WALL, N.J., April 23, 2025 –New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) today announced the opening of the company’s SAVEGREEN® Innovation and Training Annex in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, Monmouth County. The facility exemplifies NJNG’s role as a leader in innovation and energy efficiency in the state and will serve as the hub for an enhanced Workforce Development Program in collaboration with Isles, Inc., a community development and environmental nonprofit organization based in Trenton, New Jersey, and its Center for Energy and Environmental Training (CEET). The collaboration between NJNG and Isles provides workforce development curriculum in the rapidly growing areas of energy efficiency, end-use equipment installation and maintenance and building performance.
With the demand for energy-efficiency projects expected to grow by more than 35% in the next two years, the expanded Workforce Development Program* will provide state-of-the-art training for new and underemployed entrants into the industry on the latest energy-efficiency standards, techniques and technologies. The training will benefit adult residents and customers within NJNG’s service territory, providing increased opportunities for those in overburdened communities and advance the skill set of trade professionals serving NJNG’s franchise area.
Equipped with the newest high-efficiency natural gas equipment and innovative technologies, the facility provides eligible participants with free* Building Performance Institute (BPI) technical training and certification in alliance with the CEET. Trainees of the facility will benefit from Isles’ highly successful experience as a community nonprofit focused on cultivating self-reliant families and healthy, sustainable communities through skills training and career opportunity development and placement programs.
“This collaboration is an important step in advancing New Jersey Natural Gas and Isles’ shared goals of fostering more sustainable communities, supporting economic development and driving innovation toward energy efficiency and lower emissions,” said Pat Migliaccio, chief operating officer of New Jersey Natural Gas. “The Isles CEET is focused on generating jobs and economic opportunity through professional training while making homes healthy and energy efficient.”
“Isles’ CEET looks forward to this collaboration with New Jersey Natural Gas as we expand our training services. We share a common goal of ensuring we train a workforce to provide quality services to New Jersey residents, making their homes comfortable and more energy efficient. We look forward to utilizing their state-of-the-art facility to give candidates a great learning experience,” said Andre Thomas, director of Training and Support of Isles’ Center for Energy and Environmental Training.
NJNG’s Workforce Development Program includes three training components toward Building Science Principles, Building Analyst Technician and Building Analyst Professional BPI certification. Upon completion, participants will be well-versed with the skills and knowledge for careers in the home performance field, including whole home energy diagnostics and inspection, data collection and evaluation, energy modeling and more.
“The transition to a low-carbon future requires a skilled workforce. This investment in our communities not only supports economic development for individuals and the participating contractors but also empowers our customers with innovative, cost-saving energy solutions,” Migliaccio added.
Building on NJNG’s commitment to adopting new technology and innovative energy- and emission-saving solutions, the Innovation and Training Annex also features the state’s first installation of an Anesi gas heat pump. This innovative technology serves as a demonstration and educational tool for local and participating contractors to encourage adoption throughout New Jersey. Anesi will provide trade professionals with free hands-on training to help advance this technology solution and its significant decarbonization benefits.
Launched in 2009, NJNG’s SAVEGREEN program has helped over 100,000 customers overcome the barriers to energy efficiency with solutions that meet the unique needs and budgets of this broad customer base. Its Workforce Development Program advances this initiative by helping meet the needs of underserved communities with resources designed to advance economic development for individuals and neighborhoods alike. To learn more about SAVEGREEN programs, visit savegreen.com.
For more information on NJNG’s Workforce Development Program and its SAVEGREEN Innovation and Learning Annex, and enrollment details, visit savegreen.com/residential/workforce-development.
*Terms and conditions apply. Must be 18 years or older and reside within New Jersey Natural Gas’ (NJNG) service territory. Offer subject to available funding. Courses fee paid by NJNG are inclusive of courses materials, the first BPI exam and certification. Applicants are responsible for any computer/laptop and internet costs associated with participation in courses. Applications must be received by June 30, 2027. Applicants must pass the certification test to receive certification. In-person and field training will take place in Atlantic Highlands, Long Branch or Red Bank. Visit savegreen.com/residential/workforce-development for complete terms and conditions.