Madison County has joined with other localities to launch a workforce training and residential energy audit initiative.
The program, conducted in partnership with Everblue, is funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) and aims to help Virginia communities strengthen their energy workforce while delivering no-cost home energy audits to participating households. The program addresses two pressing community needs simultaneously: expanding access to quality green jobs and helping homeowners reduce their monthly energy costs.
“The grant provides for future employment opportunities as well as giving insight to the homeowner of ways to improve energy efficiency that can translate into savings,” Madison County Administrator Jonathon Weakley said. “It’s a win-win opportunity. We are grateful to partner with Everblue to bring new skills to contractors and savings to homeowners.”
The training program is open to contractors, tradespeople, and residents who want to build a professional career in home energy assessment. Selected participants will complete training and conduct audits within their communities, directly supporting homeowners who are approved for no-cost energy assessments. Participants earn three nationally recognized credentials: Building Science Principles, BPI Building Analyst Technician (BAT), and BPI Building Analyst Professional (BAP).
Beyond classroom instruction, trainees gain hands-on experience by conducting at least five residential energy audits within their own communities — building a real portfolio of work alongside their certifications. These credentials are recognized across the country and position graduates to pursue careers with utility programs, weatherization agencies, home performance contractors, and green building firms.
The first cohort kicks off June 22. The participant application portal closes June 8. Space is limited.
Homeowners in participating municipalities are eligible to receive a professional home energy audit at no cost. Conducted by program trainees under professional supervision, each audit assesses the home’s energy use and identifies specific opportunities to lower utility bills — from insulation and air sealing to HVAC efficiency and appliance upgrades.
Audits are performed at no cost and at no obligation to homeowners. Participants simply apply, schedule a visit, and receive a detailed report of findings and recommended next steps. Homeowners benefit from a high-quality professional service while directly supporting the development of local clean energy talent. The homeowner application portal closes June 15.
“Everblue is proud to bring this program to Virginia communities at such a pivotal time for the clean energy workforce,” Everblue Relationship Manager Laura Smailes said. “The EECBG funding allows us to do something meaningful on both sides of the equation — helping individuals build careers with real, portable credentials while ensuring homeowners have access to expert guidance on lowering their energy costs. This is exactly the kind of program that creates lasting impact at the local level.”
In addition to Madison County, other participating jurisdictions include Greene and Botetourt counties as well as the towns of Rocky Mount and Vinton.
Workforce participants and homeowners can apply now at eecbg.everbluetraining.com/virginia. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with priority given to eligible participants within participating localities.
