Google launches ‘Energy Skilled’ badges: What to know

Google last month launched an initiative with the Department of Energy to connect consumers with contractors that employ “Energy Skilled” technicians. 

What’s happening: Google will now display an Energy Skilled badge on contractors’ Business Profiles if at least one technician has earned a credential “recognized as Energy Skilled” by the DOE.  

• The logic: “We believe this collaboration will make it easier for people to find qualified providers offering home energy audits and heat pump installations,” a Google exec said in the announcement.

Zoom in: “Energy Skilled-recognized” credentials include certifications from NATE and training programs by manufacturers like Lennox, Mitsubishi/Trane, and Daikin, among others.

• The DOE will periodically send Google a list of contractors that earn credentials, and Google will automatically add badges to their Business Profiles, according to a Google spokesperson. 
• Full list of credentials

Of note: Energy Skilled badges have no impact on search rankings, the spokesperson added. 

The bottom line: Now live, “This feature takes the guesswork out of finding a qualified technician to perform home upgrades that require specialized training and certifications,” the announcement said.