PORTLAND, Ore. — August 13, 2015 — Energy Trust of Oregon is offering a new $600 cash-back incentive to qualifying businesses and organizations that send their facility personnel to Building Operator Certification, BOC®, a nationally recognized program that gives building operators the skills and knowledge to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings.

Designed for facility operators, including engineers, technicians, architects, facility managers, maintenance personnel and energy managers, BOC offers instruction on best practices in systems management and the latest strategies and technologies for improving the operation of public and private commercial buildings.

“Well-trained operators are critical to reducing building energy use and costs,” said Kathleen Belkhayat, business sector project manager, Energy Trust. “Participating organizations have reduced their energy use by an average of 5 percent or more, delivering significant dollar savings that can quickly pay back the cost of certification.”

In addition to cutting energy costs, BOC can help improve occupant comfort, indoor air quality and building safety. Resulting improvements can attract tenants interested in sustainability as well as investors interested in buildings that offer an improved return on investment.

In Oregon, certification is offered through the Northwest Water and Energy Education Institute, NWEEI, at various locations throughout the state, with classes led by experienced professionals. Participants can become certified at two levels: Level I, Building System Maintenance, or Level II, Equipment Troubleshooting and Maintenance.

Energy Trust provides a cash incentive of up to $600 per BOC-certified building operator to help with the cost of obtaining Level I or Level II certification. The incentive is available for building operators regularly working in a commercial, institutional or governmental building served by Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural or Cascade Natural Gas.

“When a building operator becomes certified, the benefits continue long into the future,” said Belkhayat. “The learning doesn’t stop. Participants network with each other and their instructors, sharing ongoing experiences and knowledge to help achieve long-term energy savings.”

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save $1.9 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.