Category: ID360 Academy

In today’s fast-changing world of high-performance buildings and buildings only getting smarter, knowledge is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. With new legislation, local goals, and evolving building codes reshaping our industry at record speed, continuing education has never been more important.

Employers and professionals alike are feeling the pressure to stay ahead. Municipalities must adapt to funding opportunities and shifting infrastructure needs. Architecture firms are expected to deliver projects that not only meet community demand but also align with new codes and targets. Builders are tasked with implementing smarter practices at scale. To keep up, ongoing professional development is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Why Continuing Education Matters

For employers, investing in staff development pays dividends. Continuing education reduces costly mistakes, minimizes compliance risks, and improves employee retention. It also boosts overall workplace satisfaction—a factor that directly impacts productivity and long-term success.

For employees, continuing education is often the difference between stagnation and growth. Millennials, now the largest generation in the workforce, consistently rank opportunities to learn and grow as a top priority. According to Gallup, 87% of millennials say professional growth is essential to their job satisfaction. In short, offering education is no longer just a perk—it’s a competitive advantage.

The Rising Cost of Learning

Of course, providing ongoing training isn’t without challenges. Employers can spend thousands per employee annually on learning and development, and the cost of travel, conferences, and lost billable hours only adds to the burden. For many organizations, the expense can feel unsustainable—even as the need for education continues to grow.

That’s where online, on-demand learning comes in.

Why Online, On-Demand Education Wins

Online education offers flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. Professionals can learn when and where it works for them—without the need to take days off for travel or conferences.

Employers can train staff at scale without stretching budgets or sacrificing productivity. And with the right program, participants earn valuable continuing education units (CEUs) that help them maintain certifications and stay compliant with industry standards.

The ID360 Academy All Access Pass

At ID360 Academy, we’ve designed our All Access Pass to make continuing education simple, cost-effective, and future-proof. With one pass, you gain unlimited access to our entire course catalog for a full year, including all current and future releases.

That means your team doesn’t just get training for today’s needs—they’re also equipped to handle tomorrow’s challenges. From high-performance building strategies to evolving codes and policies, our courses are built to keep professionals sharp, compliant, and competitive.

Best of all, the All Access Pass is 100% online and fully on-demand. Whether you’re an architect, builder, or municipal leader, you can access expert training anytime, anywhere. And for a limited time, you can save 10% with code ID360Academy10.

Invest in Knowledge. Invest in the Future.

The industry is changing fast—and those who keep learning will lead the way. Don’t let rising costs or limited time hold you back. With the ID360 Academy All Access Pass, continuing education is easier, smarter, and more accessible than ever.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of effective governance and policy implementation. For municipalities, local governments, and agencies, successful outreach not only keeps residents informed but also builds trust and understanding about how new regulations impact daily life. At ID360, we emphasize proactive education and outreach to ensure the community is engaged throughout the process, helping pave the way for smoother transitions and effective policy adoption.

1. The Role of Community Engagement in Policy Development

Community engagement is essential for shaping policies that reflect the values and needs of local residents. Whether a jurisdiction is adopting new energy codes or implementing decarbonization initiatives, involving the public early and often can make all the difference. Engaging the community is about more than just informing—it’s about listening, learning, and adapting policies to address concerns. For example, outreach efforts like public meetings or informational campaigns through flyers ensure transparency and build community buy-in.

Successful engagement also brings the added benefit of empowering residents to take an active role in shaping their community’s future. Consider a case where feedback from a local workshop led to revisions in a proposed building ordinance, ensuring that the policy was both effective and embraced by the community. By investing in these conversations, municipalities set themselves up for long-term success.

2. Outreach Strategies for Engaging Community Groups

Engaging diverse community groups requires a well-thought-out approach that goes beyond one-size-fits-all communication. Here are some effective strategies:

Town Hall Meetings: Hosting in-person or virtual town halls provides a platform for residents to ask questions and voice opinions. These meetings should be interactive, allowing for dialogue rather than one-way communication.

Workshops and Focus Groups: Facilitated workshops that dive into the details of new regulations or programs can help demystify complex topics. Focus groups, meanwhile, offer deeper insights into community concerns and priorities.

Digital Outreach: Maintaining a robust online presence through social media, newsletters, or email campaigns can keep the community informed. Using digital platforms ensures that information is accessible and up-to-date.

Also, be sure to keep in mind that language matters in outreach. Explaining technical regulations in straightforward, relatable terms helps ensure that messages are clear. Creative tools like infographics, video explainers, or community storytelling can make even the most complex information engaging and understandable.

3. Supporting REN Organizations: A Local Partnership

Regional Energy Network (REN) organizations play a critical role in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. At ID360, we strengthen their efforts by acting as their “eyes and ears” on the ground. RENs rely on community insights to shape impactful programs, and our collaboration ensures these initiatives are grounded in local realities.

Our approach includes attending community events, facilitating feedback sessions, and providing REN organizations with timely education and outreach. By understanding the community pulse, we empower RENs to make informed decisions that resonate with local priorities and CPUC goals. This support helps maximize the impact of programs and drive meaningful change at the neighborhood level.

4. Driving Adoption 

Adopting new technologies, like heat pumps, requires more than just technical knowledge—it demands a cultural shift. Community outreach plays a crucial role in sparking interest and excitement around green innovations. For instance, heat pumps, known for their energy efficiency and environmental benefits, may initially seem intimidating to homeowners. Effective outreach changes this by highlighting the advantages in a way that connects with community values.

How can municipalities make this happen? Start by framing the technology’s benefits in relatable terms. Emphasize cost savings, improved indoor comfort, and positive environmental impact. Additionally, hosting demonstrations or open houses where residents can see these technologies in action creates a tangible, memorable experience. When the community understands the “why” behind these technologies, adoption becomes far more likely.

5. Educating the Community on New Codes and Initiatives 

When new code as and initiatives are rolled out, education becomes paramount. It’s not just about compliance but about understanding the purpose behind these rules. Take, for example, a new energy efficiency code. Community members are more likely to embrace it if they understand how it conserves resources, reduces costs, and contributes to a healthier environment.

Simplifying complex regulations is key. Infographics, easy-to-read guides, or even short videos can break down the essentials in a digestible way. Hosting Q&A sessions or creating online resources with frequently asked questions ensures that community members can easily access the information they need. The more effort put into clear, consistent education, the fewer hurdles there are when it comes to implementation.

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, education and outreach are more critical than ever. For municipalities looking to implement new codes, energy policies, or community initiatives, the value of a well-informed, engaged public cannot be overstated. At ID360, we’re committed to supporting local governments and organizations every step of the way, from policy development to community engagement.