Hawai‘i State Energy Office launching new training program to build energy workforce

Hawai‘i State Energy Office is launching a new Training for Residential Energy Contractors program in January 2026 as a statewide initiative designed to grow Hawai‘i’s energy contractor workforce and prepare local professionals to deliver home energy upgrades under the state’s Home Energy Rebates program.

The new training program will provide hands-on instruction and nationally recognized certifications for contractors, builders and tradespeople throughout Hawai‘i, ensuring the state’s workforce is ready to meet rising demand for home energy retrofits and electrification projects.

Hawai‘i State Energy Office has partnered with Hā Sustainability, a Hawai‘i-based sustainability consultancy focused on community and workforce development; Everblue, a national training provider; and Hui o Hau‘ula, a community-based organization supporting workforce and economic development in rural O‘ahu, to carry out the training.

“The [Training for Residential Energy Contractors] contractor training program is the backbone of Hawai‘i’s clean energy future powered by local expertise,” said Hawai‘i State Energy Office Jobs and Outreach Branch Managing Director Cameron Black in a release about the new training program. “This program has two major objectives: it creates opportunities for our local contractor base to expand their skills and credentials and it ensures that a highly trained local workforce is installing energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades that save money for households throughout Hawai‘i.”

Through partnerships with training provider Everblue and the Building Performance Institute, the Training for Residential Energy Contractors program will offer a range of industry-recognized courses beginning in early 2026:

• BPI Building Science Principles Certification: Covers the house-as-a-system concept, heat and insulation, air sealing, moisture control and building science fundamentals to improve home performance, health and efficiency.
• BPI Building Analyst Technician: Focuses on diagnostic testing, data gathering, combustion safety, blower door testing and energy auditing. It prepares trainees for certification.
• BPI Building Analyst Professional: Advanced training in home energy auditing, using modeling software to identify performance issues and recommend energy efficiency improvements.
• Everblue Heat Pump Installation: Training in installation, commissioning, servicing and troubleshooting of heat pump systems, with emphasis on air conditioner and heat pump configurations, electrical safety and maintenance.
• ENERGY STAR Appliance Certification: Certification for inspection of energy-efficient appliances to meet ENERGY STAR standards, aligned with Home Electrification and Appliances Rebate, or HEAR, requirements.
• ENERGY STAR Homes Certification: Training for certifying and inspecting homes that meet ENERGY STAR efficiency standards.
• Multi-Family Energy Auditor: Prepares professionals to perform energy audits for multi-family buildings and earn the Multifamily Energy Auditor Certification.

Funding for the Training for Residential Energy Contractors program, officially known as the State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants, includes $200 million allocated by the U.S. Department of Energy under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The funding is designed to help states and territories lower the costs associated with training, testing and certifying contractors in residential energy efficiency and electrification.

Hawaiʻi’s allocation of nearly $1.12 million is administered by Hawai‘i State Energy Office in support of the state’s mission to reduce electricity costs for residents, enhance home comfort and help Hawai‘i achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045.

“[Training for Residential Energy Contractors] is about empowering Hawai‘i’s local workforce to lead the clean energy transition,” added Hā Sustainability co-founder Hannah Shipman-Peila in the state release. “By equipping contractors with nationally recognized certifications and hands-on training, we’re ensuring that home energy upgrades are delivered by the very people who call these islands home.”

Contractors, electricians, HVAC professionals and other tradespeople are encouraged to learn more and register for training opportunities starting in January 2026.

Call 800-657-3044 for additional information.