The Energy Training (ET) program at the CUNY School of Professional Studies’ Office of Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS) is excited to kick off National Energy Awareness Month this October by announcing its formal accreditation by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). IACET rigorously evaluates professional development programs to determine their eligibility to award continuing education units (CEUs), and recently certified ET for the high-quality training it provides to energy professionals.
“The benefits of IACET accreditation are significant,” said Michelle Attles, Program Director of ILS Energy Training. “It enables ET to issue CEUs recognized across industries and enhances the credibility and transferability of our training, ensures that our instructional design meets rigorous adult learning standards, and provides a structured framework for continuous improvement.”
ET’s courses equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to address current energy challenges, support global climate change initiatives, and promote sustainability. The program serves a broad audience within the energy sector, ranging from entry-level personnel to seasoned professionals, including building operators, stationary engineers, architects, project managers, analysts, and energy managers.
ET had long recognized the strategic value of aligning its learning offerings—which include courses, webinars, workshops, certifications, and specialized training sessions offered through the Energy Management Institute (EMI)—with internationally recognized standards in the areas of quality, consistency, and learner-centered excellence. But it wasn’t until last year that ET, in partnership with its EMI program sponsor the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Division of Energy Management (DEM), had the capacity to begin the intensive and collaborative process of pursuing and attaining accreditation.
“With a unified vision, the team embarked upon what would become a year-long initiative to build a robust application that documented every aspect of our operation, from needs assessment and instructional design to instructor hiring and learner support services,” said Rachid Eladlouni, Senior Manager of ILS ET Program Effectiveness. “IACET accreditation is a programmatic milestone that marks formal recognition of the quality of our work and opens a new chapter in the program’s evolution and impact.”
“All ET team members assisted with drafting new policies or updating existing ones, developing standard operating procedures, and preparing detailed documentation to support the application,” said Erin Morrison-Sadaka, Senior Manager of ILS ET Training Operations.
The team also worked collaboratively with DCAS DEM to ensure that training materials not only reflected the program’s existing strengths but also met IACET’s standards for continuing education and training.
“A highly skilled, well-trained workforce is critical to decarbonizing NYC’s public buildings,” said Sana Barakat, Deputy Commissioner of Energy Management at DCAS and the City Chief Decarbonization Officer. “Our IACET accreditation reflects a strong commitment to providing high-quality professional development for the public servants who keep our city running. We are proud to advance this work in partnership with the CUNY SPS Office of Innovative Learning Solutions.”
About the Office of Innovative Learning Solutions
The Office of Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS) was established in 2006 by the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) with the belief that a great urban university should pay attention to the needs of the city. ILS’ mission is to enhance organizational effectiveness and elevate individual careers through the design and implementation of transformative learning programs. In FY24, the unit managed 14 programs in partnership with city, state, and non-profit organizations with a $48 million budget and trained more than 39,000 people.
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu