San Francisco Environment Department Expands Green Workforce Education to Prepare for All-Electric Future

***PRESS RELEASE***

San Francisco Environment Department Expands Green Workforce Education to Prepare for All-Electric Future

Contractors throughout the City are eager to seize workforce development opportunities to prepare for all-electric appliance installations

San Francisco, CA – Last month, the San Francisco Environment Department (SF Environment) trained and certified 75 new contractors in all-electric heat pump water heater (HPWH) appliance installations. This outstanding participation rate shows robust interest in green jobs and demand for building electrification. San Francisco’s decarbonization efforts have gained significant momentum this past year as the City’s Climate Equity Hub continues to ramp up its no-cost HPWH installation to qualified residents.

“The Climate Equity Hub has been successful from the start, because it grew out of government and community collaboration,” said Tyrone Jue, Director of SF Environment. “Communities knew jobs were key to the program’s success, and the turnout at this training is a reminder of the role the City can play to prepare the workforce for climate action. Green jobs are here to stay, and as demand for them grows, San Franciscans will benefit.”

SF Environment partnered with City College of San Francisco (CCSF) and appliance manufacturers to train local contractors on the installation of HPWH. 75 participating plumbers and HVAC installers received a manufacturer’s certification to install electric water heaters in homes and businesses. This event was at capacity and had a significant waitlist.  

"I encourage contractors, as well as City College of San Francisco students, to attend future trainings so they are prepared for the work of the future,” said Nick Rothman, Chair of the Automotive, Construction, Custodial, and Motorcycle departments at the City College of San Francisco.

CCSF serves more than 40,000 students annually at several centers throughout San Francisco, offering an affordable opportunity to earn certificates and degrees while learning hands-on skills like carpentry, plumbing, and automotive repair. Partnering with SF Environment on this program provides a timely resource and opportunity to educate contractors.

“Over 70 contractors showed up, a turnout we’ve never seen at past warehouse trainings,” said Chad Asay, Principal of Smart Building Solutions. “The presentations from Rheem, A.O. Smith, and Bradford White made it simple to see how to install the tank. Contractors left with a clear understanding of how to make heat pump installs affordable through local incentives, and how to access support services so they can focus on what they do best, the installs.”

After an incredibly successful first year completing electrification projects for 24 residential units across the city, SF Environment plans to reach an additional 50-80 households this year. The Climate Equity Hub aims to support the transition in as many homes as possible before a series of new Bay Area Air District zero emission appliance regulations start taking effect in 2027. This can only happen with a workforce ready to take on these jobs. 

In addition to these existing resources, the Climate Equity Hub is now partnering with the newly launched BayREN EASE Home program to provide low-cost weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades to residents . 

SF Environment’s newly launched betterelectric.org is a resource for both residents and contractors looking to connect with the Climate Equity Hub’s programs. Residents can explore how replacing gas appliances with all-electric units can improve their health, comfort, and home resilience. Contractors can participate in education programs that will prepare them for the transition to electric appliances. 

For more information on The Climate Equity Hub contractor and residential programs, visit betterelectric.org.

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