowship (LGMF) is a career-development opportunity designed to attract recent MPA/MPP (or related programs) graduates to be placed in full-time management-track local government positions. Finalists are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to public service, communication skills, initiative, creativity, and positive attitude, then interview for 12-month fellowship appointments at local governments across the country, during which they receive direct mentorship from a senior government leader at the organization.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Current or recent graduate students in the fields of public administration, public policy, or related (for current students, satisfy all degree program requirements by Aug. 31 of the fellowship year), with no formal local government management work experience.

Example(s) of Provided Support

A fellow in Hogansville, Georgia, was assigned to administer a $1 million revolving loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under USDA's Rural Energy Savings Program, to help residents weatherize and improve energy efficiency in their homes. Read more from the Hogansville, Georgia, Management Fellow Work Plan.

Host Eligibility

Local governments

Host Application Deadline

Host workplans are due by Feb. 28.

Program Start Date

Student applications are due in early December. Finalist files routed to hosts for review in early February. Hosts contact finalists for interviews through April. Fellowships begin throughout the summer (June–August).

Program Duration

One year, full-time fellowship appointments (may be extended beyond the one-year term).

Cost to Host

Hosts commit to provide fellows with a one-year, full-time competitive salary and benefits. Salaries vary based on several factors, including the cost of living in or around the host community. An annual salary of $35,000 is the minimum recommended amount. Fellows are required to attend the ICMA Annual Conference. There is no registration fee for fellows. However, hosts are expected to cover travel expenses.

How to Get Started

Complete the LGMF Host Application. By submitting the application, hosts agree to follow the guidelines in a Letter of Intent to Host a Fellow.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of March 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of March 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Focus Area or Program Type*

Public Service Fellowship

Program Description

Lead for America selects, trains, and places promising young leaders in two-year, paid, full-time fellowships in local public-serving institutions (local governments, nonprofits, community foundations, etc.) to tackle tough challenges facing the community, strengthen their hometown's civic infrastructure, and join a new generation of transformational community leaders. Hometown Fellows serve their hometown communities in locations nationwide through high-impact, high-urgency two-year placements focused on strengthening their community's civic institutions. State-based fellows have a strong connection to either North Carolina or Minnesota and serve in high-impact roles in local government throughout these states.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Recent college graduates from all backgrounds. 

Example(s) of Support Provided

A member of the 2019 inaugural cohort of Lead for America Fellows is serving in Decatur, Georgia. An Emory University graduate with degrees in environmental science and community building and social change, the fellow is passionate about finding community-centered solutions to the climate crisis and sustainability challenges. Read more on the Meet Our Fellows web page (see "Our Inaugural Fellowship Class" and "David Nifong").

Host Eligibility

Local governments

Host Application Deadline

Organizations interested in hosting may submit an interest form online. Hosts are confirmed by April. 

Program Start Date

Training for fellows begins in late June; placements begin in early August.

Program Duration

Two years; full-time commitment. 

Cost to Host

The full cost of the fellowship is the amount that is provided for the fellow via their scholarship, plus an additional $15,000/year to cover LFA's training and support costs. Totaling roughly $39,000/year on average, depending on cost of living. In rare circumstances, LFA works with hosts that aren't able to cover the full cost of the program.

How to Get Started

Fill out the Submit Interest Form or contact Maya Pace, chief programs officer, to learn more.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of March 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of March 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Focus Area or Program Type*

Energy and Environment and Diversity Fellowship

Program Description

The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Diversity Fellowship Program supports two cohorts of fellows per year: RAY Conservation Fellows and RAY Clean Energy Fellows. The RAY Fellowship Program aims to increase and facilitate conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy-related career pathways for emerging leaders of color. Managed by the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP), the RAY Conservation Fellowship and RAY Clean Energy Fellowship provide first-time career access opportunities for recent college graduates who do not have previous professional experience or a graduate degree. RAY Conservation Fellows are placed within one of the program's "Conservation Member Organizations" for a two-year paid fellowship position, with the resources and support to develop experiences that will launch them onto a path of career growth in conservation. Likewise, RAY Clean Energy Fellows are placed within one of the program's "Clean Energy Member Organizations" for a similar two-year paid fellowship position, with similar resources and support to develop experiences that will launch them onto a path of career growth in energy-efficiency or renewable energy. Member organizations for the RAY Fellowship Program have been convened and united by their desire to increase racial diversity within the greater conservation and clean energy field.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Recent college graduates who come from a racial/ethnic background underrepresented in conservation and clean energy and do not have previous professional experience in this field or a graduate degree.

Example(s) of Support Provided

Rocky Mountain Institute hired a RAY fellow to work on its Carbon-Free Electricity (CFE) Program. The fellow supports projects that ultimately seek to bring carbon-free electricity resources to scale within the geographies the organization works in. This includes working with and across government, utility, finance, and private sector actors, and leading workstreams to provide research, policy and techno-economic analysis, and communication of findings.

Host Eligibility

States, local governments, and K–12 school districts

Host Application Deadline

Rolling

Program Start Date

July 15

Program Duration

Two years, full time commitment.

Cost of Host

Total estimated program cost is $92,500, including fellow salary (minimum $40,000), fringe benefits, program contribution fee, relocation stipend, professional development, travel, and lodging for fellowship gatherings.

How to Get Started

To learn more about joining the partnership or for questions about the program, email steven@elpnet.org.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of March 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of March 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Focus Area or Program Type*

Energy and Environment and Diversity Fellowship

Program Description

The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) is pleased to offer 2021 fellowship opportunities with local governments. Fellows will receive a valuable learning experience while helping local governments advance sustainability and inclusion goals.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Fellow requirements include to: 

  • Be new to the sustainability field.
  • Have experience working with multiple communities, including communities of color.
  • Have experience considering the impacts of projects on multiple communities, including communities of color.

Example(s) of Support Provided

One fellow spent the summer of 2019 supporting Dubuque, Iowa, by researching sustainable and equitable purchasing. After analyzing countless policies and procedures in many different sized cities, large corporations, and even small family-owned companies, she went on to create an Equitable and Sustainable Procurement Guide. The guidelines provide policy recommendations and best practices for city-wide purchases.

Host Eligibility

Local governments (must be USDN members)

Host Application Deadline

On or around Feb. 1 each year.

Program Start Date

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 fellowships will be variable and flexible. USDN and host sites will work with selected candidates to identify start and end dates, remote versus in-person work status, and part-time versus full-time schedules.

Program Duration

A flexible employment timeline, with up to 480 hours of work throughout the summer. Fellows will present their work during a fall USDN Virtual Annual Meeting.

Cost to Host

Hosts pay fellows a living wage or higher. For example, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will provide its 2021 EDI Fellow a pay rate of $20/hour for 40 hours a week ($800/week) for 12 weeks.

How to Get Started

See 2021 host application, which was due Feb. 1, 2021. Contact fellowship@usdn.org about applying for future years.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of March 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of March 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Off-Site, Part-Time Support for Limited-Term Projects

Focus Area or Program Type*

Data Science and Public Service Fellowship

Program Description

The Data Science for Social Good Fellowship is a full-time summer program to train aspiring data scientists to work on machine learning, data science, and AI projects with social impact in a fair and equitable manner. Working closely with governments and nonprofits, fellows take on real-world problems in education, health, criminal justice, sustainability, public safety, workforce development, human services, transportation, economic development, international development, and more. For three months, they learn, hone, and apply their data science, analytical, and coding skills, collaborate in a fast-paced atmosphere, and learn from full-time mentors coming from industry and academia.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Current (or recent) graduate and undergraduate students from quantitative and computational fields—from computer science and machine learning, to statistics, math, physical sciences, and engineering, to social sciences, public health, and public policy.

Example(s) of Support Provided

Syracuse, New York, has 500 miles of water mains running through the city, with some dating back to the 19th century. Replacing that crumbling water system would cost over $1 million per mile, and the need is urgent, as Syracuse experiences nearly 400 water main breaks per year. In 2016, DSSG worked with Syracuse to create a data-driven process for proactively repairing their most vulnerable water mains first. Using data on the water system, streets, work orders, and service calls, the fellows created a predictive model that the city can use to replace or repair water mains before they fail. The analysis can also help the city make decisions about the kinds of replacement mains that are best suited for different locations and environments, and help coordinate activities between departments to get the most infrastructure work done in a single dig. Learn more about Syracuse water infrastructure project.

Host Eligibility

States, local governments, and K–12 school districts

Host Application Date

Jan. 17

Program Start Date

June 

Due to COVID-19, the DSSG program will not be offered Summer 2021 but will resume in 2022.

Program Duration

June through August (12 weeks). This is a full-time program for fellows which, in addition to working on projects with their teams and partner organizations (e.g., states, local governments, and K–12 school districts), includes lectures, workshops, and other activities.

Cost to Host

A typical project costs DSSG about $120,000 for the summer. The host application asks the maximum amount of funding the host can contribute towards the project, either directly or through an external funder. The fellowship takes place at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and fellows work with project partners remotely.

How to Get Started

Apply on the DSSG website to be a project partner.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of February 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of February 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Focus Area or Program Type*

Data Science and Public Service Program

Program Description

DataCorps brings together teams of pro bono data scientists with social change organizations on long-term projects that use data science to transform their work and their sector. [DataCorps] helps organizations define their needs and discover what's possible, then match them with a team that can translate those needs into data science problems and solve them with advanced analytics. 

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Top data scientists and project managers in the sector.

Example(s) of Support Provided

Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD) provides water, recycled water, and wastewater service to approximately 170,000 people across several cities in Southern California where droughts have plagued local communities for the past several years. MNWD approached DataKind for help to more precisely and accurately forecast water demand to improve pricing, expand conservation programs and implement initiatives to increase the efficiency of water transportation throughout its network. After several months of analysis and work, the team created an open source dashboard to predict recycled water demand at the microzone level in MNWD. To learn more information, visit the Projects web page (see "Forecasting Water Demand in California When Every Drop Counts").

Host Eligibility

State and local governments

Host Application Date

N/A

Program Start Date

N/A

Program Duration

Evening or weekend to multi-month projects.

Cost to Host

In some cases, organizations pay a modest management fee based on their budget to demonstrate their commitment to the project.

How to Get Started

Apply on the DataKind website.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of February 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of February 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

Focus Area or Program Type*

Data Science Project Competition Platform

Program Description

Kaggle is a platform for data science competitions. [Kaggle] helps you solve difficult problems, recruit strong teams, and amplify the power of your data science talent. Kaggle is the world's largest community of data scientists, ready to solve your predictive modeling problem through data competitions. You set the terms, Kagglers construct their competing algorithms, and [Kaggle's] website scores their accuracy in real-time to find the winner. Each challenge ends with a final leaderboard showing the rank of all competitors. One or more top-ranking competitors can be named as winners. In return for prize money, they deliver two things: their winning solution (typically but not always written in R or Python) with clean documentation to explain the approach; a worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive license allowing your company to use their model commercially.

Fellow Education or Experience Level

Competitors are at all stages of their machine learning careers.

Example(s) of Support Provided

ASHRAE hosted a competition ($25,000 Prize Money) to develop accurate models of metered building energy usage in the areas of chilled water, electric, hot water, and steam meters. The data came from over 1,000 buildings over a three-year timeframe. The rationale is that with better estimates of these energy-saving investments, large-scale investors and financial institutions will be more inclined to invest in this area to enable progress in building efficiencies. See this publication for a project overview and results. 

Host Eligibility

States, local governments, and K–12 school districts

Host Application Date

Rolling

Program Start Date

Anytime

Program Duration

Competition duration determined by host. The typical timeline to host a competition is 11–34 weeks including data planning and set-up (4–6 weeks), live competition (6–24 weeks), and receiving winning model (1–4 weeks). 

Cost to Host

Competition prize amount determined by host. Prizes range from "knowledge" and "kudos" to $5,000, $25,000, or up to $1 million. A typical commercial budget is from $85,000–$200,000 (total cost to host, including prizes). Kaggle will partner with organizations to host up to five pro-bono research competitions a year.

How to Get Started

Visit the Competitions webpage on the website to learn more about hosting a competition.

 

*Categories defined and determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Content is verbatim from the program website as of February 2021.

Information in this section reflects information on the program website as of February 2021, but has been edited for clarity and consistency and may not be verbatim from the program website unless otherwise noted.

See a program that is missing or no longer active? Contact us at stateandlocal@ee.doe.gov to share your updates.

Case Studies

Case studies that highlight how public-sector organizations leveraged national fellowship and other programs to support their energy teams.