By Mariel Jaquez
Introducing the E-CMT Program
In tandem with their energy conservation goals, NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has partnered with CUNY Building Performance Lab (BPL) to launch the Energy and Carbon Management Training Program (E-CMT). This new initiative is designed to train the next generation of the weatherization workforce. Inspired by the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, an overarching program funded by the Department of Energy to support low-income buildings and homeowners in making energy-conservation changes to achieve energy reductions and cost savings.
The E-CMT program collaborates with both CUNY and SUNY schools, offering courses at various campuses. Courses are available to both matriculated (degree-seeking) and non-matriculated (continuing education certificate program) students. The program focuses on a hands-on, active learning approach, educating students with the practical and technical skills needed in the growing green job industry. Additionally, the E-CMT program educates a diverse range of individuals, including:
- College students
- Adults re-entering the workforce or changing careers
- Veterans
- Formerly incarcerated individuals
- Current workers in the energy sector
Cohort 1 Success
The first official cohort of the E-CMT program trained 35 students at City College in Spring 2024, all of whom successfully completed Course 1 in this 4-course series. These achievements are an attestation to the program’s effectiveness and the determination of its participants.
Student 1: “Looking ahead, I am excited about the diverse array of career opportunities that await… With a newfound appreciation for the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, I feel equipped to tackle the challenges of the engineering field with confidence and enthusiasm.”
Student 2: “The class not only broadened my understanding of energy analysis but also inspired me to extend my learning beyond the confines of the classroom. I found myself actively seeking out seminars and workshops outside of the institution to deepen my knowledge and expertise in this area.”
Student 3: “These skills as an energy engineer prove to be invaluable as the city is continuously looking for new methods to improve their buildings’ energy efficacies.”
Program Goals and Impact
HCR aims to create thousands of green jobs, increasing the number of buildings undergoing energy-saving measures and ultimately helping to reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions. The new collaborative E-CMT program is a key step towards achieving this goal.
NYSWAP Achievements and Future Targets
Since its establishment, the New York State Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has helped more than 700,000 housing units make energy-efficient changes. The program’s official mission is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, an ambitious target for NYC buildings, which account for about two-thirds of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of Local Law 97 will further drive the cleaning up of NYC’s building sector by establishing penalties for buildings that exceed their respective emission limits.
Together, CUNY BPL and HCR are championing progress in creating a cleaner, greener future through intensive training and workforce development in the energy and building sectors. With continued success and expansion, the E-CMT program will play a crucial role in achieving New York’s environmental and economic goals while simultaneously offering inclusive training strategies for both traditional and non-traditional students.