STATE OF HAWAI‘I LAUNCHES TRAINING FOR RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONTRACTORS TO BUILD LOCAL ENERGY WORKFORCE
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i State Energy Office (HSEO) will launch a new Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) program in January 2026 as a statewide initiative designed to grow Hawai‘i’s energy contractor workforce and prepare local professionals to deliver home energy upgrades under the state’s Home Energy Rebates program. The TREC program will provide hands-on training and nationally recognized certifications for contractors, builders and tradespeople across Hawai‘i, ensuring that the state’s workforce is ready to meet rising demand for home energy retrofits and electrification projects.
To carry out the training, HSEO has partnered with Hā Sustainability (a Hawai‘i-based sustainability consultancy focused on community and workforce development), Everblue (a national training provider) and Hui o Hau‘ula (a community-based organization supporting workforce and economic development in rural O‘ahu.)
“The TREC contractor training program is the backbone of Hawai‘i’s clean energy future powered by local expertise,” said Cameron Black, Managing Director, Jobs and Outreach Branch of the Hawai‘i State Energy Office. “This program has two major objectives: it creates opportunities for our local contractor base to expand their skills and credentials, and it ensures that a highly trained local workforce is installing energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades that save money for households throughout Hawai‘i.”
“TREC is about empowering Hawai‘i’s local workforce to lead the clean energy transition,” added Hannah Shipman-Peila, co-founder of Hā Sustainability. “By equipping contractors with nationally recognized certifications and hands-on training, we’re ensuring that home energy upgrades are delivered by the very people who call these islands home.”
Training Opportunities
Through partnerships with training provider Everblue and the Building Performance Institute (BPI), TREC will offer a range of industry-recognized courses beginning in early 2026:
- BPI Building Science Principles Certification: Covers the house-as-a-system
concept, heat and insulation, air sealing, moisture control and building science
fundamentals to improve home performance, health and efficiency. - BPI Building Analyst Technician (BA-T): Focuses on diagnostic testing, data
gathering, combustion safety, blower door testing and energy auditing. It prepares
trainees for BPI BA-T certification. - BPI Building Analyst Professional (BA-P): Advanced training in home energy auditing
using modeling software to identify performance issues and recommend energy
efficiency improvements. - Everblue Heat Pump Installation: Training in installation, commissioning, servicing and
troubleshooting of heat pump systems, with emphasis on A/C and heat pump
configurations, electrical safety and maintenance. - ENERGY STAR Appliance Certification: Certification for inspection of energy-efficient
appliances to meet ENERGY STAR standards, aligned with HEAR rebate requirements. - ENERGY STAR Homes Certification: Training for certifying and inspecting homes that
meet ENERGY STAR efficiency standards. - Multi-Family Energy Auditor: Prepares professionals to perform energy audits for
multi-family buildings and earn the Multifamily Energy Auditor Certification.
About TREC
Funding for the TREC program, officially known as the State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants, includes $200 million allocated by the U.S. Department of Energy under the Inflation Reduction Act. The funding is designed to help states and territories lower the costs associated with training, testing, and certifying contractors in residential energy efficiency and electrification. Hawaiʻi’s allocation of $1,194,820 is administered by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office in support of the state’s
mission to reduce electricity costs for residents, enhance home comfort and help Hawai‘i achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045.
Get Involved
Contractors, electricians, HVAC professionals and other tradespeople are encouraged to learn more and register for training opportunities starting in January 2026 at
https://energy.hawaii.gov/trec-energy-training-program/
For more information, please contact (800) 657-3044.