SB-Cal ACTION INITIATIVE

Building Operator Certification training expansion

SB-Cal Core Issue Areas Addressed: Energy, Workforce Development

This SB-Cal ACTION INITIATIVE is designed to recognize the existing successful, albeit limited availability of Building Operator Certification training available in California and work to triple the number of affordable opportunities for this training in California by January 1, 2007.  Began August 15th, 2005

Problem: 

• Energy costs rising: electricity, gas, water
• Too much wasted energy consumed in too many CA buildings where high HVAC, refrigeration  water and lighting costs diminish CA competitiveness compared to other states with lower energy costs,
• Not enough  building operators properly trained to maximize energy efficiency, demand response and distributed generation opportunities,
• Too few mainstream educational opportunities for this technical training.

Action Log:

• 8/15/05 - Assess B.O.C. structure, support mechanisms and current CA sponsors
• 8/15/05 - Consult with Frank Spasaro of SDG&E to assess utility support/challenges
• 8/26/05 - Infrastructure working group at CA Senate sponsored California Small Business Roundtable in Fremont includes B.O.C. training expansion as a specific recommendation
• 8/26/05 - Direct request from SB-Cal to CA Sen. Liz Figueroa for B.O.C expansion support
• 8/26/05 - Request to Oakland C of C to provide liaison for BOMA support of Initiative
• 8/26/05 - Consult with Rona Sherriff, CA Senate Office of Research regarding Initiative
• 8/26/05 - Consult with Bill McMillin, Ohlone Community College District Board of Trustees
• 8/30/05 - Meet with staff at San Diego District Office of CA Assemblywoman Lori Saldana
• 10/4/05 - Meet with PG&E (Roland Risser), to ask for help in  developing a valid energy savings  credit per B.O.C. participant. (Followed by emails and discussion with Mark Bramfitt 11/02/05
• 11/23/05 - Facilitate cooperation between B.O.C. and PG&E's Food Service Technology Center (FSTC), for the purpose of including FSTC seminars on Lighting, Refrigeration, FS equipment and Range Hood design as approved B.O.C. continuing education classes which are required for B.O.C. graduates.
• 1/5/06 - Informal meeting with Joe Desmond, California Energy Commission (CEC), Chairman, to request support for addressing B.O.C. energy impact valuation.
• 1/18/06 - SB-Cal oral comments to the CEC requesting support for B.O.C. energy impact valuation so as to support B.O.C. expansion for small-mid size business facilities and niche areas such as Food Service.  (transcript - SB-Cal comments at the end of the meeting)
• 2/3/2006 - Presentation to National Small Business Association / Energy Star meeting promoting B.O.C.
• 2/8/2006 - Oral Comments to Insure the Uninsured Project - 10th Annual Conference, Sacramento - offering information on 2006  B.O.C. emphasis on health care facilities
• 3/27/2006 - FSTC foodservice classes are now accepted on a full credit basis as continuing education credits for Building Operator Certification.