RHA’s curricula and training approach have established the standards for many of the energy efficiency training programs and facilities in use today across the United States. With new demand for a high quality “green” workforce, RHA continues to innovate and take the lead.

On the heels of the 1970s energy crisis, and in the face of rising utility rates, California took aggressive action and set lofty statewide conservation goals. In 1977, RHA responded by working with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to promote retrofit work. RHA trained dozens of state-sponsored program managers for the new state weatherization program. RHA and its consulting team supervised the design, reconstruction, curricula development and all classroom instruction at PG&E's Energy Training Center (ETC). At the ETC, the RHA staff developed, implemented and prepared a highly trained workforce for:

• Weatherization Projects
• Commercial, Industrial, and Agricultural Audits
• Residential Conservation Services Audits

As a direct result of RHA’s work at the ETC, PG&E was awarded the Department of Energy National Award for Excellence. But perhaps more importantly, the seeds for nurturing energy efficiency within California communities were planted.

Since that time, RHA has tailored specialty trainings to its clients’ needs. RHA has developed, enhanced and conducted trainings in the areas of building sciences, energy conservation, environmental health and safety, and public health. Our customized programs include:

• Residential Contractor Program (RCP)
• Tight Ducts
• Affordable Comfort
• RCP Field training
• Energy Savings Assistance Program New Measures Training
• Basic Weatherization
• RCP Installation Forms
• AAMA Window Installer
• Blower Door / Combustion Appliance Safety
• Big Box Store Window
• RCP Duct Testing and Sealing Overview
• Site-Built Certification
• High Performance Windows
• Compressorless Cooling
• Moisture Intrusion / Mold Awareness

In 2007, RHA designed and developed a weatherization training center and curricula for the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County. This training facility, in coordination with the ETC facility, provides weatherization program training services to agencies and contractors across the state of California.

Ongoing Training Assistance

RHA continues to provide technical training assistance to program managers, contractors, manufacturers and even homeowners. Training courses make use of audio-visual classroom demonstrations, technical equipment models, and other state-of-the-art equipment. These courses have been offered in both large lecture and small group formats. Materials and some trainings can be provided in several languages.

Examples of major training projects are described below: