Richard Heath and Associates, Inc. (RHA) is uniquely qualified to develop training centers and curricula for its clients. RHA has been instrumental in the establishment of many of the energy efficiency training programs and facilities in use today across the United States.

On the heels of the 1970s oil embargo, and in the face of rising utility rates, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) began to promote retrofit work. Traditional marketing staff members were converted to conservation staff in search of appropriate conservation programs. Training opportunities were needed in order to realize California’s lofty conservation goals.

In 1977, RHA trained dozens of state-sponsored weatherization program managers for the new state weatherization program. RHA and its consulting team supervised the design, reconstruction, curricula development and all classroom instruction during 1978-1980 at the Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E's) Energy Training Center (ETC). At the Center, the RHA staff developed, trained, and assisted with program implementation of:

• 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 future positive relationships with California communities were firmly 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, including:

• Residential Contractor Program (RCP)
• Tight Ducts
• Affordable Comfort
• RCP Field training
• Energy Partners 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 develop 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 the Utility and State Program Managers, contractors, manufacturers and even home owners.

RHA has provided graphic-based training to these audiences for numerous organizations. 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. Due to RHA’s multi-cultural staff, materials and some trainings may be provided in additional languages.

Examples of major training projects are described below: