Advice provided by: Claire Moloney, LEED Green Associate, Cornell University

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According to an article from Marlborough Enterprise, Massachusetts' energy efficiency initiatives currently lack transparency - meaning that residents cannot yet track who is benefiting from the investments and improvements.

A recent piece of state legislation - An Act Further Promoting Energy Efficiency and Green Jobs - would change this by mandating accountability for the programs. This will help to ensure that the energy efficiency retrofits and resultant green jobs will reach all areas of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts is on the forefront of the energy efficiency movement, with initiatives such as a state clean energy mandate and global warming reduction requirements. The proposed legislation mentioned above also includes initiatives for green jobs, weatherization and energy efficiency for residential oil heat.

ACEEE: Greenest States for Energy Efficiency

In October 2011, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released its fifth annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. In it, Massachusetts claimed the top spot for the first time, knocking perennial superpower California off its perch after four straight years as the country's most energy efficient state.

In developing its scorecard, ACEEE analyzes each state in six policy areas: transportation, utilities and public services, building energy codes, appliance standards, combined heat and power and state government initiatives.

According to the state, 74 towns across Massachusetts met criteria for adopting renewable energy standards. In a follow-up blog post, ACEEE described that investments in energy-efficient utilities and improved building codes have been a particular driver of employment opportunity across the U.S., but especially in Massachusetts.

"Making buildings energy-efficient doesn't just take construction workers and contractors, but an army of building product designers, technicians, engineers, manufacturers, installers, energy modelers and IT professionals to develop and deliver the energy-saving materials and systems that go into efficient buildings," said the post.

Professional Certification for Green Jobs in Energy Efficiency

With so many professionals affected by statewide efforts to improve infrastructure, job hopefuls may have an advantage if they secure applicable accreditation in their respective fields.

For example, the Association of Energy Engineers provides certifications for technicians, engineers, energy auditors and other professionals in the utilities industry.

In addition, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) provides an Environmental Protection Agency-recognized professional certification for individuals and businesses in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry.

In the green building industry, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system offers professional credentials. The LEED Green Associate is the entry level credential, and it signifies a general understanding of green building and LEED principles. The LEED AP is the second tier credential, which demonstrates an advanced knowledge of a specific LEED rating system.

Similarly, energy auditors may benefit from earning certification from the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET).

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