training for residential energy contractors (TREC)

Advancing Hawai‘i’s Residential Energy Workforce

The Hawai‘i State Energy Office (HSEO) is excited to launch the Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) program, a new statewide initiative designed to build Hawai‘i’s residential energy efficiency workforce.

The TREC program provides high-quality, industry-recognized training for contractors, tradespeople, aspiring contractors and energy professionals, and community partners interested in expanding their skills in home performance, energy efficiency, and heat pump technology. TREC will also provide training for contractors qualified to perform work eligible for rebates from the U.S. Department of Energy through HSEO.

Through a partnership with Hā Sustainability Everblue Training, and Hui O Hauʻula, participants gain access to online courses, certifications, and live webinars that equip them with the tools and knowledge to make Hawai‘i’s homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, and resilient.

Available Courses

Register Here

Participants can complete individual courses or progress through a series of certifications to build advanced technical energy and building science expertise.

Courses offered include:

  • BPI Building Science Principles Certificate – Learn how the systems in a home interact to affect energy use, comfort, and indoor air quality. This foundational course introduces key building science concepts and prepares participants for advanced BPI certifications.
  • BPI Building Analyst Technician (BA – T) Certification – Apply building science knowledge through hands-on diagnostic testing and data collection. This certification focuses on blower door testing, combustion safety, and home performance evaluations.
  • Everblue Heat Pump Installation – Gain the skills needed to properly size, design, and install efficient air-source heat pumps. This course covers system operation, energy benefits, and installation best practices.
  • BPI Building Analyst Professional (BA – P) Certification – Advance your skills to model home energy performance and design effective energy upgrade plans. Learn to use diagnostic data to develop scopes of work that improve efficiency, comfort, and safety.
  • ENERGY STAR Certification Overview – A fast-track course providing an overview of ENERGY STAR certification and safety standards in the Weatherization Assistance Program. Ideal for contractors and energy program staff seeking foundational energy efficiency training.
  • Multifamily Energy Auditing – Learn to assess and improve energy performance in multifamily housing. This course addresses the unique systems, occupancy patterns, and safety considerations of larger residential buildings.

To view course details and sign up through Everblue Training, register here.

Who Should Participate

  • General contractors, HVAC professionals, and electricians
  • Contractors conducting weatherization and energy efficiency work
  • Individuals enrolled or supported by community-based organizations with workforce development programs

About the TREC Program

TREC is administered by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office and aims to create a skilled workforce that can deliver high-quality, energy-efficient residential building installations and retrofits across the Hawaiian islands.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy under the Inflation Reduction Action Section 50213 to support workforce development in Hawai‘i’

By participating, participants will gain skills aligned with Hawai‘i’s energy efficiency programs that reduce electricity use and costs for Hawai’i residents and support workforce opportunities statewide.

Learn More

The TREC program is a collaborative effort supported by:

  • Hawai‘i State Energy Office – Program lead and statewide coordinator
  • Hā Sustainability – Program management, outreach and recruitment, and local implementation
  • Everblue Training – Nationally recognized training provider and certification partner
  • Hui o Hau‘ula – Community-based partner supporting outreach, recruitment, and participation

Together, these partners are helping to grow a skilled local workforce ready to support Hawai‘i’s energy efficiency and electrification goals.

For more information or questions about the TREC Program, please contact Cameron Black at [email protected]

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