Building Operator Certification: A Regional Market Transformation Venture Grows Nationally

Cynthia Putnam, Northwest Energy Efficiency Council
Alan Mulak, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Andy Ekman, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Stephen Frantz, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Brenda Jessen, Energy Center of Wisconsin
Bill Mitchell, San Diego Gas & Electric Company

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Abstract

Building Operator Certification (BOC) was developed as a market transformation venture with funding from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (Alliance). In 2000, the program was spun off from the Alliance to operate as a self-supporting business venture under the administration of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC). NEEC’s business plan entailed growing the program nationally to serve regions beyond the Northwest. BOC was packaged as a turnkey program and licensed to interested organizations. Today, five organizations hold licenses and are offering BOC to customers across thirteen states. This paper describes market response to the BOC program in the Northwest and how partner organizations in other regions are adapting BOC to serve their customers. It discusses the common issues partners face adapting the program to their markets, and the lessons NEEC has learned in working with partners to expand the program nationally.