3/21 – Job Alert: BPI Building Analyst at Keating Environmental Management

Friday, February 15th 2013

SEI is pleased to post occasional job openings from member companies, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Send job descriptions to Will Williams.

BPI Certified Professional
Employment type: Full-time
Keating Environmental Management, Inc.

Keating Environmental Management, Inc. (KEM), located in Exton, PA is a certified woman-owned business enterprise (WBE). Our company is a full-service environmental, energy, sustainability and procurement solutions firm that has been in business for more than twenty years. KEM offers integrated solutions for complex environmental consulting, remedial action, energy and “green” building projects in a cost-effective and professional manner. Visit www.keatingenvironmental.com to learn more about KEM.
Keating Environmental has long-term career opportunities for professionals who are focused on the delivery of high quality and high value services. Candidates must hold a current and valid BPI Analyst certificate with Building Envelope certification a plus. The candidate will have demonstrable experience in performing energy audits. Experience conducting blower door and duct tightness tests will be considered a plus. Candidates with additional areas of knowledge and experience such as commercial and industrial energy audits, measurement and verification, energy modeling, LEED accreditation, etc. will receive greater consideration. As the position requires a high degree of interaction with residential customers, being dressed in appropriate attire and appearance, a pleasant disposition and patience are important attributes of a candidate.

Responsibilities will encompass, but are not limited to, conducting residential walk-through energy assessments in accordance with BPI standards. The walk-throughs require the collection of detailed information (e.g. utility data, equipment and building data, operational characteristics); identifying energy savings opportunities, educating the customer and motivating them to participate in rebate programs where appropriate; install of direct measures and producing reports for homeowners using program audit software.

Additional responsibilities will include scheduling, tracking, cost control, marketing, development of proposals, project management and related technical services. This position is only for an experienced professional who can demonstrate and document their past experience and success. The successful candidate will:

• Have current and valid BPI Analyst certificate; Building Envelope certification a plus;
• Have conducted numerous energy audits in accordance with BPI standards with experience conducting blower door tests and duct tightness testing a plus;
• Be a self-starter and have high standards of quality;
• Work both independently and in a team environment;
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation;
• Be proficient in reading maps/the use of GPS technology and the operation of computers/tablets/smartphone;
• Possess a smartphone;
• Be comfortable to work, alone, within residential environments throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and other locations as needed;
• Be able to meet the mental, visual and hearing demands of working in an environment with multiple, simultaneous stimuli such as residents, pets, pests, phones, computers and televisions. Must be able to hear equipment auditory sounds and be able to visualize computer screens and digital displays;
• Be physically capable of lifting 50+ lbs repeatedly, climb ladders and stairs, work within limited clearance spaces and be on their feet for long periods (see below for additional physical/working requirements);
• Be able to install direct measures, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), aerators, showerheads, “smart” power strips, weather stripping, and other simple measures as may be required, including the use of basic hand/power tools;
• Possess or be able to obtain criminal, child abuse and FBI background checks, drug screening and other forms of screening/testing as required to work on behalf of clients in residential/educational settings.
• Be financial responsible through the judicious use of materials and supplies, prevention of damage, misuse or loss of equipment and through accurate documentation of approved expenses.

KEM offers employees competitive compensation and benefit packages including company paid medical, dental and life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and 401(k) with company contributions.

If interested, please send resume, cover letter, which addresses the above items and salary requirements and references to humanresources@kempartners.com, referencing “BPI Professional” in the subject.

2/27 – New Incentives for Hiring in Pennsylvania

Wednesday, February 27th 2013

The Smart Energy Initiative strives to keep local employers current with hiring incentives from the Commonwealth. The Keystone Works program seeks to incentivise the retraining and hiring of displaced workers; here are the details:

  • Businesses participating in Keystone Works pay no wages to the trainee – not even the additional premium cost of providing workers’ compensation insurance coverage during the training period.
  • Training can be conducted for up to 24 hours per week for up to eight weeks.
  • Individuals referred to businesses will be prescreened by PA CareerLink® staff to meet the criteria outlined by the business.
  • Businesses will interview referred individuals to ensure they are an appropriate match.
  • Trainees completing a training plan outlined by the business will have received up to 192 hours of training, enabling them to be immediately productive if hired.
  • Then, businesses who hire trainees receive a monetary incentive for doing so – $375 every four weeks the trainee is employed full time, up to a total of $1,500 per trainee for 16 weeks.

For questions or more information, email Will WIlliams.

2/20 – Slides from 2013 Energy Briefing Posted

Tuesday, February 19th 2013

The Smart Energy Initiative’s 2013 Energy Briefing was a great success! Special thanks to our sponsor, ICF International, and our speakers:

Thanks to our Sponsor!

Thanks to our Sponsor!

Mike O’Leary – PECO Energy
Paul Spiegel – Practical Energy Solutions
David Rosenberg – Gamesa Wind
Tom Tuffey – Community Energy
Bill Ronayne – Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning
Dan Lapato – Pennsylvania DEP

PDFs of the slides are available here:

Energy Briefing Part 1
Energy Briefing Part 2
Energy Briefing Part 3

Energy Breifing 2013 020

2/15 – Job Alert: Manager of Policy and Advocacy at DVGBC

Friday, February 15th 2013

SEI is pleased to post occasional job openings from member companies, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Send job descriptions to Will Williams.

DVGBC seeks candidates for a new position, Manager of Policy and Advocacy. DVGBC is a non-profit organization working to promote green building practices in the Delaware Valley. We are the local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council; our region covers the five-county Philadelphia region, the Lehigh Valley and the state of Delaware. This is a full-time job, reporting to the Executive Director. The preliminary job description includes the following tasks:

  • Develop and direct implementation of policy agenda  for the chapter
  • Work closely with U.S. Green Building Council Advocacy team
  • Support Key Performance Indicator tracking and reporting for USGBC grant
  • Recruit and organize volunteers, including DVGBC Board members; establish regular meetings with goals and tasks for volunteers
  • Work closely with, and support partner PA chapters on statewide policy and advocacy initiatives
  • Establish annual Advocacy Day in PA and DE
  • Ensure elected officials and decision-makers are invited to all DVGBC events
  • Track relationships among staff, volunteers, and decision-makers
  • Follow key policy developments at state and local levels and new issues, such as Healthy Products Declaration, etc.
  • Develop and maintain partnerships, e.g., Energy Efficient Buildings Hub, City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability, USGBC Advocacy staff
  • Track and report on goals; communicate to key stakeholders
  • Write policy briefs for DVGBC and policy decision-makers
  • Develop tools, including advocacy alerts, to engage our constituents around policy initiatives
  • Develop new markets and non-traditional audiences; look for opportunities to connect on other areas of focus, such as green schools
  • Raise funds for policy work
  • Coordinate and collaborate with staff leading Greenbuild 2013, Green Schools and other DVGBC initiatives

Experience & Skills

  • 5-7 years’ work experience in sustainable design/building, or related field
  • B.A. or B.S. degree
  • Work experience in policy or political area; in PA or DE a plus
  • Skilled verbal communicator
  • Strong writing skills for lay audience
  • Team player; strong collaborator
  • Outgoing and enjoys networking
  • Able to juggle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines
  • Strong project management skills
  • Experienced meeting facilitator

Salary based on skills and experience. Send resume and cover letter to info@dvgbc.org by February 20, 2013.

Click here to download a PDF of this job posting.

2/12 – Summary of PA Sunshine Program Webinar

Tuesday, February 12th 2013

Unable to make DEP’s Webinar on the Sunshine Program? Here’s a quick summary of the call. For more info visit DEP’s Sunshine Program webpage

  • $7.5M has been allocated for Solar PV, solar thermal, and battery backup systems through the Pennsylvania Sunshine Program.
    • Approximately $4M will be paid to projects already on the wait list, leaving around $3.5M for projects completed between now and December 31st 2013.
    • Wait-listed projects not completed by June 1st 2013 will lose their spot on the list, but can apply again.
  • Rebates cover $.75/watt for residential projects, up to $7,500 or 10kw, or $.75/watt for the first 10kw, and $.50/watt for the last 90 kw for small commerical projects (companies with up to 100 employees) up to $52,500 or 100kw.
    • Projects over 100kw can apply, but per-watt rebates only apply to first 100kw of project size.
  • Rebates for solar thermal projects will cover 30% of project costs, up to $5,000 for residential, or $50,000 for small commercial (again, an entity with less than 101 employees).
  • Projects become eligible for rebates upon completion of the project. This adds uncertainty on whether or not customer will receive rebate.
  • Fund are available until December 31st, or whenever funds are exhausted.
  • DEP’s Sunshine Webpage will be updated weekly with the total paid out, which will not reflect what has yet to be processed.
  • Prevailing wage rules still apply.

Contact Walt Dinda at DEP with questions at wdinda@pa.gov or (717) 772-8912.

Disclaimer: We have endeavored to provide an accurate summary of this program. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained here.

2/5 – Training Grant Applications Due February 15th

Tuesday, February 5th 2013

Click here to download SEI’s 2012-2013 Incumbent Worker Training Grant application (Microsoft Excel – .xls).

Grant applications will be reviewed by SEI’s training committee and awardees will be notified within 15 business days of submission. Applications are evaluated for a number of criteria, including submitting firm’s participation in the Smart Energy Initiative through Working Groups, programming, and subcommittees.

All submitting organizations must FIRST complete the 2012-2013 Needs Assessment survey.

Grant funds are provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and the Chester County Workforce Investment Board.

2/1 – Check out The 2013 Energy Briefing on February 15th!

Sponsor

Sponsor

Friday, February 15th 2013

Chester County Economic Development Council
737 Constitution Drive
Exton, PA 19341
View Map
$25
Click here to register

The Smart Energy Initiative and the Chester County Economic Development Council have developed a panel discussion to share diverse information on policy, incentives, and opportunities, resulting from or clarified by local, state and federal elections and policies. Join us to gain valuable insight into a comprehensive energy strategy including conservation, efficiency, renewable energy, and procurement, as well as keep up-to-date with our region’s energy players. The panel will include:

  • PECO Energy – Mike O’Leary
    Phase II of Act 129 and opportunities for businesses and homeowners
  • Practical Energy Solutions – Paul Spiegel
    Philadelphia’s commercial benchmarking policy and regional implications
  • Gamesa Wind – David Rosenberg
    PTC extension, PA markets, and national/global industry outlook
  • Community Energy – Tom Tuffey
    Pennsylvania and regional solar opportunities
  • Pennsylvania DEP – Dan Lapato
    Marcellus Shale Development, price forecasts, and transportation initiatives

Target Audience

All business, manufacturing, government, education, healthcare and municipal entities.

Agenda

8:00 – 8:30am – Registration and Breakfast
8:30 – 8:35am – Welcome & Introduction
8:35 – 10:00am – Panel Presentations
9:50 – 10:00am – Q&A

Click here to register

 

1/28 – $7.25M Allocated for PA’s Sunshine Program for Solar Projects

Monday, January 28th 2013

From the Penn Future Energy Center:

“Funding has been restored to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Solar Rebate Program to the tune of $7.25 million to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Starting next week, all completed solar installation projects can apply for rebates ranging from $7,500 for a residential system (maximum 10 KW) to $52,500 for a small commercial system (maximum 100 KW). Solar thermal rebates are also available.

DEP has also made changes to the program guidelines. In this latest phase of the program, a streamlined one-step application procedure will lead to review and approval by the Sunshine Staff on a first-come, first-served basis. However, DEP notes that processing the existing backlog of rebates on the reserve list will take several weeks to complete.

Existing applications in the system that were approved for construction must be completed by June 1, 2013; applications submitted after that date will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will close after this final round of funding expires, or by December 31, 2013, whichever comes first. 

DEP is hosting a Sunshine Solar Program webinar on Tuesday, February 12 from 2-3 p.m. To outline program changes and answer any related questions.”

 

Click here to register for the webinar.

1/22 – Job Alert: Inside Solar Sales at Community Energy

Tuesday, January 22th 2013

SEI is pleased to post occasional job openings from member companies, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Send job descriptions to Will Williams. 

Community EnergyCompany Overview
Community Energy (Radnor, PA)  is a leading developer and marketer of renewable energy with offices in Pennsylvania and Colorado. Our mission is to ignite the market and develop the supply of fuel-free energy. Backed by our successful track record and driven by a team passion for leading the way on renewable energy, we deliver renewable energy solutions to utilities, businesses, institutions and individuals.

Position Description – Inside Solar Sales

Become a part of this growing market opportunity. Community Energy, Inc. is looking for
committed individuals who combine a passion for solar energy and the technical ability to
explain rooftop solar to interested customers. Join our team today!
Position Description

The Community Energy team is uniquely positioned to grow the residential renewable energy market in the Northeast. We are now partnered with the nation’s largest residential solar installer to provide solar at no upfront cost to 50,000 of our existing residential customers.

Community Energy, Inc. is looking for committed individuals with the ability to sell who share our passion for on-site solar energy. This team is the vanguard of Community Energy’s unmatched track record of opening new consumer markets for clean energy, driving sales growth and moving the solar market forward in the Northeast.

The Inside Solar Sales Representative is responsible for generating proposals, presenting solar power options to residential customers via webinar and phone, and achieving sales in line with targets with backing of an experienced sales and marketing team. Advancement opportunities may exist with a proven sales record and demonstration of strong management skills.

To learn more about Community Energy’s residential solar product please visit
www.communityenergyinc.com/solar.

Qualifications/Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, or related field
• 5+ years sales professional experience a plus
• Professional presence and strong communication skills
• Effectively manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet assigned deadlines;
ability to think creatively and devise alternate approaches to challenges and improve
upon existing processes
• Ability to perform at a high level with significant autonomy
• Goal-oriented performance philosophy; ability to manage to the goal and maintain
priorities

Details

The Inside Solar Sales Representative is required to work an initial training period of up to 3 months. During this period, the Inside Solar Sales Representative will receive a base pay plus commission. Upon satisfactory completion, the Inside Solar Sales Representative will become a permanent employee and will earn income under the commission-only structure if he/she sells at or above the minimum target level.

Interested candidates: Please email cover letter and resume to Info@CommunityEnergyInc.com. Email subject should read “Inside Solar Sales
Representative”.

1/14 – Pennsylvania’s Largest Wind Farm Now Operational

Monday, January 14th 2013

From Citizensvoice.com:

image“Pennsylvania’s biggest wind farm is up and running, its owners announced Tuesday.

The $250 million project, which consists of 88 wind turbine generators across a 9,000-acre stretch of Wyoming County from Noxen to Mehoopany, is expected to generate enough electricity to power 40,000 homes annually.

“As BP Wind Energy’s communications director, I am very proud of the team’s efforts to get the project up and running,” Amanda Abbott, director of government and public affairs for the company, said in an email. “On behalf of BP and our partner, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, we are grateful for the support of the local community and its leaders whose efforts enabled us to build the largest wind farm in the state.”

Although construction of the wind farm started in August, the project has been on the companies’ books since at least 2006.

The companies expect to employ 10 to 15 people to monitor and maintain the facility. During peak construction, more than 400 people were employed – including rattlesnake wranglers to ensure none of the protected species were harmed in the process.

“We appreciate the ongoing support that we have received at both the state and local level and look forward to a long-term partnership in the community,” John Graham, president and CEO of BP Wind Energy, said in a statement.

The energy generated by the wind farm is being sold under long-term purchase agreements through the National Renewables Cooperative Organization to Old Dominion Electric Cooperative in Virginia and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative Inc.

“This is a great project all the way around,” said Jeffrey W. Martin, president and CEO of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power. “The state of Pennsylvania has been a recognized leader in providing critical fuels to help grow our nation’s economy for over a century. This project continues in that proud tradition by harnessing clean, sustainable wind energy that will benefit mid-Atlantic customers for decades to come.””

 

Read the article here.