Skill Standards for the High Performance Building Operator
Olga Gazman, Putnam-Price
Northwest Energy Efficiency Council examined industry-defined skill standards for building operators in a joint collaboration between Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Northwest Energy Alliance, and City University of New York's Building Performance Lab with sponsorship provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) method was used to identify job tasks that impact energy use and energy management outcomes. The skill standards represent the core competencies building operators need to operate a commercial, high-performance facility that is focused on improving energy usage and maintaining efficient systems over time. The skill standards were reviewed by 203 building operators and the National Building Operator Certification® Advisory Committee, representing a broad spectrum of industry leaders. The resulting framework may be used by executive management to identify, grow, and deploy core competencies to support energy management strategies. O&M staff may use skill standards to assess career paths within and between industries and gauge personal training needs. As an operator, having a clear picture of the skills you have now can enable better decision making about what steps to take to meet career goals. A skills inventory tool enabling operators to self-assess their skills in sustainable building operations and maintenance will be shared.