Building Decarbonization Code Specialist | Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

Building Decarbonization Code Specialist | Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

Building Decarbonization Code Specialist | Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER)

Boston Metro Area | Full-time Role | Salary $74,159.02 – 108,560.40 Yearly

About Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.   Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

The Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) mission is to create a clean, affordable, resilient, and equitable energy future for all in the Commonwealth. As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure. To meet our objectives, DOER connects and collaborates with energy stakeholders to develop effective policy. DOER implements this policy through planning, regulation, and providing funding. DOER provides tools to individuals, organizations, and communities to support their clean energy goals. DOER is committed to transparency and education, supporting the accessible access to energy information and knowledge.

DOER’s Energy Efficiency Division is seeking a Building Decarbonization Code Specialist to provide support on the Commonwealth’s recently updated building energy codes, efforts to improve decarbonization outcomes of these codes, and implementation of U.S. Department of Energy-funded code decarbonization programs and research.

DOER is responsible for the development and implementation of the Commonwealth’s Stretch Building Energy Code (Stretch Code) and Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code (Specialized Code), which are thermal codes designed to reduce building emissions, improve resilience and comfort, and enhance efficient electrification and clean energy generation. The Specialized Code also includes mandatory Passivehouse (PHI or PHIUS) certification for new residential buildings over 12,000-square feet, and minimum solar requirements for new buildings using fossil fuels.

DOER secured federal grants for thermal codes to accelerate adoption, evaluate performance, and research potential improvements. Specific research topics include thermal energy demand intensity (TEDI) requirements and implementation, envelope thermal bridge and derating, air infiltration practices, HERS implementation, and incorporation of embodied carbon. In addition, DOER will be embarking on potential revisions of existing building energy code to improve existing building decarbonization outcomes.

These efforts will require extensive expertise, research, evaluations, work with other staff and expert contractors, stakeholder engagement, engineering, model review, and code authoring. The Building Decarbonization Code Specialist will support implementation of the Stretch and Specialized Codes, develop and implement improvements to advance decarbonization and resilience of the code for new and existing buildings. Individuals with an architecture or engineering degree are preferred. Individuals with a strong background in building sciences, building codes, energy efficiency, energy modeling, and building decarbonization are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

    • Support and provide recommendations on the implementation of the Stretch and Specialized code
    • Managing federally funded building code grants and contracts.
    • Review and respond to questions from code users and code officials
    • Engage and lead communications with experts and various committees as required
    • Develop scoping and lead work with expert consultants
    • Evaluate and make recommendations for codes from research on design & building practices as well as renovation best practices such as EnerPhit
    • Engage with PHIUS / PHI to ensure smooth implementation of Passivehouse requirements
    • Evaluate new strategies to improve building decarbonization
    • Provide technical support and expertise for the implementation of Municipal Fossil Fuel-Free Building Demonstration Program
    • Develop communications strategies and present at conferences/training sessions and other venues
    • Provide technical support and guidance to Mass Save Program Administrators (PAs) to incorporate best practices and leverage incentives
    • Provide support to all DOER Divisions on related programs and projects, including Green Communities, Renewable & Alternative Energy, and Leading by Example. 

Preferred Qualifications:

    • Knowledge of building energy efficiency codes and standards
    • Knowledge of building sciences and building architecture
    • Knowledge of building energy modeling and HVAC systems
    • Knowledge of Passivehouse, including PHIUS and PHI standards
    • Knowledge of existing building renovations
    • Research experience
    • Communication and presentation experience
    • Team and committee experience
    • Ability to prepare technical and general reports
    • Registered architect or professional engineer or, Engineer-in-Training; or, graduate with NAAB-accredited architecture degree and enrolled in the (NCARB) Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and working towards architecture license
    • PHIUS Certified Consultant (CPHC) and/or PHI Certified Passivehouse Designer
    • Building Energy Modeling Professional Certification

Important note: This position is currently set up as a term-limited full-time employee (FTE) position through April 2027.

Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: 

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a professional capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions: 

I. A Bachelor’s degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental studies may be substituted for three years of the required (A)experience and one year of the required (B) experience.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.  Substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Compensation

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Interested?

Please provide Resume and a Cover Letter describing your interest in the position as attachments marked “as relevant” to your application. Please go to the official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for more information.

Important note: This position is currently set up as a term-limited full-time employee (FTE) position through April 2027.

Building Performance Coordinator | Arrowstreet

Building Performance Coordinator | Arrowstreet

Building Performance Coordinator

About Arrowstreet
Arrowstreet is an award-winning architecture, interiors, and experience design firm based in
Boston, with over 60 years of expertise. We take a design-forward approach, focusing on sustainability to create thoughtful designs across our diverse portfolio to provide engaging, impactful experiences, and spaces that bring people together. We are national leaders in building performance design. We believe architecture has the responsibility to create social, health, environmental, and economic benefits for the people and places we work.

Job Summary
We are seeking an AEC professional who is passionate about applying sustainable design to building performance. In this position you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects throughout all our sectors and produce analysis to identify creative solutions in support of our Building Performance team. Under the guidance and direction of the Director of Building Performance, you will collaborate with project teams to establish and track building performance goals.

Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with the design team to establish and track building performance goals
related to energy/carbon, wellness, resilience, and/or other topics
• Track progress of multiple projects simultaneously and work with internal design teams, external engineering consultants, clients and construction teams to keep projects on track to meet goals
• Provide building performance assessments including solar and daylight analysis at various stages of project design
• Create WUFI Passive and THERM modeling for passive house (Phius) building performance
• Research and maintain working knowledge of newest technologies and trends in sustainable design
• Manage various building certifications, including LEED, WELL, and Fitwel. Complete documentation associated with certification compliance and liaise with reviewers
• Prepare presentations for meetings, coordinate project task schedules, and prepare reports
• Stay current on iterative changes related to certification programs
• Collection of project metrics and assist with reporting projects for AIA 2030 Commitment and AIA Materials Pledge

Qualifications:
• LEED Accredited Professional with specialty

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in architecture, engineering, building science, built environment, and/or sustainability
• Professional Engineer or Registered Architect preferred
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in sustainability, or related field, preferably within the architectural, engineering, and construction industry
• Knowledge of the building design and construction process, ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings
• Knowledge of sustainable building practices including but not limited to energy efficiency, embodied carbon, air and water quality, thermal comfort, daylighting, material transparency, and/or regenerative design
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• General proficiency with LEED documentation, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign
• Experience with energy modeling, load calculations, and carbon analysis a plus
• Familiarity with building performance standards and stretch codes focused on energy efficiency and electrification a plus
• Relevant accreditations and experience (e.g. WELL, Fitwel, Certified Passive House Consultant) are preferred

Why Arrowstreet?
We are a passionate and diverse group of Architects and designers, who
care about the quality of our work, and are design forward. We understand the impact we can have on communities and the world around us. We seek opportunities to challenge each other through design discussions, technology, charettes, and pinup sessions. We take time to get to know one another through social and volunteer activities, day-to-day interactions (In person and virtual), impromptu conversations at desks, or simply grabbing a cup of coffee. Based in Boston, our projects span a wide range of sectors, including mixed-use, multifamily, hospitality, transportation, retail, workplace, life science, academic and experience design. We encourage you to visit our website at www.arrowstreet.com to view our projects.

Ready to apply?
Complete our online application and submit your resume, cover letter, and
portfolio (<10mb.) We offer competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and professional development compensation. https://www.arrowstreet.com/about/careers/

Arrowstreet is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Product Associate: BE+ CONNECTS | Built Environment Plus

Product Associate: BE+ CONNECTS | Built Environment Plus

Product Associate: BE+ CONNECTS

Boston Metro Area | Full-time Role | Salary $55 – 65k commensurate with experience.

About Built Environment Plus
Built Environment Plus (BE+) is a member-based community driving sustainable and regenerative design, construction, and operations of the built environment.  BE+ provides green building education, networking, advocacy and leadership opportunities for the sustainable building practitioner community and beyond. Our events and programming are supported and enhanced by the volunteer efforts of our community members – the leaders and aspiring leaders in the green building industry.

The organization, and this role with it, evolves alongside the construction industry to find new ways to drive the sustainability of the built environment. The stakes are high and there’s a lot of work to do. The pace is fast. The work can be intense. At the same time the role and the work we do is extremely rewarding. Be ready to jump in and join our small team making a big impact

Job Summary
BE+ has funding to continue to build onto and grow our online directory of high performance building professionals called BE+ CONNECTS. It is an interactive and engaging discovery tool that curates evolving companies, and their linked professionals, to promote expertise to clients designing and constructing high-performance buildings. It all starts with the foundational perspective that a given company’s expertise is in its people and is proven through its completed and in-progress projects.

This associate position will play an important role in improving the site while also expanding its reach and increasing the data held within. It is a full-time exempt position that supports BE+ in achieving its mission by leading our efforts in decarbonizing the building stock in Massachusetts.

This position reports to the Innovation Director while working collaboratively across the BE+ leadership team. The role will start full-time hybrid in our office space in downtown Boston, where employees will be expected to be in the office 2-3 days a week.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The BE+ CONNECTS Product Associate will have these primary areas of responsibility:

Program Management and Reporting

    • Coordinate bi-weekly check-ins, including setting agendas and maintaining meeting notes.
    • Coordinate and conduct surveys and interviews with priority stakeholders.
    • Track the program metrics and provide quarterly and annual written reports.
    • Complete admin tasks related to the site, including approving professionals and managing direct user correspondence.
    • Help ensure ongoing site maintenance, improvement activities, and respond to troubleshooting needs.
    • Coordinate yearly Net Zero Report effort and support the publication tasks.

Program Improvement

    • Recruit companies and professionals to join the site.
    • Through research, identify projects to add and additional project information to input.
    • Work with peer organizations to exchange resources and best practices and to expand impact.
    • Help to develop a long term funding strategy.
    • Connect with industry leaders, and maintain connections with key stakeholders.
    • Host public tutorial and info sessions to help welcome new and prospective professional users.
    • Ensure that those with the greatest need benefit from our initiatives.
    • Assist with the addition of existing buildings and related projects to the site.
    • Work with the communications team to devise marketing strategies and partnerships in order to reach non-professional site users.

General

    • Staff public events as appropriate.
    • Help with marketing activities, such as advertising at conferences, and working with the communications team on continual promotion.
    • Participate in BE+ activities, trainings, and events to help keep BE+ CONNECTS aligned with the needs and desires of the AEC industry.

In order to fulfill the stated responsibilities of the role, the ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

Required:

    • Bachelor’s degree and 0 to 5 years of experience in related field. Passionate commitment to the principles of sustainability, regeneration, green building.
    • Detail-oriented and self-starter. We are a small team, and the individual will need to manage their own workload, as well as work well with the team.
    • Strong work ethic, highly self-motivated.
    • Flexibility in the job role, understanding the need to dynamically respond to evolving BE+ needs that are often driven by external events and opportunities;
    • Project and program management skills; and a high standard for file management;
    • Ability to work some evenings and early mornings for events;
    • Ability to think out of the box and find creative, inventive solutions; 

Preferred:

    • Google Suite
    • Drupal

Compensation

    • Salary $55k – $65k commensurate with experience.
    • The company provides health benefits, a 401k plan with 5% employer contribution.

Interested?

Please email your resume, a writing sample, and a statement on your passion for promoting a regenerative built environment to hiring@builtenvironmentplus.org

    Product Associate: BE+ CONNECTS | Built Environment Plus

    Built Environment Plus Internships

    Built Environment Plus Internships

    Position Summary

    Built Environment Plus is the pre-eminent organization driving sustainable and regenerative design, construction, and operation of the built environment. Our mission is for everyone to have green buildings to work, live, play, and study in, within a generation. This is a lot of work!

    Do you want to help make every building in the world (at least in Mass.) a green building? Would you like to participate on the inside of the movement with us at Built Environment Plus?

    As an intern for Built Environment Plus, you will be doing a variety of tasks, from supporting day to day work, small research projects, and media design tasks. Internships with Built Environment Plus are fairly general, and projects are chosen based on interest. You will be able to put the final products in your portfolio to show others your skills and your expanding knowledge base related to the green building industry. We will also help you build connections across the state among green building professionals.

    Start Date: Fall, Spring, and Summer

    Fall & Spring: 240 hours (up to 20 hours a week, 12 weeks long), hybrid position

    Summer: 480 hours (up to 40 hours a week, 12 weeks long), hybrid position

    Requirements:

    Must be eligible to participate in and be registered through the MassCEC Clean Energy Internship Program (learn more here).

     

    Ideal Applicant:

    • Organized and detail-oriented
    • Familiar with green building techniques
    • Comfortable communicating basic sustainability issues
    • Able to work effectively with not-every-day supervision
    • Able to work with telecommuting colleagues
    • Passionate about expanding the green building industry

     

    We encourage students from community colleges to apply.

     

    Desired Skills

    • Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
    • Excellent written communication skills
    • Intermediate knowledge of green building science, including LEED, sustainable architecture, and building science
    • Microsoft office

     

    Do you have references that can attest to your good working habits? Can you share a story of how you were proactive in an organization? We will prefer folks who have been involved with Built Environment Plus previously and/or otherwise can show some connection to the green building industry.

    The Intern will report to and meet at least once per week with the Executive Director for updates and planning. Interns would normally be expected to work from the Built Environment Plus office in downtown Boston. Due to COVID we have given up our space and moved to 100% remote for the foreseeable future.

     

    Application

     

     

    Please send an email to hiring@builtenvironmentplus.org containing your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample that shows us how you connect with our mission. In the email, please include the term “Internship Application” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. If accepted, you will need to register through the Clean Energy Internship Program ( https://www.masscec.com/clean-energy-internship-program ).