NREL Supports Development of New Resources and Tools for Home Energy Professionals

Dec. 12, 2022 by Kerrin Jeromin

NREL has supported the development of several new resources for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

WAP aims to reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.

3D Interactive House Tool and Job Aids

Illustration of a home interior room. — A screen capture of the 3D interactive house tool. Image from DOE's WAP.

NREL supported the development of a new interactive 3D house tool to provide home energy professionals with a unique and interactive learning experience to perform safe, durable, and effective energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits in homes.

Users can explore the 3D house from basement to attic and access a variety of job aids (resources) to guide energy efficiency upgrades throughout the home. The tool can be used as a self-guided learning tool by anyone interested in learning more about retrofit strategies of common weatherization measures or can be used by training organizations for a more structured learning experience. Access the 3D interactive house tool on DOE's website.

Two people having a conversation. — A home energy professional reviews his findings with a homeowner. *Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL*

Workforce Development Toolkit

The WAP workforce development toolkit provides workforce development information and resources applicable to the WAP. The toolkit is organized by the stages within workforce development—from recruitment, to onboarding, to professional development—and includes both resources and WAP-specific case studies for each. Access the WAP workforce development toolkit on DOE's website.

Self-Paced Online Training for Weatherization Professionals

Screenshot of the WAP e-learning course.

Developed by NREL and WAP network partners, DOE offers an online training series tailored for WAP grantees. The trainings combine DOE expert guidance with on-the-ground experience from grantees and WAP professionals. The courses offer an interactive, hands-on learning experience, providing users real-world examples, job aids, and resources. Learn more about and access the trainings in the June 2022 blog.

NREL is proud to provide technical and programmatic support for WAP, including work standards and specifications, tools, workforce training and resources, industry collaboration, and professional development resources for industry professionals and partners.

Learn more about NREL's support to DOE WAP on the Weatherization page.

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