When you enter a new industry, especially a technical one like residential energy efficiency, there’s going to be a learning curve. But this learning curve can be easily overcome with the proper introductory training. And that’s what BPI Building Science Principles (BPI BSP) is!

Not every person interested in human health needs all the education of a doctor or surgeon, but they should have a basic understanding of human anatomy. BPI BSP is the entry-level anatomy course for home energy efficiency. What’s particularly great about BPI BSP is that it’s relatable; we all live in homes, and when you better understand how your home functions, you can make better use of it to maximize your comfort, happiness, and energy bills.

What Does BPI BSP Cover?

Officially, BPI Building Science Principles teaches people about the basics of building science as well as the widely-used terminology in the industry. 

Building science alone is a term that describes how various components of a home interact to affect the home’s overall performance. Understanding the relationships between the building envelope, heating, A/C, insulation, mechanical ventilation, lighting, appliances and other systems of the home will enable you to assist yourself and others. BPI BSP teaches you how these systems affect the comfort, health, and safety of occupants and durability of the home. 

Who Uses the Building Science Certificate?

Homeowners and office staff would likely view building science as “good to know” information.

It should go without saying that home energy auditors, contractors, and other technical professionals NEED to understand building science in order to do their jobs properly. 

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) agrees with that statement so much that they’ve actually listed BPI BSP as a prerequisite to its BPI Certification 2023 scheme. Anyone interested in earning BPI Certification going forward has to first earn the BPI Building Science Principles certificate of knowledge, due to the strong foundation that it provides. Previously, a candidate could jump to whatever BPI certification they were interested in, but now BPI wants to carefully foster professional development and ensure that individuals are getting the necessary training along the way.

How to Earn BPI BSP

This first step is not designed to be an arduous undertaking. Simply learn the material and pass a 100-question multiple-choice exam with a passing score of 70%. 

Start with Everblue’s BPI Building Science Principles training program, and you’ll be well on your way!