Solar Installation Job: What to Expect

Here’s a high-level overview of what takes place when a customer hires a professional for a solar installation job and chooses to add solar to their home.

Note: We are not a solar installation company. Here at Everblue Training, we offer solar installation training so you can learn the electrical theory and installation technique to apply for solar jobs in your local area.

To learn more about our solar installation courses, please call (800) 460-2575 or visit our Solar Training page.

For info on employment, visit our How to Find a Job in Solar page.
 

Now, without further adieu…

Solar Installation Process

Phase 1 Consultation: Customer Evaluation/General Site Visit

client consultation

When a prospective client contacts a solar installation company seeking information, what occurs is actually a back-and-forth conversation. The client wants to know how it all works, including steps, timeline, and pricing. The solar installation company has questions of its own that will help inform the answers to the client’s questions, including:

  • Homeownership vs. rental status
  • HOA requirements
  • Whether the roof has shading
  • Who the local utility service provider is

This conversation may also lead to an introductory on-site visit to determine:

  • Roof type
  • Angle of roof
  • Shading
  • Solar system size
  • Additional roof measurements

And finally, the installer may take photos of the property to back up the information collected from the visit.

 

Phase 2 Consultation: Home Inspection/Engineering Site Visit

engineering site visit

Now that there is a deeper level of understanding for the client and the solar company about what’s required to add solar to the home, the next step is a more intensive site visit. During this visit, an engineer (either with the solar company or hired independently) will physically evaluate the home and look at:

  • The electric panel (where the fuses or circuit breakers are) to determine if it can handle the solar installation or whether it needs to be updated. Upgrading the electrical panel means adding more amps of current and ampere capacity.
  • The condition of the roof to ensure that it’s structurally sound
  • Shading and sunlight availability
  • Where the solar PV system will be located on the home (and determine its size)
  • Current power bills

The engineer may also use a tool known as a Solar Pathfinder to calculate precisely how much sunlight the solar system will be able to capture. Certain credit or rebate programs will require this step as proof that the solar system meets minimum efficiency requirements

 

Custom Proposal

After these conversations and inspections, the solar company has enough to develop a work proposal for the client. The proposal should include:

Specific facts/measurements about the roof/home in question

  • Recommended solar system design: panel wattage and manufacturer, roof facet selection, inverter type, sizing, and which roof facets to use in order to make sure the client gets the perfect system at the best price
  • Recommendations and tradeoffs of each option

At this point, the client will work with the solar company to finalize and approve the intended solar system design.

 

signed contract

 

Sign Contract

With the finalized proposal in hand, the client will sign a contract, granting permission for the work. The contract will also outline whether the system will be completed via a lease, loan, cash purchase, or power purchase agreement.

 

Permitting

Now that the contact has been signed, it is the solar company’s responsibility to initiate the installation project by applying for permits with the local planning and zoning commission.

Permits are the logistical paperwork required for a solar panel installation.

  • Some of the paperwork involves applying for state and federal solar incentives, such as the federal investment tax credit, local solar programs, clean energy financing initiatives like PACE, government rebates, and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs)
  • Other paperwork includes building permits, which are specific to where the client lives. For example, certain states require that a roof has three feet of clear space surrounding the solar panels, whereas other areas of the U.S. will allow you to install panels across the entire surface of your roof. The solar installer should know the restrictions and requirements of the states in which they operate, and can help a client figure out which permits are needed – in many cases, the installer will fill out this paperwork.

The client should get copies and keep them for their records. They’ll need copies when selling the home to document that all necessary approvals were received. Copies of the permit can be a requirement for certain incentive and financing programs.

The solar contractor will submit the documents to the local agencies and utility for approval.

 

Schedule an Installation

schedule a solar installation job

It should go without saying that the solar company and the client should agree upon a date and time for when the solar installation should occur. This timeframe varies, depending on:

  • When the permits get approved
  • If the solar contractor has the equipment in stock
  • How busy the solar company is with other installations
  • Client availability

Getting the Equipment

solar equipment

If solar contractor doesn’t already have the equipment in stock, they’ll have to order it from a distributor. This can be done during the permitting process or after.

The two components that are most often researched and ordered are solar panels and inverters.

The solar installer will likely recommend a particular brand for each and will additionally offer a few alternatives.

Durability, efficiency and aesthetics are the primary factors most homeowners will use to compare the various brands (other than price).

 

Installation

solar installation job

Here’s the part that everyone is familiar with!

On a high level, the day-of solar installation job will look like this:

  • Prep the roof and make sure the shingles or tiles are properly attached
  • Start installing the wiring for the new solar system (electrical wiring that will connect to the electrical panel and general power system)
  • Then install racking equipment on the roof (to support the solar panels, this is the only piece of equipment that will actually be attached to the roof). Once the racking is level and safely attached, the panels are placed onto the racking.
  • Finally, connect the solar panels to the inverter or power controllers. Inverters are connected to the panels to convert direct current (DC) to the alternating current (AC) energy used in homes and on the electric grid.

Utility will Swap Meters

power meter

If the client lives in an area where net-metering is allowed, the solar installer or local utility will install a new power meter that allows for bi-directional metering of electricity.

 

Interconnection

solar inspection

With the solar panel system physically installed at this point, the last step is final inspection from the utility and/or local officials.

The solar company should send someone to meet the representatives to show them all of the technical details they’ll need to review, including all of the interconnection points and electrical systems.

Inspectors will ensure that the work done by the installer was done safely, appropriately, and to code. This will include verifying that the electrical wiring was done correctly, the mounting was safely and sturdily attached, and the overall install meets standard electrical and roof setback codes.

Once inspectors have signed off, the switch is flipped, and the solar panels are officially generating electricity for the home.

 

Does this solar installation job sound appealing to you?

If so, start your journey with solar panel installation training from Everblue. View our solar courses or give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

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Become a Home Energy Auditor in 8 Steps (Includes Checklist)

Click the graphic to open a bigger version in a new window, and keep reading for more information and links to helpful resources. At Everblue, we can help you become a home energy auditor as quickly as possible!

How to Become a Home Energy Auditor Checklist

become a home energy auditor in 8 steps infographic

Want to share this infographic on your website? Just copy and paste the embed code below!

 

Jump to a section

Research the Industry

Learn more about the factors that are driving this industry and that you can be a part of.

The top 3 drivers are typically:

  • Building Code – a requirement for residential construction
  • Utility Rebates – for homeowner, builder, appliance, leads to demand
  • Homeowner Demand – comfort, lower energy bills, improved health/safety

Best resource to find out…

  • Which code has been implemented in your state: See the Energy Codes website (Residential tab)
  • Whether there are utility incentive programs in your area: Google (your county) + utility rebate
  • Whether there are other incentives and rebate programs in your area: See the DSIRE website

Research the Job

What is the employment outlook industry-wide? What is the expected salary? What is the work environment?

Best resources include…

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Education Considerations

Do you need a degree? Is there a state license? What industry-respected certifications exist?

It may be helpful to have a bachelor’s degree, but it is not required.

There is no such thing as a state license for home energy auditors. However, these professionals do typically have licenses in HVAC, general contracting, or plumbing and add an industry-respected certification on top for additional marketability.

There are two organizations that offer home energy auditor certification:

Though both organizations publish guidelines on how to become a home energy auditor, their guidelines differ in some ways – after all, BPI and RESNET are two separate organizations.

If you are interested in home energy auditing as a way of meeting building code requirements, you might be surprised to learn that:

  • the building code will not explicitly say which home energy auditor certification is required
  • therefore, building code officials at the city level are responsible for interpreting the code and confirming what’s accepted
  • so, you should contact your local code official and see whether they prefer BPI or RESNET in your area

Helpful resources include…

Work Experience Considerations

There are no work experience requirements to qualify for a home energy auditor certification. That said, you will have a natural advantage to passing the certification exams if you do have 1-3 years of experience in construction, energy conservation, building diagnostics, or general contracting.

Learn more:

Personality Considerations

Bearing in mind that the work environment involves interacting with people, traveling, and physical labor, what type of interpersonal skills and work ethic characteristics will you need to be successful as a home energy auditor?

Learn more:

Get Training

Once you’ve decided that a career in home energy auditing is right for you, contact Everblue to begin the training process!

We offer courses to prepare you for BPI Certification and/or RESNET HERS Rater Certification.

Get started:

Research Energy Auditing Equipment

If you decide to work for a home performance company, you will likely use the energy auditing equipment provided by your employer.

If you decide to start your own business, you will need to buy the equipment yourself.

Having gone through a BPI training course at this point, you should have a good idea of which pieces of equipment you’ll need. But, as a reminder, you’ll want to make sure that your equipment list includes:

  • Blower Door
  • Duct Blaster
  • Gas Leak Detector
  • Ambient CO Monitor
  • Mirror
  • Manometer
  • Combustion Analyzer
  • Pressure Pan
  • Fan Flow Meter

Of course you’ll also want to research which brands sell equipment and compare prices from there. The 3 best-known companies for energy auditing equipment are:

Equipment prices will vary depending on which brand you move forward with and whether you buy new or used equipment. But to get an idea of how much to allocate for equipment, see our post here about How Much is Blower Door Equipment?

If you enroll in an Everblue BPI course, you automatically get equipment discounts from these three companies.

Start Working

What’s great about the home performance industry is that it’s growing. There are opportunities nationwide to work for an existing business or to start your own.

How to find an energy auditing job:

  • BPI Job Board
  • Google “home energy auditor jobs.” This will bring up links to job sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter. From there, you can narrow down the results by location.

Things to research if you want to start a business:

Fundamentals – name, logo, website, phone number, email, etc.

  • Business goals
  • Competitive analysis & pricing
  • Grants and loans
  • Trademarks & copyrights
  • Tax IDs
  • Marketing materials

Become a Home Energy Auditor

Now what’s stopping you?

Hopefully the information and resources above help put you on the right track to researching this new career opportunity. If you have any other questions, please give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

Learn more about Everblue’s BPI Building Analyst Training
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NABCEP Certification Requirement in Illinois: What You Need to Know

If you’re viewing this post, you’ve probably heard rumblings about the NABCEP Certification requirement in Illinois. Specifically, the Illinois Distributed Generation Law identifies NABCEP Certification as an acceptable qualification in the state.

NABCEP Certification Requirement in Illinois

To become a “Distributed Generation Installer” in Illinois, you must:

Complete one of the experience and/or training qualifications

Apply for “Distributed Generation Installer Certification” using the form, cover letter, and instructions provided by the ICC

Illinois solar certification image

Organizations You Should Know

NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) – authors technical guidelines on solar and awards internationally recognized solar certification to individuals

ISEA (Illinois Solar Energy Association) – a non-profit organization that promotes the widespread application of solar and other forms of renewable energy through its mission of education and advocacy and is the state resource for renewable energy-related policy developments and events

ICC (Illinois Commerce Commission) – the entity that determines whether a candidate meets the state’s “Distributed Generation Installer” requirements and can therefore install distributed generation facilities in the State of Illinois

Terms You Should Know

Distributed Generation Installer – means an organization, institution, or individual that has its own existence for legal or tax purposes and is involved in the business of installing distributed generation facilities

Distributed Generation Facility – means the equipment used by an interconnection customer to generate or store electricity that operates in parallel with the electric distribution system. A distributed generation facility typically includes an electric generator, a prime mover, and the interconnection equipment required to safely interconnect with the electric distribution system or local electric power system.

Install – means to complete the electrical wiring and connections necessary to interconnect the distributed generation facility with the electric utility’s distribution system at the point of interconnection between the facility and the utility

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the DG Installer Certification application, cover letter, and instructions? These documents are listed on the ICC website.

Where do I mail the completed application? Elizabeth A. Rolando, Chief Clerk, Illinois Commerce Commission, 527 E. Capital Ave, Springfield, IL 62701

Is there an application fee? Yes, the application fee is $50.

How long does the certification application process take? A properly filed and complete application will likely be approved within 5-9 weeks.

Can the DG Certification process be expedited? No. However, applicants may submit a draft of their application for review so that any issues with the draft application can be resolved prior to filing the application with the ICC. Staff generally provide comments on draft applications within 10 business days. Draft applications can be sent to Sanjo Omoniyi at [email protected]. Omoniyi can be contacted at 312-814-6072.

Does DG Installer Certification have to be renewed? Yes, every year by April 1. Certificate holders must submit a recertification report (provided by ICC). If a certificate holder does not submit a recertification report within 30 days of April 1, he/she will have to pay late fees.

How do I start with qualifying for DG Installer Certification? First, you will need to participate in a solar energy training course and qualify for NABCEP Certification. At Everblue, we offer solar training courses that align with the NABCEP Certification requirements. Our NABCEP PV Installation Professional Package offers the best value for its comprehensive range of solar installation, design, and sales knowledge.

For more information about NABCEP Certification, call us at (800) 460-2575.

For more information about the solar installer requirements in Illinois, please contact Sanjo Omoniyi at 312-814-6072.

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Getting Your LEED License

There is no such thing as a “LEED License.”

Many people confuse the terms license and certification, so let’s get that out of the way right now.

Licensure = mandated by the state to practice a profession or offer a service within that designated scope of practice

Certification = provided by a private organization comprised of trade-specific professionals who identify tasks and duties that best represent a competent professional in the industry

 
But wait, I thought you said that “green buildings earn a designation called LEED Certification.” I am a person, not a building…

Right. As a person, you’ll want to earn LEED Accreditation.

People Get LEED Accredited

I know, it doesn’t roll off the tongue very easily. But buildings and people both can’t be certified – that’d be confusing. So buildings get LEED certified, and people get LEED Accredited.

The first step to LEED Accreditation is called LEED Green Associate.

To become a LEED Green Associate accredited professional, you have to pass a 100-question, multiple-choice exam.

LEED Green Associate is the required first step for ALL candidates, regardless of occupation, education, or experience.

Now, going back to our original topic about licensure…

The Relationship Between Licensure and LEED

The professionals commonly involved with LEED Certification building projects are architects, engineers, and facility managers who already possess a state license specific to their trade.

For example…

 
To become a licensed architect

  • Earn an architectural degree from a NAAB-accredited program or meet your jurisdiction’s education requirement

  • Gain and document the required experience or Architectural Experience Program (AXP)
  • Pass the Architect Registration Exam (ARE)
  • Meet any extra jurisdictional requirements. Some boards require additional experience or a location-specific supplemental exam before licensure.
  • Have your NCARB Record sent to the jurisdiction where you would like to be licensed.

    •  
    To become a licensed engineer

  • Graduate from an ABET-accredited engineering program
  • Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
  • Work as an engineer for four years
  • Pass the Professional Engineering (PE) licensure exam

    •  
    To become a licensed general contractor

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be able to work legally in the U.S.
  • Have a clean work record in construction or an adequate explanation of any job-related incidents
  • Specific requirements vary by state

    •  
    To become a licensed interior designer

  • Have at least six years of combined interior design work experience and college-level education
  • Pass the exam given by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)

    •  
    To become a licensed landscape architect

  • Pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE)

    • As these professionals orient their careers to offer more sustainability-related services, they add onto their existing license by pursuing LEED Accreditation.

    That’s not to say that you can’t learn about LEED unless you have a license.

    Can I Learn LEED Without a License?

    Yes! If you are changing careers or simply want to provide sustainability-related services, LEED Accreditation can help be a foot-in-the-door to job interviews for admin and office roles.

    There are occupations in the building industry that benefit from LEED knowledge, even if those professionals aren’t directly working on building projects.

    Office jobs where LEED Accreditation can be helpful:

  • Product manufacturers
  • Salespeople
  • Marketing professionals
  • Customer service representatives

    • Although they aren’t working in the field and managing LEED building projects, these professionals still have to talk-the-talk and understand the terminology and processes.

    You can’t adequately sell your product without understanding the greater context of how it benefits LEED building projects.

    The reality is, LEED Green Associate is an entry-level credential that has no prerequisites. The reason for that is because the topics introduce everyone to LEED and are applicable to a wide range of occupations.

    If you’re ready to learn more, start with LEED Green Associate Exam Prep training. Our course provides a thorough introduction to LEED building practices. Regardless of whether you go on to take the LEED Green Associate exam and earn the accreditation, you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge.

    Register now for LEED Green Associate
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    HEP Certification Eligibility Requirements Updated in 2019

    If you work for a Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) or have researched the Home Energy Professional (HEP) certifications in the past, you probably heard that the HEP Energy Auditor and HEP Quality Control Inspector certifications have changed. Specifically, the HEP Certification eligibility requirements are what have been updated.

    Let’s set the record straight on what happened.

    HEP Certifications eligibility requirement

    The Building Performance Institute (BPI), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) initiated a pilot program in August 2018 to update the HEP Energy Auditor and HEP Quality Control Inspector certifications.

    The pilot program was designed to help shape the new exams and provide immediate feedback on pilot questions.

    HEP Certification Eligibility Requirements: What changed?

    The HEP Quality Control Inspector (QCI) certification changed from a “full-scope certification” to a “small-scope micro-credential.”

    In layman’s terms, a certification committee decided that QCI Certification should not represent a full range of skill sets. Instead, it should be focused on a select group of tasks.

    A QCI is responsible for verifying that an energy audit was done correctly and to inspect the work scope described in the energy audit.

    Therefore, QCIs should have the knowledge and skill set of an energy auditor, even though they aren’t primarily tasked with offering that service. They must understand how energy audits work and the resulting outcomes in order to confirm that it was done correctly.

    So, in addition to earning the HEP QCI Certification, these individuals should first earn the HEP Energy Auditor Certification.

    Another way of saying this – HEP Energy Auditor Certification is now a prerequisite to pursuing the HEP QCI Certification.

    The revised QCI certification exam will consist of a shorter online exam. There will be no field exam.”

    Since a QCI provides a supervisory role, it’s not necessary for a candidate to participate in a field exam demonstrating their skill set. What’s more important is that they understand the building science knowledge and requirements. Candidates will now demonstrate proficiency through only a written exam.

    The revised HEP Energy Auditor online and field exams have been streamlined to prevent duplicate skills and tasks.”

    When satisfying the newly established HEP Energy Auditor prerequisite, candidates will need to pass a written exam and a field exam.

    With the opportunity to offer a pilot phase, BPI, DOE, and NREL were able to hone in on the skills best aligned for the written and field exams. Through beta testing and feedback, these managing organizations were able to cut the fat and create more efficient exams.

    What happens now?

    The new HEP Certification eligibility requirements went into effect on March 1, 2019, so candidates eligible for these designations will have to follow the requirements listed above.

    If you are an HEP QCI credential holder who needs to renew the certification but does not have the HEP Energy Auditor prerequisite (per the old rules), you will need to pass the HEP Energy Auditor field exam and complete 6 BPI CEUs. Any new candidates, however, will have to follow the requirements listed above.

    If you have energy auditing work experience and want to earn an advanced BPI certification, start with HEP Energy Auditor training.

    If you’ve met the HEP Energy Auditor prerequisite and want to upgrade your skills further, take our HEP QCI training.

    If you’re new to energy auditing and not sure where to start, give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

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    RESNET Written Exams Now Combined to Form National Rater Test

    Last week, the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) announced that it has consolidated its RESNET written exams into one overarching written exam. Specifically, the RESNET Core Written Exam and the RESNET Combustion Safety Written Exam will be joined into one combined exam. This reduces the number of exams that a HERS Rater candidate must take from four to three.

    RESNET HERS Rater Certification exams

    RESNET staff have been beta testing functions within the exam, such as registration, category report, automatic e-mail notifications, and navigation. After a number of successful beta tests completed, RESNET is confident in moving forward with the new RESNET National Rater Test.

    Overview of RESNET Written Exams

    The existing RESNET Core exam is still available on the old platform, with the intent of leaving this option open for several months. There will be an overlap in time where the old and new RESNET written exams will be available.

    That said, we are recommending that all HERS Rater candidates take the new combined exam. Some benefits for doing this include:

    • Fewer tests to take!
    • Updated exam questions
    • Potentially easier to pass

    For reference, the existing Core exam has 100 questions and requires an 80% or higher to pass. The existing Combustion Safety written exam has 25 questions and requires an 80% or higher to pass.

    RESNET National Rater Test

    • 55 questions total
    • Open book
    • 2-hour time limit
    • Passing score: 40/55 (72%)
    • CAZ/Workscope questions have been added to existing categories (mainly Health & Safety)

    Because the exam is computer-based, Raters receive the results from the test immediately after completing it.

    The test must be administered by a RESNET accredited Rater Training Provider, which Everblue is. In fact, we include the exam fees for all three HERS Rater Certification exams in our RESNET HERS Rater training program.

    For more information about the RESNET exams or the HERS Rater certification process, give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

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    How Cities Are Becoming Resilient

    In our previous post about resilient buildings, we talked about how the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has recognized the importance of resilience during the design, construction, and operations of our building stock. They’ve also expanded this vision to cities, with initiatives that include the LEED for Cities Pilot and RELi.

    Climate-related events not only affect our buildings; climate change can also impact the water, air, and health of our communities as a whole.

    climate resilient cities image

    Climate-resilient cities have become a focus for several major organizations. The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) is another leader working diligently to help cities defend themselves.

    The NRDC is working with the American Academy of Pediatricians, American Thoracic Association, National Hispanic Medical Association, and other partners to educate communities and government officials about how climate change impacts human health. For example, warmer temperatures lead to wildfires and worse smog, which can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.

    The NRDC’s main focus areas include:

    • Expanding green infrastructure financing
    • Improving climate change preparedness
    • Improving urban water management
    • Preparing for drought
    • Preparing for flood
    • Promoting urban water efficiency

    Perhaps the most well-known initiative for community-wide climate resiliency is the 100 Resilient Cities program, which was pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation in 2013.

    100 Resilient Cities (100RC) is dedicated to helping cities around the world become more resilient to the physical, social, and economic challenges that are a growing part of the 21st century. 100RC supports the adoption and incorporation of a view of resilience that includes not just the shocks—earthquakes, fires, floods, etc.—but also the stresses that weaken the fabric of a city on a day to day or cyclical basis.

    Examples of these stresses include:

    • High unemployment
    • An overtaxed and inefficient public transportation system
    • Endemic violence
    • Chronic food and water shortages

    By addressing both the shocks and the stresses, a city becomes more able to respond to adverse events, and is overall better able to deliver basic functions in both good times and bad, to all populations.

    Cities in the 100RC network are provided with the following resources:

    • Financial and logistical guidance for establishing an innovative new position in city government, called a Chief Resilience Officer, who will lead the city’s resilience efforts
    • Expert support for development of a robust Resilience Strategy
    • Access to solutions, service providers, and partners from the private, public, and NGO sectors who can help them develop and implement their Resilience Strategies
    • Membership of a global network of member cities who can learn from and help each other

    In late February 2019, the City of Chicago announced its participation with the 100 Resilient Cities coalition. As the first action in implementing Resilient Chicago, Mayor Emanuel shared Chicago’s aim to transition to 100% renewable energy in buildings community-wide by 2035 and to an electric CTA bus fleet by 2040 with the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign.

    resilient chicago image

    Developed by the City of Chicago in collaboration with 100RC, the city’s Resilience Strategy outlines 50 actionable initiatives which aim to reduce disparities between Chicago’s neighborhoods, address the root causes of crime and violence, ensure the provision of critical infrastructure, and promote engaged, prepared, and cohesive communities. Learn more online at the Resilient Chicago website.

    With so much controversy concerning how we should tackle climate change, the 100 Resilient Cities initiative provides a tangible action plan for communities to take a step forward and work on resilience as a whole – whether that be related to climate, the economy, or something else. When a city is resilient, it’s more capable of reacting to, or managing, the impacts of any disaster. I look forward to seeing which other cities join the coalition and following their progress.

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    Resilient Building Strategies: Using LEED to Improve Infrastructure

    In our previous post, we introduced the concept of resilience as it applies to infrastructure and disaster relief. To continue this theme, let’s look at what organizations are doing to encourage resilient building strategies.

    LEED offers resilient building strategies

    The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the preeminent thought-leader on transforming the way buildings are designed, built, and operated. Their focus is to encourage green building practices at all stages of construction.

    Resilience is a clear byproduct of this work. Green buildings drive resilience by including practices such as the use of durable materials, thoughtful site selection, rainwater collection, demand response, grid islanding, maximal energy efficiency, on-site renewable energy generation, and more.

    Recognizing that natural and manmade hazards pose a threat to the safety of our buildings, the USGBC and its partners issued a statement in 2014, which was updated at the end of Jan. 2018, about what resilience means to them and how they will actively work toward building a more resilient infrastructure.

    Specifically, USGBC outlined its commitment to resilience by way of these efforts:

    Researching building materials, design techniques, and construction procedures that improve the standard of practice

    Educating professionals with continuous learning

    Advocating at all levels of government for effective land use policies, modern building codes, and smarter investment in the construction and maintenance of our nation’s buildings and infrastructure

    Responding alongside professional emergency managers when disasters occur, including surveying damage, coordinating recovery efforts, and helping communities rebuild better and stronger than before

    Planning for the future and proactively pursuing a more sustainable built environment

    These activities are housed within USGBC’s Center for Resilience, which exists as a consolidated resource to explain resilience and identify related progress.

    As noted in the statement, disasters are expensive to respond to, but much of the destruction can be prevented with cost-effective mitigating features and advanced planning.

    USGBC is driving resilience, in more ways than one, by making buildings more sustainable, durable, and functional through the application of LEED. Through integrative design and key credits, LEED guides project teams to invest in climate adaptation strategies to enhance building and community resilience.

    There are three pilot credits in the LEED Rating System about resilient design. They were first introduced in 2015 and were recently updated to enhance project resilience more than ever.

    Assessment and Planning for Resilience (IPpc98): This credit encourages project teams to determine potential vulnerabilities at the project location. With recent revisions to the credit, risks that must be considered as part of this credit now include sea level rise, extreme heat and more intense winter storms. To earn the credit, project teams must identify risks related to the effects of climate change (this consideration was previously considered optional).

    Designing for Enhanced Resilience (IPpc99): This credit ensures that the risk-related information collected as mandated by credit IPpc98 is taken into account via mitigation measures. Originally, this credit required the top three hazards to be addressed in turn for one point. The revised credit states that project teams must address either one or two of the top hazards, with one point available for each. This tiered approach allows teams to earn acknowledgement for mitigating multiple types of risks.

    Passive Survivability and Back-Up Power During Disruptions (IPpc100):This credit centers around the concept that buildings should be able to safely shelter occupants during a power outage, as well as be able to provide back-up power. Originally, this credit also addressed access to potable water, but that path has been rewritten as an option for one of the compliance paths.

    If you’re interested in learning more about resilient building strategies, consider enrolling in a LEED Green Associate training course.

    The LEED Green Associate class is the first step toward learning about proactive building strategies that result in lowered energy use, water use, and construction costs.

    With the natural connection between LEED and resilience, you can kill two birds with one stone and start improving buildings with a preventative and holistic approach.

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    BPI Energy Audits Can Save the Lives of Homeowners

    During the winter months, it’s not uncommon to see articles about the benefits of BPI energy audits, especially as a solution to controlling energy bills while maintaining thermal comfort.

    But BPI energy audits serve another purpose year-round: saving lives.

    During a home energy audit, a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified professional uses building science principles and diagnostic testing to solve heating, cooling, and air leakage problems. Specifically, these professionals are looking for the root causes of high energy costs, poor indoor air quality, and reduced occupant comfort. They inspect the interior and exterior systems of the home, test air quality, and identify opportunities for improvement.

    One of the most important components of BPI energy audits is combustion safety testing, which is where the auditor evaluates the performance of all combustion appliances in the home. That includes testing furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and gas kitchen appliances to ensure that they are working properly. If they’re not working properly, it’s possible for carbon monoxide (CO) to leak into the air. This colorless, odorless, tasteless gas is deadly, so by placing emphasis on combustion safety testing, home energy auditors are able to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning among homeowners and occupants.

    BPI energy audits

    Making a Difference with BPI Energy Audits

    The home performance professionals who seek BPI Certification are generally aware of the “good” that their newfound skill set will offer, but a recent candidate for certification realized the impact much sooner than he had anticipated.

    Matthew Greenawalt, of Milton, PA, received BPI Certification training through Everblue, an approved BPI Test Center. He chose to participate in Everblue’s online format of the training, which concludes with a remotely proctored written exam and field exam.

    As part of the field exam, BPI candidates are required to walk through and narrate the steps of a home energy audit. They demonstrate their use of the diagnostic equipment and perform the air quality tests before a proctor.

    On Feb. 15, Matthew scheduled his field exam with Everblue’s BPI exam proctor. Physically located in North Carolina, the proctor used Zoom video conferencing software to supervise Matthew’s exam. Matthew was prepared with all of his energy auditing equipment and had arranged to use a friend’s house in PA for his field exam.

    Matthew started the exam with testing the carbon monoxide levels outside in order to set a baseline. He used his combustible gas leak detector to slowly measure air leakage from outdoor pipes. After he inspected the exterior of the home, he went inside for further testing. As advised during Everblue’s course, Matthew brought his ambient CO monitor with him during the interior walk-through and testing of the home.

    While performing the combustion safety testing on his friend’s furnace, Matthew’s carbon monoxide monitor started beeping. He identified that the ambient CO got up to 50 parts per million (PPM) – a dangerous level. (For reference, at 70 PPM, a person would evacuate the home.)

    Matthew’s response was exactly right; he turned off the furnace and ventilated the home. Once it was safe to continue, Matthew resumed the rest of the field exam.

    Had it not been for this chance encounter, Matthew’s friend would never have known about the carbon monoxide issue in his home. Prior to even earning his BPI Certification, Matthew effectively saved his friend’s life.

    As Matthew goes on in his career as a BPI-certified energy auditor, he’ll always remember the impact that he has when he goes into a client’s home.

    After receiving a home energy audit, homeowners can expect to lower their energy usage, save money, and breathe cleaner air. Oftentimes, BPI energy auditors are also licensed trade professionals who can help a homeowner with making home energy improvements and retrofits. It’s a win-win for the homeowner and for the auditor.

    Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life? Hire or become a BPI-certified home energy auditor today!

    Everblue offers BPI training courses online and in select cities across the United States. The BPI Building Analyst course is most popular for becoming a certified home energy auditor; however, Everblue also offers advanced and specialized BPI certification classes too. For more information on earning a BPI Certification, call Everblue at (800) 460-2575.

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    Getting Your Energy Auditor License

    As you embark on a new career path in the energy efficiency industry, you may begin your research with identifying the qualifications for an energy auditor license.

    But, for the most part, an “Energy Auditor License” does not exist.

    Energy Auditor License Application image

    How can this be? How do you show that you’re a competent energy auditor? Keep reading.

    If you work in a construction trade, such as HVAC, general contracting, or plumbing, you’re familiar with contractor licensing requirements in your state.

    Because of the strong link between these trades and energy efficiency, you might want to upgrade your skills to become an energy auditor.

    Rationally, you might assume that an energy auditor would also have to adhere to state contractor licensing, but that’s not exactly the case.

    Instead, energy auditing is viewed more as a certifiable skill set than a licensed trade. In other words, it’s a set of skills that build on top of your existing occupation (known as a certification).

    Many people confuse the terms license and certification, so let’s get that out of the way right now.

    Licensure = mandated by the state to practice a profession or offer a service within that designated scope of practice

    Certification = provided by a private organization comprised of trade-specific professionals who identify tasks and duties that best represent a competent professional in the industry

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some states require prospective energy auditors to take courses or earn certification.

    Because energy auditor certification represents an individual’s superior level of knowledge and experience, an employer may choose to hire a candidate with a certification over someone without a certification.

    Home energy auditor certification is available through:

    Commercial energy auditor certification is available through:

    Do note that these organizations are known as the standards bodies, which means they define the knowledge, skills, and abilities held by competent energy auditors and create the technical guidelines that they must follow during their audits.

    These organizations rely on a network of training providers (like Everblue) to actually administer the energy auditor training – and, in some cases, the certification exams.

    So, to become an energy auditor, you should consider these steps:

    • Earn a state contractor license in your desired trade
    • Choose whether you want to pursue residential or commercial auditing
    • Determine which energy auditor certification you want to achieve
    • Enroll in energy auditor training
    • Pass your certification exam(s)

    For more customized assistance choosing the right career path or energy auditing courses, call us at (800) 460-2575.

    Footnote: The state of Nevada is, quite possibly, the only state with a specific process and application to legally perform work as an energy auditor. In other situations, such as the SFEnvironment program, a complementary state license with related work experience could qualify a person as an energy auditor. But, by and large, there is no nationwide license for energy auditors. That said, the energy auditor certifications available through BPI, RESNET, and AEE are recognized nationally (because, remember, these designations are not legally tied to a state, since they are marketable professional certifications).

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