BE+ Leadership Accelerator
Upskilling AEC Professionals for High-Performance Buildings & Clean Energy Solutions
Ready to take your career and your impact to the next level?
The BE+ Leadership Accelerator is a cohort-based workforce training program designed to equip experienced AEC professionals with the technical knowledge, industry credentials, applied experience, and leadership skills needed to advance high-performance, low-carbon, and clean-energy buildings across Massachusetts.
LEARN. APPLY. LEAD. ADVANCE.
Through a combination of technical training, credential pathways, leadership development, applied learning, and career support, participants will build the skills and confidence to take on greater responsibility, lead sustainable projects, and help move the industry forward.
Applications are now open for an upcoming cohort and will close on December 21st, 2026. Training is free or highly subsidized for eligible participants. Some costs may apply based on an individual’s learning plan and interest in pursuing advanced credentials.
Questions? Contact education@builtenvironmentplus.org
Why this program?
Massachusetts is accelerating its transition to high-performance, low-carbon buildings and the industry needs skilled professionals who can turn climate goals into real-world results.
The BE+ Leadership Accelerator helps bridge that gap by investing in the professionals already working across the built environment.
Participants will strengthen their ability to:
Design & Deliver
Apply high-performance building, energy, and decarbonization strategies to real projects.
Lead & Collaborate
Build the communication, teamwork, and leadership skills needed to lead projects, teams, and clients.
Advance Your Career
Develop technical expertise, pursue industry-recognized credentials, and position yourself for expanded responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
Make an Impact
Contribute to healthier, more energy-efficient, resilient, and low-carbon buildings across Massachusetts.
Who should apply?
We are seeking experienced, mid-career professionals who are ready to grow their technical expertise, expand their impact, and take the next step in their careers.
The program is designed for professionals with approximately 5-12 years of experience in the built environment, including:
• Architects & Designers
• Mechanical, Electrical, Civil & Energy Engineers
• Construction Managers & Superintendents
• Energy & Sustainability Consultants
• Municipal Staff & Building Professionals
• Other AEC Professionals interested in high-performance buildings an clean energy
You may be a strong fit if you:
• Are ready to take on greater project or team leadership
• Want to integrate sustainability and decarbonization into your daily work
• Are interested in advancing within your firm or the broader AEC industry
• Want to deepen your technical knowledge of high-performance buildings
• Are working on or interested in housing, high-performance, low-carbon, net-zero, or community-scale projects
• Are passionate about moving the industry forward
We are looking for people with the drive to make a difference: on projects, within their companies, and with their clients.
What you'll gain
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE & PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE
Build the knowledge you need to contribute to the next generation of high-performance buildings.
Topics may include:
• Building Science & Enclosures
• Massachusetts Stretch & Specialized Energy Codes
• Passive Building Principles
• Embodied Carbon & Material Selection
• Sustainable Design & Construction
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Technical knowledge is only part of the equation. Develop the skills needed to lead projects and teams through:
• Communication, Negotiation & Conflict Management
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
• Project Management
• Navigating Change & Stakeholder Management
INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS
Your individual learning plan may include opportunities to pursue industry credentials aligned with your career goals.
Potential pathways may include:
• Passive House Associate
• Passive House Trades
• Passive House Builder or Consultant
• LEED Green Associate or LEED AP
• Green Professional (GPRO) Fundamentals, Construction or Operations & Maintenance
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• WELL AP
• BEMP
• CDP
Credential pathways will be determined based on participant goals, eligibility, and individual learning plans. Additional costs may apply for advanced credentials.
The BE+ Leadership Accelerator Experience
LEARN
Build technical knowledge through live instruction, flexible online learning, and industry-recognized training.
APPLY
Put your learning into practice through a real-world case study project and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
LEAD
Strengthen your leadership, communication, and project management skills while building a network of peers and industry professionals.
ADVANCE
Receive career navigation and support as you work toward expanded responsibilities, leadership opportunities, and industry credentials.
Not sure if you’re ready to take the next step? Book time with our Education Director to learn more about the program and explore the options that suit your career goals.
Program Structure
Approximately 6 months beginning February 2027
Duration
Approximately 6 months
Format
Hybrid: live sessions + flexible online learning
Time Commitment
Approximately 8-12 hours per month, over 6 months
Cohort Model
Small, peer-based learning groups with opportunities for 1:1 coaching and live feedback on individual presentations.
Learning Approach
Technical training + leadership development + applied experience
Cost
Free or highly subsidized based on individual’s learning plan
Participant Support
BE+ is committed to making advanced training and career development more accessible.
Upon successful application and acceptance, participants may receive:
Subsidized or Fully Funded Training
Reduce financial barriers to professional development and technical training.
Milestone-Based Stipends
Financial support tied to successful enrollment and completion of the program, where funding allows.
Credential & Exam Support
Support for select industry credential and exam fees.
Flexible Learning Options
A hybrid format designed to accommodate working professionals, with on-demand learning combined with live sessions and asynchronous feedback.
Career Navigation
Individualized support available to help participants connect their training to career goals and opportunities.
Peer & Industry Network
Build relationships with a cohort of professionals and leaders working to transform the built environment. BE+ events and roundtable discussions are included and encouraged.
JOIN AN INFORMATION SESSION
Want to learn more before applying?
Share your interest below to be invited to join BE+ for a virtual information session to hear more about the program, who should apply, what participants can expect, and how the application process works.
Information Session: BE+ Leadership Accelerator: Program Overview & Q&A
Date: October 1, 2026
Time: 1-2pm ET
Location: Zoom
Learn about the program structure, training topics, participant support, credential pathways, and application process. Bring your questions and find out if the Leadership Accelerator is right for you.
Information Session: BE+ Leadership Accelerator: Is This Program Right for You?
Date: October 27, 2026
Time: 3-4pm ET
Location: Zoom
Join BE+ for a second opportunity to learn about the Leadership Accelerator and hear how the program can support professionals looking to deepen their technical expertise and advance into leadership.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Your expertise can help shape the future of the built environment. If you’re ready to deepen your knowledge, expand your impact, and take your career to the next level, we want to hear from you.
FOR EMPLOYERS
The BE+ Leadership Accelerator can help firms strengthen internal capacity and develop the next generation of sustainable building professionals.
Employer partners can benefit from:
• Upskilling staff in energy code compliance, electrification, healthy and responsible material selection, and high-performance design and construction
• Building internal capacity to confidently lead project teams and communicate across diverse stakeholder groups
• Strengthen employee retention and career development pathways by supporting leaders in your organization
• Connecting with a statewide network of sustainability-focused professionals
Interested in sending a group of employees?
BE+ can coordinate group participation from a single company and share meaningful outcomes from your participation in the program.
PARTNER WITH US
BE+ is also seeking industry partners to support outreach, engagement, and program outcomes.
Interested in partnering with the Leadership Accelerator?
Contact Lilli Markle | lilli@builtenvironmentplus.org.
JOIN AN INFORMATION SESSION | FOR EMPLOYER & INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Date: September 10, 2026
Time: 3-4pm
Location: Zoom
Applications are currently being accepted for an upcoming cohort to begin February 2027.
The application includes questions about your professional experience, career goals, areas of interest, and capacity to participate in the program. An interview may be requested as part of the selection process.
The BE+ Leadership Accelerator is an initiative of Built Environment Plus (BE+), funded by MassCEC Workforce Development, supporting the people and practices needed to create a more sustainable, resilient, healthy and equitable built environment.
LEARN. APPLY. LEAD. ADVANCE.