Virginia's Energy Sustainability and Efficiency pathway prepares students for careers promoting efficient energy use and sustainable energy practices—addressing climate goals and reducing energy costs. This pathway combines energy science with environmental responsibility and business economics.
Students study energy fundamentals, energy efficiency technologies, renewable energy systems, green building practices, energy auditing, and energy management. They conduct energy audits, design efficiency improvements, and analyze energy systems through classroom and field projects.
Graduates work as energy auditors, sustainability specialists, energy managers, building efficiency consultants, or renewable energy technicians. Virginia's clean energy goals and business cost reduction priorities create expanding opportunities. Advanced students pursue environmental engineering and sustainability programs.
Energy Sustainability and Efficiency at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's energy sustainability standards align with state energy efficiency requirements and LEED green building standards. Standards emphasize renewable energy technologies and sustainable practices.
Students demonstrate competency through energy audits, efficiency improvement projects, and renewable energy system analysis. The state integrates HVAC efficiency and building automation knowledge.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Energy Fundamentals and Efficiency |
| Renewable Energy Systems |
| Energy Auditing and Management |
| Sustainable Building and Green Technology |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NCCER Carpentry Level 1
- ✓NCCER Carpentry Level 2
- ✓NCCER HVAC Level 1
- ✓EPA 608 Certification
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Revit
- ✓NOCTI Building and Construction Occupations
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Energy Auditor
Entry LevelSalary range: $111,740 - $181,210
Renewable Energy Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $111,740 - $181,210
Energy Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $111,740 - $181,210
Sustainability Consultant
ExperiencedSalary range: $81,990 - $140,840
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with utility companies, energy consulting firms, renewable energy companies, and building management organizations throughout Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Ready to Build Energy Sustainability and Efficiency Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Energy Sustainability and Efficiency in Virginia.