National Training Certificate for CEA Design and Construction Is Introduced
March 12, 2026 
Photo: LLK Greenhouse Solutions
The Resource Innovation Institute (RII), in partnership with the Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (OHCEAC) at The Ohio State University (OSU), has announced the launch of the first (and currently only) national professional development certificate for design, construction, and operational professionals working in CEA facilities.
All training materials are based on the expert-reviewed best practices found in RII’s publications, and were developed with guidance from an advisory council of industry leaders, including representatives from:
- American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
- ARCO/Murray
- Colorado State University
- Harrisburg University
- Northwest Energy Efficiency Council
- Vertical Harvest Farms.
The GrowBuild Program
The first offering in the GrowBuild program is “CEA Building & Biosystems: Horticulture Essentials.”
According to OSU, the curriculum covers five core courses “spanning fundamental CEA principles, building systems, cultivation methods, climate control equipment, and crop-specific requirements. Participants will master the intersection of horticulture science and engineering systems, enabling effective communication with growers, clients, and project stakeholders.” Additionally, the program “emphasizes practical application through case studies, equipment evaluation, and real-world problem-solving scenarios.”
Those who successfully complete the course requirements will be issued a certificate of completion from OSU.
For more information and to enroll in the online, self-paced course, please visit the GrowBuild program page on the RII website.