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Advanced Commercial Buildings Energy Management

Advanced Commercial Buildings Energy Management Competency Model

In collaboration with the Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE EERE) and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)/DOE Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines project, the Consortium for Building Energy Innovation (CBEI) team developed a competency model for the advanced commercial building (ACB) workforce that provides a support system to build a better workforce. The ACB workforce consists of the following job groups: Building Operations Professional, Energy Auditor, Building Commissioning Professional, and Energy Manager. This model was designed to address the needs of a high-growth sector, support the expansion of the advanced commercial buildings market and increased demand for a skilled and qualified workforce. This model is different from most of the models on the site as it was based off of job task analyses (JTA) for all four jobs. The knowledge and skills from the JTAs were analyzed and categorized to show shared competencies across all four jobs (Tiers 1-5) as well as unique competencies to each occupation (Tier 6-Occupation-Specific). Another unique characteristic of the ACB Competency Model is the inclusion of key performance competencies, which are identified by the asterisk (*) in the top tier (Occupation-Specific). These competencies are referenced as keys to success and focus on successful behaviors as opposed to the knowledge skills and abilities (KSAs) required to do the job.

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In 2018, the model was revised to incorporate foundational workplace health and safety skills from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Safe • Skilled • Ready Workforce Program designed to help protect America's workforce and create safe, healthy, and productive workplaces. For more information, download the Summary of Changes document.

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Advanced Commercial Buildings Energy Management Competency Model


Advanced Commercial Buildings Energy Management Building Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Dependability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work <strong>1.2 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Working with others from a range of backgrounds <strong>1.3 Leadership</strong> Leading people and groups effectively <strong>1.4 Professionalism</strong> Maintaining a professional demeanor <strong>2.1 Communication</strong> Communicating effectively through active listening, presenting, and fostering support <strong>2.2 Data Management</strong> The process of controlling and managing various forms of information <strong>2.3 Engineering and Technology</strong> Electrical and mechanical engineering best practices and principles in the design, construction and operation of buildings <strong>2.4 Math and Science</strong> Principles of mathematics and scientific rules and methods <strong>2.5 Writing</strong> Write clearly and concisely in a professional manner <strong>3.1 Business Development/Customer Focus</strong> Build the business case and communicate effectively to all parties involved the financial and environmental benefits to energy project implementation <strong>3.2 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic format <strong>3.3 Creative Thinking</strong> Generating innovative and creative solutions <strong>3.4 Critical Thinking</strong> Using logical thought processes to analyze information and draw conclusions <strong>3.5 Planning and Organizing</strong> Demonstrating the ability to work within a schedule and keep track of details using prescribed procedures <strong>3.6 Problem Solving</strong> Applying problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to the work environment <strong>3.7 Teamwork</strong> Work cooperatively with others to complete work assignments <strong>4.1 Building Design/ Construction</strong> Systems and processes involved in building design and construction <strong>4.2 Cost Estimating/ Accounting</strong> Basic accounting and cost estimating related to construction and building operations <strong>4.3 Fundamentals of Energy and Power</strong> Basic knowledge related to energy generation, consumption and power units and definitions <strong>4.4 Health Safety and Security</strong> <strong>4.5 Operations and Maintenance</strong> Overall knowledge of building systems, structure, interiors and exteriors and grounds so the facility and its systems function efficiently, reliably, safely, and securely. <strong>4.6 Regulations, Codes, and Standards</strong> Comply with regulations and building codes and apply industry standards to ensure quality work <strong>4.7 Risk Management and Contracting</strong> Knowledge of contract types, contract administration and the ability to assess and manage risk. <strong>5.1 Energy Industry Processes</strong> Processes, procedures, standards and general technology associated with advanced energy retrofits <strong>5.2 Building Science Fundamentals</strong> The analysis and control of the physical phenomena affecting buildings and architecture including the analysis of building materials and building envelope systems. <strong>5.3 Economic Analysis and Financing</strong> Funding mechanisms, financial analysis tools, and ability to build a financial business case and support funding of projects <strong>5.4 Energy and Water Efficiency</strong> Basic and emerging principles and concepts that promote energy and water conservation efficiency <strong>5.5 Energy Management and Control Systems</strong> Various system control elements and techniques and measures to apply to manage energy performance and increase energy efficiency <strong>5.6 Measurement, Verification, and Reporting</strong> Data gathering, trending, and interpreting data to track, benchmark, and report performance <strong>5.7 Sustainable Practices</strong> Sustainability concepts and practices relating to the design, construction, and operations of buildings <strong>5.8 Whole Building Performance</strong> Concepts of how energy conservation measures, products, and technology work together to improve building performance <strong>6.2 Building Operations Professional</strong> <strong>6.1 Building Commissioning (Cx) Professional</strong> <strong>6.4 Energy Manager</strong> <strong>6.3 Energy Auditor</strong>