Train Green
No- cost training and certification opportunities for CBEs and eligible businesses.
Get your business and staff ready for new opportunities in the green energy sector
The Train Green Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Capacity Building and Pipeline Program (Train Green SEICBP) is a training, credentialing, and certification program for District-Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) and/or CBE-eligible firms. CBEs and CBE-eligible firms, and their staffs. DC residents can acquire new or enhanced skills and knowledge around energy efficiency and renewable energy design, construction, inspection, and maintenance at no cost.

Get Your Access Code
Participants are required to register for program access on a yearly basis. Upon each yearly application review, participants receive a unique Train Green Registrant Code that you be used to register for courses.
Eligibility
Priority 1
District residents at District CBE or CBE-eligible firms.
Priority 2
District residents working outside of the District or non-residents working for District CBE or CBE-eligible firms.
Priority 3
Non-district residents (who do not meet the criteria listed under Priority 1 or 2).
Industries (not limited to)
The following are examples of industries Train Green serves (and is not intended to be a definitive list):
- Architects, designers, and safety engineers
- Building owners, property managers, building operators
- Contractors in or looking to offer energy efficiency or renewable energy solutions
- Electricians, plumbers, and lighting, or HVAC technicians
- Engineers or energy service providers
- Renewable energy/solar providers
Register for Upcoming Training Sessions
Select a Skill Level and Pathway that match your interest to see our current course offerings. To register, read more details about any given offering.
Introductory:
- For those without prior experience (or who are new to the field), introductory courses provide a solid starting point. By developing a general understanding of energy efficiency, building science, and renewable energy, students are prepared for participation in basic, intermediate, and advanced courses.
Basic / Intermediate:
- Basic/Intermediate courses may have additional prerequisites and require previous work or course experience. They are designed to provide registrants with a level of knowledge that can prepare them for entry-level work. Basic courses provide a credential, certification, or certificate of completion for attendees who satisfy course requirements. Please see the "requirements" section when you "read more" on these sessions for any specific prerequisites.
Advanced:
- Advanced courses generally have prerequisites found in the prior Basic category and can serve as an endpoint for a pathway. They are designed to bring students with an existing knowledge base and/or experience to a higher level of competency. Advanced courses provide a credential, certification, or certificate of completion for attendees who satisfy course requirements. Please see the "requirements" section when you "read more" on these sessions for any specific prerequisites.
Energy Efficiency:
- Courses focus on growing one's knowledge of auditing, benchmarking, modeling, and optimizing energy use within commercial and residential buildings.
Sustainability & Health:
- Courses examine Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems and other building standards that focus on how the built environment impacts human health and wellbeing.
Building Operations:
- Topics explore best practices for whole-building automation, maintenance, operations, and green property management.
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC):
- Learning is specifically focused on HVAC system automation, operation, and maintenance.
Renewables & Solar:
- Courses cover solar safety, installation and maintenance of battery- and grid-based solar systems.
Design & New Construction:
- Discover sustainable construction techniques, including green building materials, residential and commercial net zero design, local green building codes, and environmentally friendly construction processes.
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Basic/Intermediate No prior experience needed
Thu, June 12th, 2025
9:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Virtual, Live Instruction via Zoom
Pathway: Building OperationsElectrification and Building Operations
As more states implement aggressive climate action plans to reduce carbon emissions, building operators must develop the skills to understand and operate electrified equipment. This training provides an overview of building electrification, its benefits and challenges, and how it impacts operations and maintenance.
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Introductory No prior experience needed
Wed, May 21st, 2025
11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Virtual
Pathway: Energy EfficiencyWhere's the Money for BEPS Compliance? Financing Retrofits in DC
This training provides an in-depth overview of financing options available for Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) compliance retrofits in Washington, DC Participants will explore federal, local, and private funding sources, including IRA incentives, GSA funding for affordable housing, Fannie Mae financing, DCSEU incentives, and the DC Green Bank.
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Advanced Prerequisites are required
Sat, May 17th, 2025 -
Sat, June 14th, 20259:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Virtual
Pathway: Sustainability & HealthLEED AP BD+C Exam Preparation Workshop
This 16-hour live virtual workshop prepares participants for the LEED AP BD+C Exam, covering advanced green building and sustainability concepts, the LEED certification process, and exam strategies.
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Basic/Intermediate No prior experience needed
Tue, May 13th, 2025 -
Thu, May 15th, 20259:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Virtual
Pathway: Design & New ConstructionGPRO Construction Management Training and Exam
Learn about sustainability best practices and leave with actionable strategies for every phase of construction and your GPRO CM Certificate.
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Basic/Intermediate No prior experience needed
Thu, May 8th, 2025
9:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Virtual
Pathway: Building OperationsPreventive Maintenance & Troubleshooting Principles
This course provides a structured approach to implementing a preventive maintenance program that enhances energy efficiency and equipment reliability. Participants will also develop troubleshooting skills for problem identification, testing, and operational analysis.
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Advanced Prerequisites are required
Mon, March 3rd, 2025 -
Mon, Sep 15th, 202512:00am - 12:00am EDT
Virtual, On-Demand
Pathway: Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC)Electrifying Homes: Water Heating with Heat Pumps (On-Demand)
This course explores heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) as a highly efficient, low-carbon alternative to traditional water heating methods. Participants will gain insight into technology advancements, system selection, and installation best practices for optimizing efficiency and comfort.
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Get Training Session Updates
Sign up here for upcoming training alerts or to learn more about RFP/RFQ opportunities.
Impact Stories & Resources
See our Impact Stories and take advantage of resources that have helped over 550 course registrants.
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Customer Story
Building the Capacity to Compete: How Train Green is Helping this Organization Thrive
Learn how Hayat Brown, LLC was able to take advantage of Train Green.
Read more -
Customer Story
Preparing for the Future of the Green Workforce with Energy Shrink
Hear from Smita and learn how she is preparing Energy Shrink for green opportunities.
Read more -
Don’t Know How to Train Green?
Check out our step-by-step guide to learn how you can benefit from free courses and certification exams.
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Hear from a participant
As a long-time District resident, I wanted to become involved with DC's green economy. The DCSEU provided me with diverse, local training opportunities and a place to network with experts like Smita.
- Christie PoimboeufProject Manager, Energy Shrink and 2023 Train Green Participant