Launchpad Connect: Cohort 4 Accelerator Open, Directives from the NE:NY Order, Building Automation Systems Careers, Green Skill Summit & Climate Week Events

Welcome to this month’s edition of our newsletter! We’ll use this space to share what we’re reading, thinking, and doing and to help you stay informed about what other movers and shakers are doing in the green workforce development space. This newsletter is a resource built for you, so let us know what topics you’d like to see more of and what resources would be the most helpful!

Inside This Month’s Edition

• Application for Cohort 4 of the Accelerator is Open & Info Session on 9/4!

• The Green Workforce Brief: The NENY Order Driving Smarter, Greener Buildings

• Job Spotlight: Building Automation Systems Technician

• Launchpad Lookback: Bronx Green Job Center Convening, Career Launcher Pilot, and Playbook Wrap-Up

• Launchpad Updates: NYC Energy-Efficiency Workforce Coalition

• Launchpad Community Updates & Resources: NYPA RFA, Networking and Learning Events

• Launchpad Climate Week Event Picks: Green Skills Summit & NextGen CleanTech Workforce Summit

• We Want to Hear from You: Share Events, Resources, & Opportunities

Cohort 4 Application is NOW OPEN!

The Green Launchpad’s Accelerator for Green Workforce Developers is a comprehensive 6-week accelerator for workforce specialists and career advisors guiding jobseekers into clean energy sector careers. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of industry trends, career pathways, green job market drivers, and employer engagement strategies to effectively launch their students into rewarding green careers.

📅 Timeline: October 8 – November 14
📍 Locations: In-person (NYC) and Virtual (Zoom)

This cohort also comes with several exciting updates:

• New Learning Management System (LMS): A streamlined platform for easy access to resources and progress tracking.

• Extended to 6 Weeks: Building on our 5-week model to allow more time for learning and reflection.

• Pre-Recorded Sessions: Flexible access to content so participants can learn on their own time.

• Engaging Technology Tools: Interactive features to make learning both dynamic and fun.

Info Session: If you’d like to learn more about the program before you apply, please join us for a virtual Info Session on September 4th, 12-1pm EST! Register here.

To Apply: Apply today by completing the application form — and please share with your network! Early bird rates are valid until September 12th and applications close on September 30th.

The Green Workforce Brief

Energy Policy Spotlight: NENY Order – Transforming NYC Buildings

On May 15, 2025, The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved roughly $1 billion per year in funding over the next five years to advance energy efficiency and building electrification statewide. This transformative investment continues the New Efficiency: New York (NENY) Order, ensuring that the momentum for cleaner, smarter buildings remains strong.

What does this mean for buildings?

• Building Envelope: The renewed commitment places building envelope improvements at the center of its strategy. Expect significant new resources for insulation, air sealing, and high-efficiency windows—deep weatherization designed to cut energy waste, lower bills, and prepare structures for electrification.

• Heat Recovery Systems: Although specifics may vary by utility, the upgraded funding places a strong emphasis on holistic HVAC modernization. This includes potential support for advanced heat recovery solutions, enabling more efficient ventilation and heating/cooling across homes and multifamily properties.

• Advanced Controls: Building automation and smart systems receive a boost as well. Funding will drive the adoption of advanced controls — think smart thermostats, demand-responsive equipment, and state-of-the-art building management systems that reduce energy use while enhancing comfort.

Why It Matters:

• Scale of Impact: The funding is part of a total investment exceeding $5 billion, with at least $1.6 billion specifically dedicated to helping low- and moderate-income households. This means huge improvements for tens of thousands of homes, especially those most vulnerable to high energy costs and climate impacts.

• Climate and Energy Savings Goals: The program aims to achieve 615 trillion BTU of cumulative energy savings by 2030 and substantial greenhouse gas reductions, supporting New York's legally mandated climate targets.

• Economic & Workforce Benefits: The funding drives job creation and local economic development, from training thousands in clean energy jobs to supporting local contractors and businesses.

 TGL’s Clean Energy Industry Framework

Are you looking to understand how clean energy and workforce development connect? We’ve got you covered! Watch this short video, in which we break down The Green Launchpad’s Clean Energy Framework.

Clean energy careers span multiple sectors, segments, and systems, each playing a vital role in the green workforce. Our framework breaks it down into:

• 4 Key Sectors – Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Renewable Energy,
  Clean Transportation 

• 2 Major Verticals – Electric Systems & Thermal Systems

Every month, we’ll explore one key sector, segment, or system driving the clean energy transition and highlight the careers and skills shaping the future.

This Month…
We’re zeroing in on the Energy Efficiency sector by focusing on the Electric Efficiency Segment. In February, we explored the electric systems vertical through HVAC and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. This month, we’re not only focusing on HVAC&R systems, but also lighting systems both of which are increasingly managed through Building Automation Systems (BAS).

Building Automation Systems (BAS) are integrated, computer-based platforms that centrally monitor and control building operations such as HVAC, lighting, security, fire safety, and energy management. Using sensors, controllers, and automation software, BAS optimizes comfort, reduces operating costs, and improves sustainability — often cutting energy use by 5–15% or more. By uniting these critical systems under one platform, BAS helps buildings operate more efficiently, reliably, and sustainably.

2 Sample Career Pathways in Building Automation Systems

• Building Automation Systems (BAS) Commissioning Controls Technician

  • Job Description: Participate in estimating, tracking, and commissioning of projects, serving as the customer interface for all technical requirements. They develop project schedules, coordinate subcontractors and materials, troubleshoot software and installation issues, maintain job documentation, and provide programming, checkout, validation, and customer training to ensure successful project execution and optimized system performance.

  • Education, Certifications, and Licenses: 2 or 4 year post-secondary degree in Building Systems Technology (BAS) or related field; recognizes EPA Universal Certifications

  • Sample Job Posts: Building Automation Systems Technician Career Map, Building Automation Systems Commissioning Technician

• Building Automation Systems (BAS) Trainee 

  • Job Description: Assist technicians in troubleshooting, repairing, and updating HVAC systems and controls, including software updates, calibration, and performance testing.

  • Education, Certifications, and Licenses: High School Diploma or equivalent; Certificate or two-year degree in HVAC building automation systems technology, electronics, mechanical systems, computer technology, or similar field.

  • Career Pathway: Advance into roles like Building Automation Systems Technician / Building Controls Technician, Multifamily Energy Auditor

Interested in the Stacks + Joules Training Program? 
The Henry Street Settlement and Stacks+Joules Train & Earn program equips New Yorkers ages 18–24 with in-demand Building Automation Systems (BAS) skills for careers in clean energy. Participants earn while they learn, gaining certifications in HVAC, lighting, and air quality. Apply now for the February 2026 cohort.

Additional Resources:
Green Building Career Map - explore career pathways
Smart Buildings Academy - The Ultimate Guide to Building Automation Careers

Launchpad’s August Lookback

August was a month of exciting progress and collaboration for our team! We joined a strategic planning convening for the Bronx Green Job Center, launched the Clean Energy Career Launcher Pilot Series with New Women New Yorkers, a four-part seminar introducing the basics of the clean energy sector, and wrapped up the Clean Energy Growth Playbook. Recordings from the Playbook series will be available on our website shortly — but do get in touch via email if you’re looking to catch up on the recordings in the meantime! We’re excited to carry this momentum into the fall with 2025 Green Skills Summit: Resilient City, Resilient Workforce and Climate Week NYC along with other upcoming events!

Launchpad’s Updates

Launchpad Community Events & Resources

As 2025 Green Skills Summit: Resilient City, Resilient Workforce and Climate Week NYC is approaching, our community has many valuable events and resources. Below are NYPA’s RFA for workforce funding, and other clean energy & sustainability workforce networking and learning events.

Launchpad’s 2025 Climate Week Event Picks

Climate Week is an exciting time for sustainability professionals to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and highlight solutions driving the clean energy transition. This year, we are happy to share where we’ll be and where critical conversations on workforce development, innovation, and climate equity will take place.

 Call for Information

Help us keep the TGL community informed and connected! We're looking for sponsorships, resources, events, trainings and more to feature in upcoming newsletters.

• Want to contribute to a thriving green workforce ecosystem? We're seeking corporate and philanthropic partners to help expand our impact in green workforce development. Sponsor our Accelerator to empower workforce professionals, strengthen the clean energy talent pipeline, and showcase your leadership in the green economy!

• Do you have an upcoming training, class, event, or webinar you want to share with the ecosystem for the next edition?

• Want TGL to amplify what's happening or roles you’re hiring for at your organization?

📧 Email us at [email protected] or reply to this email!