Home Weatherization Energy Audit Training and BPI Building Analyst Certification

BPI Building Analyst Training and Certification for
Residential Energy Auditors and Weatherization Professionals
Course ID: BPW-404
September 21 - October 9, 2009 (3 Weeks)
Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
EOS Alliance - Headquarters
650 S. Orcas Street, Suite 220
Seattle, Washington 98108

Instructor: Bruce Minturn, BPI Certified Building Analyst and Exam Proctor, EOS Alliance; and Others

Description: This course is intended to provide the knowledge and experience necessary to prepare professionals conducting home weatherization energy audits to pass the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst exams, and become a certified Building Analyst. The course material is specifically tailored for energy efficiency professionals working within utility-funded programs and other programs funded through U.S. Department of Energy. It is based on the “Core Competencies for the Weatherization Assistance Program” developed by the Weatherization Trainers Consortium. The course includes ten days of classroom training, five days of field training, and both written and field exams. Both weatherization and energy auditor professionals will benefit from the training and certification.

Course Topics:

Module 1. Building Science
This module describes the most essential physical principles of building science needed to be a successful home energy professional. A working knowledge of this information is essential to understanding the other topics presented the other modules.

Module 2. Energy Auditing Skills
All weatherization improvements must be preceded by an accurate and informed energy audit. This topic provides guidance for inspection, measurement, and testing procedures. Sections on utility bill analysis and computer auditing tools (e.g., TREAT software) will help energy auditors specify energy conservation priorities and budget weatherization funds depending on energy consumption.

Module 3. Diagnosing Air Leakage
Air leakage is a complex housing problem that impacts heating and cooling energy waste, indoor air quality, and building durability. This topic focuses on methods of measuring air leakage, evaluating potential energy savings, and evaluating ventilation.

Module 4. Heating and Cooling Systems
Building analysts should have a basic understanding of heating and cooling systems, which are the most complicated equipment in most homes. These systems consume the majority of a home's energy use in most climates. The focus of this topic is to recognize the components and understand the basic operation of heating and cooling systems; it includes proper combustion safety testing.

Module 5. The Building Shell
Improving the efficiency of the building shell is the key to comfort and seasonal energy savings. Insulation and air sealing are the primary topics here, and a strong case is made for optimizing the application of both these measures. Window repair and replacement are also discussed.

Module 6. Water Heating and Baseload
Water heating, lighting, refrigeration, the clothes dryer, and other baseload energy uses should never be overlooked in a weatherization energy audit. In mild climates, water heating and baseload may consume more energy than heating and cooling. Appliance replacement is increasingly attractive as technologically advanced equipment comes to market.

Module 7. Home Health & Safety
Weatherization work must be planned and carried out in a way that protects the health and safety of both customers and workers. Moisture management, ventilation, pollutant source-control, and lead-safe weatherization are the primary topics for this module.

Final Classroom Exam (1 day - choose one of 2)
October 9, 2009, 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. - EOS Alliance Headquaters
October 16, 2009, 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. - TBA
In the morning, students will have a question and answer period and final review followed by the Saturn Online final exam. This exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions. It draws from all the material covered in the building science topics above. In the afternoon, students will take the written portion of their BPI exam.

Field Training (5 Days)
8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Participants spend five days gaining hands-on training and tips from BPI certified instructors, while assessing several homes during the week. The field training is specifically intended to provide practical skills and knowledge to assist participants in their efforts to pass the BPI Building Analyst field exam.

Final Field Exam (2 Hours)
Date/Time To Be Scheduled by Participants
The final field exam includes two hours of hands-on testing of participants home weatherization audit methods and safety measures.

Classroom Training: During the classroom training, participants interact with each other and the instructor; watch instructional videos and narrated slide shows; participate in group discussions and Q&A with the on-site BPI-certified facilitator; and apply their knowledge and skills during regular exercises and quizzes. By the end of the classroom training, participants are expected to be prepared to pass the written portion of the BPI Building Analyst exam.

Field Training: During the field training, participants work in groups of 8 or fewer with a BPI-certified Building Analyst to conduct energy audits of at least 5 homes. Skills developed will include: inspection and measurement of homes; diagnostic testing; combustion appliance safety testing; identification of appropriate weatherization measures; and development of written work orders for weatherization contractors. Participants will become familiar with all of the tools that auditors use including the blower door, infrared camera, gas leak detector, CO detector, smoke puffer, and duct blaster. By the end of this week, participants are expected to be prepared to pass the field portion of the BPI Building Analyst exam.

Course Schedule:

Week 1
September 21-25, 2009 :

Classroom Training

Week 2
September 28- October 2, 2009:

Classroom Training

Week 3
October 5-9, 2009
or October 12-16:

Field Training

Students will have the Option to take the Classroom Written Exam for BPI Certification on:
Tuesday October 6, 2009
or
Friday October 23, 2009

Field Instruction Week Only
(for people who have already taken the written class and exam)
October 12-16, 2009

Exams: In order to become BPI certified, auditors must pass a 100 question written exam and a 2-hour field exam. The written exam will be offered at regular intervals at EOS Alliance. Auditors must schedule their one-on-one field exam with EOS Exam Proctor, Bruce Minturn.

Course Materials: Each classroom training participant will receive copies of the texts Residential Energy and Energy Auditor Field Guide. Participants will also receive course proceedings and reference material.

Residential Energy: Cost Savings and Comfort for Existing Buildings
John Krigger & Chris Dorsi

This new 5th edition is packed full of new information on energy consumption, analyzing energy costs, and other energy-auditing information. This book introduces readers to a home's energy-related components and explains all the important possibilities for energy conservation. Readers will learn that effective energy conservation requires a whole-house approach that addresses the biggest energy wasters first. Residential Energy is an essential reference manual for home energy raters, energy auditors, weatherization technicians, carpenters, heating and air-conditioning specialists, insulation contractors, plumbers, electricians, and home-improvement enthusiasts. This new edition marks Residential Energy’s maturation into the one complete reference book on energy efficiency for residential buildings. This book has nearly 400 illustrations, charts, and tables. The included compact disc contains a complete copy of the book with clickable cross-references, bookmarks, and searchable index. It is an important reference tool that should be in every energy specialist’s library. 320 pages, with 11 chapters and 24 appendices.

Energy Auditor Field Guide

Saturn Energy Auditor Field Guide
John Krigger & Chris Dorsi

The Energy Auditor Field Guide describes the best practices used in assessing the performance of existing homes. It includes step-by-step procedures that identify the most effective energy-saving measures for a home depending on its type and climate. This guide includes instructions for performing advanced blower-door diagnostics. This guide has undergone many rounds of technical review from experts around North America. The Energy Auditor Field Guide is illustrated with dozens of drawings, photographs, charts, and tables. It includes nine chapters and an extensive appendix. It is used on the job by home performance contractors, home energy raters, and weatherization auditors. It is also used as a study guide for students in building performance courses.

About the Lead Instructor: Bruce Minturn is the lead instructor for EOS Alliance’s energy training program. A BPI-certified Building Analyst and test proctor, Bruce began studying and working in residential energy with the goal of promoting the design and construction of more energy efficient residences. Since beginning his career in home energy efficiency, Bruce has performed audits for Seattle-area residences; participated in a King County Housing Authority pilot project; and begun development of standardized audit forms & reports. Bruce is a founding member of Home Performance Washington, the home performance contractors’ association for Washington State.

Intended Audience: This three-week class is intended for those seeking the knowledge and skills necessary to perform comprehensive home weatherization audits and pass their BPI Building Analyst certification exams. Energy auditors, weatherization installers, home builders, construction workers, contractors, and inspectors seeking an improved understanding of home energy efficiency will also benefit from attending.

Prerequisites: Basic math skills (multiplication and division) and good physical condition. General familiarity with residential structures (home framing, insulation, and structural components) is recommended, but not required.

Education Level: Introductory/beginner

Course Credit: Certificate of Completion from Saturn Online, Certificate of Completion from EOS Alliance, and students who pass their BPI exams will receive BPI Building Analyst certification.

What to Bring: Laptop computer is required (laptop rental is available at $200), pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste) for the class portion.
For the field portion, all participants must bring a flashlight, paper mask, and safety glasses. You will not be allowed to participate in the field portions without these supplies.
Please bring a sack lunch or plan on buying lunch at a local restaurant. Refreshments will be provided during the classroom portion only.

Registration: The cost for the 3-week class and textbooks is $2,250.00(*$2,050 for Home Performance Washington Members). The cost of the written and field exams for BPI Building Analyst certification (passing both exams is required for certification) is $600.00. You may register online by clicking here, by phone by calling EOS Alliance between 8 A.M. and 6 P.M. PST at (206) 762-2553, or by sending an email to pt@nwetc.org. Groups of 3 or more from the same organization recieve a discounted rate for 3-week class and textbooks of $1995.00 per student.

If you would like to take a portion of the course individually, please indicate this on the registration page (no early bird rate applies for portions of the class).

Alternative training options include:
$1,650.00: 2-Week Classroom Training
$825.00: 1-Week Field Training
$200: BPI Written Exam
$400: BPI Field Exam
$200: Optional Laptop Rental Fee (Every students participating in 2-Week Classroom Training must have a laptop able to connect to wireless internet.

Finance Options: EOS Alliance is an Eligible Training Provider with the Washington Career Bridge. Please view the website for financial options for this course.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.