banner cred
In this issue | August 2015
 Hands-on energy efficiency training at National Sustainable  Structures Center (NSSC), Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT). More





LJ
 
 
 
 
 

by Laure-Jeanne Davignon
Director, IREC Credentialing Program

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released preliminary findings from a peer-reviewed study about the efficacy of DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). 

This multi-year study has long been in the works, but the initial release is in response to a June 2015 working paper from academics with the E2e Project, which erroneously posited that the federal WAP and other energy efficiency programs are not good investments.

The DOE study's preliminary findings support that the "WAP is indeed a good investment with energy savings, exceeding the costs by a factor of 1.4." If you account for the health and safety impacts of measures implemented by WAP workers in low income homes, the benefit cost ratio leaps to four.
 
Our work with the WAP has been a clear fit with IREC's mission to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies in the U.S. We are proud to support not only the WAP's energy and workforce development goals, but also their commitment to social justice and energy equity. READ the full blog.

 

EVENTS
2015

SEPT
Anaheim, CA

 

Visit IREC's online calendar for more events.
Credentialing program square logo

The IREC Credentialing Program lays the foundation for a competent workforce for the clean energy economy. Using robust standards and a detailed process of application and assessment, IREC drives quality workforce training and increased consumer confidence in the industry.  
About IREC
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a non-profit organization that believes clean energy is critical to achieving a sustainable and economically strong future. To pave this clean energy path, IREC works to expand consumer access to clean energy; generates information and objective analysis grounded in best practices and standards; and leads programs to build a quality clean energy workforce, including a unique credentialing program for renewable energy and energy efficiency training providers and instructors. Since 1982, IREC's programs and policies have benefitted energy consumers, policymakers, utilities and the clean energy industry. As of July 2013, IREC is an accredited American National Standards Developer.

Disclaimer 
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC's endorsement or recommendation. 
Come to Solar Power International!


Join IREC and more than 15,000 professionals in solar energy and related fields for four days of exciting show floor exhibits, stimulating educational sessions and workshops, general sessions and special events. 


For additional SPI information, event breaking news, and solar industry education, join the Solar Power International mailing listView the full online agenda.
 

Introducing IREC Direct
IREC applicants and credential holders now have access to a new tool to manage your IREC credentials online. 

IREC Direct (powered by Salesforce) offers more intuitive and reliable functionality for you to track and maintain your IREC credentials. Our goal is to improve your experience and decrease the time and effort you spend to apply for and maintain the IREC credential.

Current applicants and credential holders should already have received login and access instructions. Please notify the IREC Credentialing Team if you have not received your login, or need assistance navigating the new system.

We are glad that we could respond to your suggestions by implementing this more robust online system. 
IREC Releases Updated Candidate Handbook
The IREC Credentialing Program has released a new version of the IREC Candidate Handbook. Current updates include:
  • Eligibility and other information about the new IREC Certificate Program Accreditation.
  • Information about streamlined recertification process for existing Instructor and Master Trainers.
  • IREC's new online system, IREC Direct.
The Candidate Handbook serves as a primary resource for those who are applying for or have been awarded an IREC credential. 

Download the Handbook.
A New Choice....the Same Trusted Value
IREC's new Certificate Program Accreditation is the mark of distinction for community colleges and other clean energy training programs issuing market-valued certificates. Show students, employers, funders and others that you offer high quality, safety-focused training that is valued by stakeholders.

In order to become an IREC Accredited Certificate Program, you will demonstrate through the application and assessment process that your program meets all applicable requirements of IREC Standard 14732 . This includes offering a market-valued certificate that covers one or more IREC-accepted job task analyses (JTAs), developed in accordance with a systematic program plan.*

Interested in IREC accreditation but not certain which program is a good fit for you? Call (518) 621-7379 or email [email protected]. We're here to help!

*Systematic Program Plan - Any one of several processes recognized by education and training professionals that documents the creation or revision of educational programs, workshops or courses using inter-related components of analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation.
Make plans now to attend IREC's 2015 3iForum at Solar Power International with two days of insightful 30-minute sessions from IREC's solar thought leaders. Once again, we'll be in the Solar Industry Trends booth #3717 on the SPI exhibition floor, September 15-17 in Anaheim, California. 
Here's a rundown of who and what you'll hear. Put us on your calendar!

Tuesday, September 15
2:30pm
Solar's Regulatory World - What it all Means. Sara Baldwin Auck, IREC
3:00pm
Scaling Shared Solar: Reaching New Markets, Seizing New Opportunities.
Erica Schroeder McConnell, IREC/Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP
3:30pm
Valuing Customer-Sited Solar and Storage: Is Adding Batteries Worth It?Jason Keyes, IREC/Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP
 
Wednesday, September 16
4:00pm
IREC 3iAwards Ceremony
 
Thursday, September 17
10:30am
Growing State Energy Storage Markets with Proactive Regulatory Policies. 
Sky Stanfield, IREC/Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP
11:00am
Solar Jobs: Next Gen Tools. Joe Sarubbi, IREC
11:30am
Anticipating Solar Growth: the Critical Role of Interconnection in New and Established Solar Markets. Sky Stanfield, IREC/Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP
Honoring IREC's 2015 3iAward Winners & Action Heroes at Solar Power International
For the 23rd year, IREC will recognize innovation, ingenuity and inspiration for outstanding renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and programs with our 3iAwards, chosen by you in three categories:
  • Community Renewables Project of the Year
  • State and Local Government Initiative of the Year
  • Closing the Divide-Integrating Efficiency and Renewables
We'll honor our credential holders for IREC's Accredited Training Provider of the Year and IREC's Certified Master Trainer of the Year. Also at this year's awards ceremony: special recognition awards to IREC's Action Heroes and a very special lifetime achievement award.

Come to the 3iAwards ceremony in booth #3717 at 4pm PDT Wednesday, September 16 in conjunction with Solar Power International (SPI) 2015, at the Anaheim Convention Center. We'll honor the winners in the solar industry trends booth #3717 on the SPI expo floor, where some 15,000 solar industry professionals are expected over four days.
 
Congratulations in advance to the 2015 3iAward winners. See you there (cake included)!