LBNL and Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC), presents the Home Decarbonization SEMINAR SERIES 2024

Challenges and Opportunities for Home Decarbonization

The Building Decarbonization Coalition and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are collaborating on a seminar series called Challenges and Opportunities for Home Decarbonization. The seminar series aims to explore the challenges and opportunities of the home decarbonization energy transition. We will hear from industry experts and researchers who are actively engaged in working on home electrification and decarbonization. They will share their latest experience and insights to provide practical solutions for getting to scale with the sustainable energy transition in homes. As well as technical solutions, these seminars will cover topics including affordability, equity, workforce and resilience. Join us for the first of the series below!

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SEMINAR 7: Workforce Requirements in Home Electrification and Decarbonization
October 30th, 2024 - 11 am PT / 2 pm ET

Abstract

The successful transition to home electrification and decarbonization is important for meeting climate goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the current workforce presents challenges to support this shift, with a notable shortage of skilled construction workers capable of delivering high-quality, energy-efficient retrofits. This shortage presents a barrier to scaling up electrification and decarbonization efforts in residential buildings. This presentation delves into the urgent need for workforce development in this sector, examining the emerging job opportunities, skill deficits, and training programs required to support a clean energy transition. Through case studies and recent research, it will highlight how policies, industry collaborations, and educational initiatives can bridge the skills gap, fostering a workforce capable of driving home electrification. The discussion will also explore how workforce development can promote equitable access to employment opportunities, ensuring that the journey toward cleaner energy solutions not only achieves environmental sustainability but also contributes to economic growth. Attendees will gain valuable insights into strategic approaches for cultivating a workforce equipped to advance residential decarbonization and electrification, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future.

► Register HERE

Presenters

Ann Edminster - Consultant and author 

Carlos Martin - Director of the Remodeling Future Program at Joint Center for Housing Study (Harvard)

Meghan McNulty - Building Systems Engineer at PNNL

ROADMAP for Home Decarbonization

Decarbonizing the US housing stock is a complex and difficult undertaking. This report summarizes the challenges in getting to scale to decarbonize large numbers of existing homes. It identifies key opportunities for overcoming these challenges based on three key priorities:

• Develop solutions for all households
• Make home dearbonization affordable
• Support the US clean energy economy

This report provides targeted guidance and background information to help residential building decarbonization initiatives succeed and supports the US Department of Energy's Building Technology Office goal to achieve low/no carbon emission in existing homes by 2050.

DOCUMENT to download HERE

We have also prepared some simple Q&A's to supplement this report.