Student leaders building conservation culture and helping Wenatchee’s buildings meet Washington’s Clean Buildings Standard.
WHAT SEM IS
01 — A student-driven conservation program
Trained student professionals who eliminate energy waste, align building operations with actual use, and build a conservation culture that lasts.
02 — Compliance built on conservation
SEM delivers the Energy Management Plan and O&M program that Tier 2 buildings are legally required to have — turning a compliance obligation into lasting conservation habits.
03 — Savings that sustain themselves
No capital investment required. Immediate cost reductions cover the SEM service, with the majority of savings retained by the building — for decades.
WHY CONSERVATION FIRST
The cheapest, fastest path to lower energy costs
Conservation doesn’t require new equipment. It requires people — aligned, informed, and motivated to act. That’s the hardest part, and it’s exactly what Student Energy Managers are built to do.
Because conservation is site-based and people-powered, students are uniquely effective. They build trust with operators and occupants, communicate across generations, and create habits that outlast any single project.
“Conservation is the cheapest and fastest way to reduce energy use and cost — but it’s difficult because it involves many people with different needs. SEM is the change agent who makes it happen.”
COMPLIANCE
The window to act is now
Washington’s CBPS Tier 2 deadline is July 1, 2027. Non-compliance carries a flat $0.30 per square foot penalty. A performance standard is expected around 2029. SEM delivers the EMP and O&M program required for compliance — while building the conservation foundation that makes future performance targets achievable.
Compliance is mandatory — the fine is not
THE DEADLINE IF FIXED. YOUR RESPONSE ISN’T.
Every Tier 2 building in Washington must meet Clean Buildings standards by June 2027. There is no opt-out. But the penalty for missing the deadline is entirely avoidable — if you start now.
EARLY ADOPTERS ARE PAID TO COMPLY
The Department of Commerce's Early Adopter Incentive program is designed to cover the cost of compliance for buildings that act before the deadline. That means the choice isn't "comply or don't" — it's "get paid to comply, or pay to comply late."
WHAT SEM DELIVERS
“Conservation is the cheapest and fastest way to reduce energy use and cost — but it’s difficult because it involves many people with different needs. SEM is the change agent who makes it happen.”
For buildings
• Immediate energy cost reduction
• CBPS Tier 2 compliance
• EMP and O&M program delivered
• Stronger operating procedures
• Environmental stewardship
For students
• Paid internship
• Leadership and communication skills
• Real-world professional experience
• Doors to future careers
“Empowering our students to make tangible energy savings not only prepares them for the future but is a game-changer for our schools and community right now. These students are not just hunting for energy savings; they’re paving the way for a sustainable tomorrow.”
For Wenatchee
• Schools and businesses connected
• Student-driven sustainability
• A replicable regional framework
• A stronger community future
This internship is aligned with Career and Technical Education high school credits in Washington state. In addition to school credits, the apprenticeship includes an accredited Energy Efficiency Practitioner (EEP™) certification through the Association of Energy Engineers. To learn more about this industry standard certification, click here!
THE WINDOW IS CLOSING
Incentive funding is performance-based and first-come. Buildings that wait lose access to the money that makes compliance free. Every month of delay narrows your options and increases your out-of-pocket cost.