Brad Barton – Director of Operations Healthy Homes Academy
Cat Sayles – COO Sustainable Westchester
Yasmin Najjar – Senior Manager of Environmental Justice, Sustainable Westchester
Jan Brennan – Director of Development – Sustainable Westchester
Kevin Brenner – CEO of Healthy Homes Academy

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — February 4, 2026 – A new, multi-year clean energy workforce initiative led by The Healthy Home Academy, in partnership with Sustainable Westchester, and supported by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), is launching to connect residents of state-designated Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) with paid training and long-term careers in heat pump installation and home performance.

“The Healthy Home Academy Heat Pump and Home Performance Training Program” will recruit, train, and place 123 participants over the next two years, supporting individuals as they move from training into full-time jobs, apprenticeships, or internships in New York’s growing clean energy and building-performance sectors. Training will begin in March 2026, with recruitment and information sessions starting this month.

“This program is about opening doors for people who have too often been left out of the clean energy economy,” says Noam Bramson, Executive Director, Sustainable Westchester. “Recruiting and placing more than 100 people into clean energy careers is ambitious by design—building on our experience connecting residents to opportunities and real career pathways. By integrating paid training, robust industry partnerships, and practical support for participants, we are helping to create stable, in-demand career pathways that prepare workers for the future.”

Two Training Pathways Aligned with In-Demand Careers

The Healthy Home Academy will conduct all training at their Brewster, NY facilities. The intensive 5-week program combines classroom instruction, lab work, and field experience, led by Kevin Brenner and in-house Academy staff, plus visiting industry experts. Participants will choose one of two industry-aligned training pathways:

Heat Pump Installation

• Focused on sizing, installing, servicing, and maintaining high-efficiency heat pump systems, preparing graduates to step directly into in-demand HVAC roles.
• Industry certifications including BPI Building Science Principles, Mitsubishi M&P Installation Essentials, EPA 608 Universal, Department of Labor OSHA 10, and ESCO Employment Ready Heat Pump Certification

Home Performance/Building Performance

• Focused on building science, energy efficiency, and healthy homes practices, equipping participants to improve comfort, energy use, and indoor air quality in existing homes.
• Industry certifications including BPI Building Science Principles, BPI Healthy Housing Principles, BPI Air Leakage Control Installer, and Department of Labor OSHA 10

“High-performance HVAC and efficiency is where the trades are headed—and it’s a phenomenal place to build a career,” says Kevin Brenner, the Head of The Healthy Home Academy. “Heat pump technology is advancing, homeowner expectations are rising, and the industry needs people who understand how buildings actually work. This partnership gives young people hands-on skills, real job pathways, and the chance to do work that genuinely improves people’s lives.”

The program emphasizes long-term career success, not just first-job placement. Graduates will receive follow-up support at approximately one month, six months, and one year after placement to track job stability, satisfaction, and advancement.

Sustainable Westchester will lead community outreach and recruitment, working closely with municipalities, schools, community-based organizations, and faith-based partners serving DACs. The effort will be led by Chief Operating Officer Cat Sayles and Senior Program Manager Yasmin Najjar, who will also oversee employer engagement and job placement, connecting graduates to opportunities with regional clean energy and building performance employers.

“At a time when clean energy policy faces uncertainty at the federal level, this partnership demonstrates that meaningful, local action is continuing—creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and preparing workers for the careers of the future,” Bramson says.

Heat Pump & Home Performance Training Program FAQ

• Who can apply?
 Must be residents of state-designated Disadvantaged Communities (DACs). Priority is given to recent high school graduates and adults seeking a career change, though other motivated applicants are welcome.
• How to apply? Applicants must be residents of DACs who are interested in paid training and careers in clean energy and healthy homes are encouraged to learn more about upcoming information sessions and application steps at https://sustainablewestchester.org/clean-energy-workforce/
• How much does it cost? 
There is no tuition cost for participants. Training is fully covered by the program.
• Is additional support available? 
Yes. Participants receive modest food and transportation stipends to help reduce financial and logistical barriers.
• What does the training include? A five-week program that is a combination of classroom instruction, lab-based practice, and supervised fieldwork.
• What kind of support is provided? 
Individualized career coaching, resume and interview preparation, professional skills training, and ongoing case management.
• What happens after training? 
Graduates are supported in securing full-time jobs, apprenticeships, or internships, with follow-up support at one month, six months, and one year.

About Healthy Home Academy
The Healthy Home Academy is a workforce training organization based in Brewster, NY, dedicated to preparing individuals for careers in energy efficiency, high-efficiency HVAC, and healthy, resilient housing through hands-on, industry-aligned instruction. The Academy was created in 2021 after it was apparent that prospective employees were ill prepared for the eco-science building industry. The Academy has changed that by preparing graduates to be ready on day one in their new careers. Learn more at Healthyhomeacademy.org

About Sustainable Westchester
Sustainable Westchester is a nonprofit organization that leads the region in meeting the urgent challenges of climate change and achieving a rapid, just, and affordable transition to clean energy. The organization partners with municipalities, community groups, businesses, and residents to make this transition simple, affordable, and impactful. Through vetted, easy-to-join programs, from community energy supply and solar to energy smart homes, building decarbonization, demand response, and more, Sustainable Westchester helps people make smart energy choices without the guesswork. Together with its partners, Sustainable Westchester is building a healthier, more resilient, and more equitable county where every household and business can be part of the solution. Learn more at sustainablewestchester.org.

Media Contacts:
Sustainable Westchester
Lisa Buchman
Harry Marketing | [email protected] | 914-471-5886