Mayor de Blasio in a press release late November announced the launch of the NYC Building Operator Training Program. The program is a 30-hour training program aims to curve the energy costs by 20%. The program is offered for free for small, multi-family building maintenance staff and seeks to teach them various ways to reduce energy consumption. Those who will participate will learn techniques in conservation of energy and resource with regards to the building’s water, heat, and electric systems. The model is designed to cut down energy cost at around 5 to 20% without any major expenditures. The first group started training last December 6 and the program fully launches early this year.
It can be said that around ¾ of New York City’s greenhouse gas emissions came from NYC Buildings and as part of the mayor’s One NYC program, the city has set a goal to achieve an 80% reduction in the gas emissions by 2050. A package of legislation was recently signed by the mayor advocating retrofits to help buildings become energy efficient. The training program aims to provide building operators with the necessary tools required to allow them to reduce energy expenditures of their buildings and help the mayor fulfil his vision for a greener and more sustainable New York.
The program can be availed by multifamily buildings with 5 to 50 units or buildings that have 5,000 to 50,000 square feet. The program is designed to upgrade skills of operators and have them operate their buildings with lesser energy expenditures and reduce greenhouse gas emission. Building owners and managers are encouraged to apply and have their maintenance crews to be trained through this program.
Training curriculum are as follows:
- Recognition and correction of common building structure flaws that results in wasted energy expenditure.
- Identification and correction of ventilation problems
- Understanding the broiler (parts, functions and proper maintenance)
- Understanding of the building’s heat distribution and control
- Water conservation techniques
- Proper electric systems and fixture maintenance for greater energy efficiency
Everyone applying will be considered but employers that agree to a wage hike for their operators who will undergo the training will be given priority. Together with the free training, employers and staff will also be given additional incentives that will support the overall efficiency goals of their buildings come the program’s full launch in 2017.
The training program is offered in various locations in the city as well as the option to schedule an on-site training. Participants will be accepted thru a rolling basis.