Open house held at Clean Energy Center's Latrobe lab

Offering an overview of the numerous career pathways in the home energy efficiency industry, Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Clean Energy Center lab in Latrobe hosted an open house on Wednesday at its 7,500 square-foot facility at Westmoreland Airpark. The event gave attendees opportunities to watch live demonstrations of home energy efficiency technologies and network with employers and workforce development experts.  

The nationally recognized Clean Energy Center’s core mission is to teach people how to reduce energy consumption in their communities and improve the comfort and safety of buildings. 

Addressing the gathering, Penn College President Michael J. Reed said, “The people trained in this lab are the front line of reducing the energy burden in our communities and improving the housing stock for many low-income Pennsylvanians in both rural and urban areas… Over the past 40 years, the center has trained thousands of adults that are employed in the energy efficiency sector and are seeking upskilling, certifications, and pathways to educational and career advancement.”

Alison A. Diehl, executive director of the Clean Energy Center, noted the Latrobe lab, which opened in 2021, has provided training and certifications to 529 home energy professionals. She lauded the support and collaboration of the state Department of Community & Economic Development and its Center for Residential Reinvestment Programs.

“As we look into the future, we are committed to continuing our efforts, expanding our reach and making an even greater impact in the years to come,” Diehl added.

Also speaking at the open house was Richard Vilello, deputy secretary for community affairs and development, DCED.

Penn College’s Clean Energy Center is recognized as one of the top building science training providers in the country and is the premier workforce development and training partner for utility energy efficiency programs and the Weatherization Assistance Program administered through the DCED.

In addition to the central training lab in Williamsport and the lab in Latrobe, a third lab in Harrisburg opened in 2023 to provide more access to hands-on training across the commonwealth. All three labs are running at full capacity, supporting increased workforce recruitment and training efforts ramped up under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Clean Energy Center’s accredited Home Energy Professional programs teach individuals how to perform home energy assessments and installation techniques to reduce energy bills, while remediating health and safety issues like mold, lead paint, and carbon monoxide. 

A March 27 open house is planned at the Harrisburg site.