Overwhelmed by the sheer number of contractors and other trade professionals as you plan for a home project? Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is helping to make sure the most qualified can stand out from the rest, at least online. 

PNNL is working to have special “badges” show up in Google search results for contractors, plumbers, HVAC specialists and other tradespeople that have completed a designated Energy Skilled training program or certification.  

The Energy Skilled initiative is managed by the lab’s buildings researchers and determines what programs and trainings, through their curricula, meet standards for supporting high-performing, reliable and comfortable buildings.  

Once an individual completes an Energy Skilled-recognized training program or certification, their employer’s name is shared with PNNL, which then works with Google to have the badge show up with that business in search results. 

A business only needs to have one technician or contractor who has completed one of the recognized trainings to receive the Energy Skilled badge.  

“With this new badge, consumers can be more confident and knowledgeable about the skillsets of the contractors they hire,” said Cheryn Metzger, residential and commercial buildings program manager at PNNL, in a statement. “As of May 2026, more than 80 credentials and training programs have been recognized as Energy Skilled, which means thousands of contractor businesses are highlighted in Google search results. As we add more recognized programs and job categories to Energy Skilled, the badge will become even more well-known and desirable for the consumer-contractor relationship.” 

To find out more about the Energy Skilled program, check out DOE’s website.