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 for FY 2026
Participants are required to register for program access on a yearly basis (each Fiscal Year). 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
Mon, Aug 10th, 2026
9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Virtual
Pathway: Energy EfficiencyEnergy Management Systems Fundamentals
This 90-minute course provides a practical introduction to Energy Management Systems and their role in improving building performance. Participants will learn how EMS supports monitoring, optimization, diagnostics, and performance tracking across building operations.
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Basic/Intermediate No prior experience needed
Thu, Aug 13th, 2026
1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Virtual
Pathway: Sustainability & HealthGrid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEB) Fundamentals
This 90-minute course provides a practical introduction to Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings and their role in supporting electrification, energy flexibility, and grid stability. Participants will learn how buildings can interact more intelligently with the electric grid through technology, controls, and demand-side strategies.
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Basic/Intermediate No prior experience needed
Mon, Aug 17th, 2026
1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Virtual
Pathway: Sustainability & HealthDC BEPS, Green Building Codes and Regulations
This 90-minute course provides a practical overview of Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) in Washington, DC, along with related green building code and regulatory considerations. Participants will learn how BEPS works, what compliance requires, and how to plan performance improvements.
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Basic/Intermediate No prior experience needed
Thu, Aug 20th, 2026
1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Virtual
Pathway: Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC)Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Sales & Customer Engagement
This 90-minute course provides practical strategies for communicating the value of heat pump water heaters to residential customers. Participants will learn how to explain HPWH systems clearly, address common questions, and support customer decision-making with credible, benefits-focused communication.
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Basic/Intermediate Prerequisites are required
Tue, Aug 25th, 2026
1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Virtual
Pathway: Energy EfficiencyEnergy Management Systems (EMS) Fundamentals
This course provides a foundational understanding of Energy Management Systems (EMS), including core components, data architecture, and practical strategies for data-driven energy optimization.
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Basic/Intermediate No prior experience needed
Wed, Sep 9th, 2026
9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Virtual
Pathway: Sustainability & HealthGreen Building 101
This introduction to Green Building provides a general overview of how buildings can reduce their impact on the environment.
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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