About

“I know the reference to ‘science’ can be a turn-off to many in the building trades, as well as those connected in one way or another to the construction industry (realtors, appraisers, bankers, etc). However, this is the direction of workforce development in the trade. In residential housing, we simply cannot address solutions to the thermal impact on the climate crisis without learning the science of how a building performs.“
Guy Payne, Executive Director

Mission: What we do

  • SEON supports the development of existing and new businesses and the workforce needed to create durable, efficient, and healthy buildings by equipping building professionals with the disciplines urgently needed to meet today’s demand for energy- efficient homes and workplaces.

Vision Statement:

  • New England’s professional construction workforce is trained in high performance building techniques and builds to meet recognized energy efficiency standards in new and historic structures; all to address the climate crisis and create high paying jobs for people of all identities and backgrounds.

In pursuit of this mission, SEON seeks to:

  • Create systems of education on renewable energy / energy efficiency for incumbent and entry level energy practitioners, complementary professionals as well as students and the general public.
  • Promote the development of renewable energy / energy efficiency technologies, products, services, and processes by representing the assets of our region to entrepreneurs and companies interested in relocating to this region, identifying market niches, and assisting the formation of partnerships.

What We Do:

  • High-Performance Certification: SEON is the exclusive provider of high-performance building certification in the State of Vermont. We offer Level I High-Performance Builder certification, elevating the knowledge and practices of building professionals in Vermont.

Our Ongoing Initiatives:

  • Education and Training: We provide in-person technical training on building science for carpenters, weatherization, architects, and related construction trades. This education equips professionals with the skills to create energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly buildings.
  • Community Engagement: SEON engages the community to build a clean economy. We offer systems of education on renewable energy and energy efficiency for various stakeholders, including students and the general public.
  • Supporting Sustainable Energy: We promote sustainable energy’s vital role in the health of communities and support the transition to a fossil-free economy. SEON partners with others to enhance knowledge and implementation of environmentally friendly building construction and use.

Our Goals:

  • State Endorsement: Our vision is to establish a state endorsement for high-performance building certification within four years, positioning Vermont as a leader in residential construction. This endorsement aims to:
    • Raise building standards through mandatory certification.
    • Garner support from constituents and contractors.
    • Leverage social media campaigns and outreach.
    • Collaborate with existing state programs.
    • Encourage state representatives to support the endorsement in their platform.
    • Identify key advocates and ambassadors.

Why SEON is Unique:

  • SEON stands out as a unique force for economic development in Vermont by fostering unparalleled collaboration. We unite all sectors of the local economy, enabling them to network, form partnerships, and work together, which directly enriches our local economy.

  • We don’t just educate; we certify builders and professionals in cutting-edge, high-performance building practices. This commitment creates a highly skilled workforce, essential for our sustainable future. Through various platforms—including open forums, blogs, working groups, and e-newsletters—we create dynamic spaces where everyone can connect, share insights, tackle challenges, and collaborate across all sectors.

  • Our core mission is centered on sustainable energy and environmentally sound practices, directly supporting the long-term viability of Vermont’s built environment. We recognize the deep interdependence within our economy, connecting previously isolated entities into a cohesive regional vision aimed at building a world worth inheriting.

  • Crucially, SEON isn’t a project management organization. Instead, we are a facilitative force. We empower the development and commercialization of renewable energy and energy efficiency by strategically linking people, information, and vital resources.

Our Commitment:

  • Continuous Improvement: Our commitment is to promote the ongoing, continuous learning of our building professionals.

Why We Do What We Do – and for Whom

  • We make it possible for green building enterprises to create well-paying jobs and adopt sustainable energy, environmentally sound practices.
  • We promote sustainable energy’s vital role in the health of communities and support the transition to a fossil-free economy.
  • We partner with others to enhance knowledge and implementation of environmentally friendly building construction and use.

SEON’s Guiding Principles

  • High performance buildings are essential to the economic health and environmental quality of the region.
  • An informed and engaged community is essential to the long-term sustainability of our built environment.
  • Everyone should live and work in healthy, comfortable, durable, energy efficient buildings.

SEON’s Building High Performance Building Businesses

  • SEON provides support and training to grow a high performance builder workforce and to run thriving businesses.
  • SEON provides support and training to facilities managers to operate healthy and energy efficient enterprises.
  • SEON fills research performance gaps and create opportunities to build the local clean energy building economy through continuous learning, including public education and to create demand.

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