Page 22 – Everblue Training

Blower Door Testing as a BPI Energy Auditor or RESNET HERS Rater

More and more professionals in the home performance industry – HVAC, insulation, general contractors – are being asked to expand their skill sets and offer blower door testing. Why is this?

If you already know whether a BPI or RESNET certification fits your needs, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 and we’ll talk you through training options in your area.

If you’re still trying to see how you can meet this demand, keep reading!

Building Codes

As the benefits of energy-efficient housing become more clear, legislators are pushing for building codes that contain stricter requirements on building materials and techniques.

Blower door testing is a requirement in the 2012 and 2015 versions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). In several cases, the code indicates that a certified professional must perform the blower door test.

What is Blower Door Testing?

A blower door is a large fan that an energy auditor will position in the opening of a home’s main exterior door. The blower door fan is connected to a red tarp that acts as a faux door, blocking out any incoming or outgoing air.

blower door image

A certified home energy auditor adjusts the settings on the blower door and manipulates conditions within the home to calculate estimated air leakage into and outside of the house. The blower door test enables an energy auditing professional to determine how leaky a home is and to identify the areas in the home that are causing the air loss.

The IECC building code recommends blower door testing because it is a fast way to diagnose energy efficiency problems in the home. Air leakage is a problem for homeowners because it leads to higher energy bills and thermal discomfort.

Blower Door Testing Certification

The two most common energy auditor certifications for blower door testing are:

BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage (IDL)
RESNET HERS Rater

BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage

The BPI IDL Certification focuses primarily on the skills associated with setting up a blower door and performing the test.

Some consider IDL to be an entry-level designation because its sole focus on blower door testing as a physical skill set doesn’t prepare someone for all the skills to be a whole-house energy auditor. Unlike the BPI Building Analyst Certification, which encourages the “house-as-a-system” approach for evaluating energy efficiency, BPI IDL Certification really only looks at blower door testing.

For this reason, many professionals bundle BPI Building Analyst and BPI IDL Certification in order to bring additional value to their clients – performing blower door testing AND comprehensive home energy audits.

To earn BPI IDL Certification…

Pass a field exam

To earn BPI Building Analyst Certification…

Pass a written exam
Pass a field exam

RESNET HERS Rater Certification

The RESNET HERS Rater Certification, on the other hand, covers a wide range of energy auditor skills, including blower door testing and home energy audits. Because HERS Rater Certification spans the whole gamut of home performance skills, the process for getting certified can be pretty overwhelming when you first look at it.

* Note that Everblue’s HERS Rater Training program includes everything you need to get certified, making it a convenient one-stop-shop experience.

How to become a HERS Rater…

Step 1: Complete HERS Rater training & 2 supervised ratings
Step 2: Pass the National Rater Core Exam
Step 3: Pass the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam
Step 4: Pass the National Rater Combustion Safety Simulation Exam
Step 5: Sign a contract with a RESNET Quality Assurance Provider
Step 6: Complete 3 probationary ratings

Which Blower Door Testing Certification Do I Need?

Unfortunately, this is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Each state has the ability to accept a different version of the IECC code. Furthermore, each state can make modifications to the IECC code as it meets that state’s specific needs (see state map of code adoption here). And finally, the IECC code itself does not explicitly name BPI or RESNET – both standards teach blower door testing, so potentially, either can be accepted.

This answer is up to your local code official, or Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Your local code official will be the one validating any permits and ensuring code compliance, so it is in your best interest to align your skills and certifications with this person’s preference.

It has been said that code officials look favorably on those with a HERS Rater Certification because much of the code compliance documentation already gets factored into a HERS Rater’s home assessment. Working with a HERS Rater is easier for code inspectors because much of the responsibility lies on the Rater to correctly complete the necessary paperwork. Not to mention, the 2015 IECC literally has a HERS compliance path.

Nevertheless, there are regions in the U.S. where the BPI IDL Certification has been deemed sufficient.

Whichever certification you seek, Everblue can provide the blower door training and exams you need. After you’ve spoken with your local code official and have an answer to which certification will qualify you for this new business, call us at (800) 460-2575, and we’ll set you up with training.

Learn more about Everblue's RESNET HERS Rater Training

NABCEP PV Exam Requirements

Professionals interested in earning a solar PV designation from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) have several options for testing. In other words, there are multiple NABCEP PV exams. We’ll help you determine which is right for you and how you can become eligible to take it.

If you’d like to have a career in solar energy, start with our Introduction to Solar series. Then you can work toward these nationally recognized solar certification exams.

NABCEP Entry Level Program*

This program is designed for individuals who want to get into the solar field. Passing this exam demonstrates one’s basic understanding of the application, design, installation, and operation of solar PV systems.

*As of 2016, NABCEP is rebranding this exam to be called the NABCEP PV Associate.

Eligibility Requirements

Completing coursework that covers the NABCEP Learning Objectives with a Registered Exam Provider, such as Everblue

A passing score on this exam does not result in a certification. While certification requires on-going continuing education, this certificate of knowledge merely illustrates a candidate’s proficiency and understanding of topics. Those who pass this exam can identify their achievement on their resume as receiving a NABCEP PV Associate Certificate of Knowledge.

NABCEP PV Installation Professional

Perhaps the most sought-after of the NABCEP certifications, the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam also features perhaps some of the most complicated eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Education – Participate in a minimum of 58 hours of solar PV training
Experience – Documented experience on 3-5 solar installations
Have an OSHA 10 hour construction industry card or equivalent
Pay for and complete an application by the deadline
Accept the NABCEP Code of Ethics & Standards of Conduct

Education: 40 of the 58 hours must cover advanced solar PV installation and design principles AND be offered by an accredited education provider, like Everblue

Experience: The number of documented solar installations depends on a candidate’s educational background and field experience prior to taking the NABCEP exam. The candidate must have acted in the role of contractor, lead installer, foreman, supervisor, or journeyman. Candidates must provide system information, permits, and inspections for each project that he/she has installed.

NABCEP PV Technical Sales

The NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis defines a set of knowledge, skills, and abilities typically required of solar PV sales personnel who are responsible for site analysis, system design, ethical presentation, accurate analyses, and projections of electrical and financial performance of PV systems.

Eligibility Requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Complete an OSHA 10 hour construction training course
Satisfy at least 1 of the 8 qualifying certification eligibility categories identified in the NABCEP Certification Handbook
Pay for and complete an application by the deadline
Accept the NABCEP Code of Ethics & Standards of Conduct

Many of the qualifying categories require documented solar sales experience, a specified level of training, and/or a passing score on the NABCEP Entry Level Exam (NABCEP PV Associate Exam).

Real Talk – How to Qualify for the NABCEP PV Exams

The eligibility requirements listed above are those set by NABCEP. It can be very difficult to determine how exactly you will meet these pre-requisites, so here’s a cheat sheet for what classes we recommend that you take to qualify.

Please note – Everblue is a solar training provider only. We are not set up to provide the field experience needed to qualify for this exam. If you need field experience, we recommend that candidates volunteer with GRID Alternatives or Habitat for Humanity.

To take the NABCEP Entry Level Exam / NABCEP PV Associate Exam…

Enroll in Everblue’s online NABCEP PV Associate training program

To take the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam…

There are two ways to pursue this exam. Interestingly, the requirements change depending on this one question: Did you take and pass the NABCEP Entry Level Exam?

1 – “Yes, I passed the NABCEP Entry Level Exam”

Ok, you need 58 hours of education + 10 hours of OSHA construction training. Remember that the 58 hours must contain 40 of advanced solar installation training, which leaves a remainder of 18 hours. Because you passed the NABCEP Entry Level Exam, NABCEP will let you count Entry Level Training toward this remaining 18 hours.

You can count the following Everblue training toward this requirement:

18 hours of Entry Level Solar Training
40 hours of Advanced Solar Training
10 hours of OSHA construction safety training

All of these hours are available in Everblue’s NABCEP PV Installation Professional training package.

2 – “No, I did not take/pass the NABCEP Entry Level Exam”

Ok, you need 58 hours of education + 10 hours of OSHA construction training. Remember that the 58 hours must contain 40 of advanced solar installation training, which leaves a remainder of 18 hours. Because you did not take/pass the NABCEP Entry Level Exam, NABCEP will NOT count any Entry Level Training toward the remaining 18 hours.

You can count the following Everblue training toward this requirement:

40 hours of Advanced Solar Training
16 hours of Solar Design & Sales Training
10 hours of OSHA construction safety training

All of these hours are available in Everblue’s NABCEP PV Installation Professional training program.

Find 2 hours of NABCEP-approved advanced solar training

To take the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Exam…

As you saw above and in the NABCEP Certification Handbook, there are a number of ways that you can qualify for the exam. Some of the qualifying categories rely more on training while others rely on field experience or previous NABCEP certifications held.

If you are interested in the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Exam and want to qualify with a specific category but you’re not sure how you can do it, call us at (800) 460-2575, and we can assist you with choosing the right class or classes.

Learn more about Everblue's NABCEP Certification Training

Get LEED Certified in Under 50 Hours: Find Out How.

How long does it take to get LEED certified? It depends…but probably not as long as you’re thinking.

The reasons why sustainability practitioners earn LEED credentials vary depending on their professional goals. The most common goals include:

Qualifying for a project that requires LEED knowledge
Increasing marketability and getting a new job
Demonstrating expertise and getting a promotion or raise

Because of these goals, candidates seek the fastest path to get LEED Certified.

If you’re just getting started with LEED, visit our New to LEED? Start Here! series.

And here’s a quick tip – LEED Certification refers to buildings. LEED Accreditation refers to people. One way to instantly reveal your knowledge of LEED is by using the correct terminology! This is something we grapple with daily, even though it’s been 16 years since the LEED Rating System debuted.

blue buildings

It’s common for newcomers to think they want LEED Certification, so sometimes we have to use that language to get on the same level, but the reality is, you want to get LEED Accredited. Let’s keep it simple for now and just talk about the process for earning a LEED credential.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a LEED Credential?

The goals listed above influence how quickly a candidate will want to get through the LEED process.

This is a tough question to answer because the time it takes to learn about LEED is dependent on a candidate’s:

learning style
comfort with test-taking
work/life schedule
time commitment

I suppose we should be asking two better questions:

1 – Is there a required process to prepare for the LEED exam? No

2 – If so, how long is that process? Candidates have the option to choose how they want to study the LEED concepts. Once again, this is somewhat dependent on a candidate’s learning style, time commitment, and budget.

LEED Exam Prep: The Fastest Way to Study LEED

This is why Everblue’s LEED Exam Prep program exists. We’ve taken all the most important concepts from the USGBC LEED Core Concepts Guide as well as candidate feedback to develop a concentrated LEED prep course.

With LEED Exam Prep, candidates can focus on studying only what they need to, instead of wasting time poring through a dense book of information.

All of our exam prep packages include study materials, so after candidates complete the foundational training, we recommend 20-30 hours of self-study time to review concepts and utilize the study aids provided.

Earning a LEED Credential: Timing from Start to Finish

The time it takes Candidate A to prepare for the LEED Green Associate Exam will be different from the time it takes Candidate B, but provided that candidates use Everblue’s LEED training program, here is an expected time frame for studying.

Participants of 2-day classes

Learning – 16 hours
Studying – 30 hours
Exam – 2 hours
Estimated Total – 48 hours

Participants of 4-part live webinars

Learning – 16 hours
Studying – 30 hours
Exam – 2 hours
Estimated Total – 48 hours

Participants of self-paced online webinars

Learning – 16 hours
Studying – 30 hours
Exam – 2 hours
Estimated Total – 48 hours

Of course these are just estimates, based on the average learning time of our participants. Some candidates will pick up on the material quicker, while others will want to spend more time reviewing concepts.

Earning a LEED credential is a personal journey. Candidates must choose the path that’s right for them.

For more information about Everblue’s LEED training or to compare formats, please visit our LEED Green Associate Exam Prep page.

RESNET Practical Simulation Exam Now Available

The Residential Energy Services Network, or RESNET, introduced a new exam on July 1, 2016 that further tests a candidate’s ability to evaluate the energy consumption of a home and offer a score based on the findings. The exam is called the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam.

About the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam

Developed by gamification software geniuses at Interplay Energy, the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam creates a 3D experience for HERS Rater candidates to explore virtual homes. Candidates can walk around the house, measure walls and windows, etc. in order to simulate the energy audit process and collect pertinent information for developing a home energy score. The simulation is a great teaching tool because it is very involved and detailed, so it adds an extra layer of learning.

Here is a brief introduction to the Practical Simulation tool, from Stephen Quirk at Interplay (published Feb. 7, 2015):

Candidates must complete two separate home energy ratings within the RESNET Practical simulation software. There is said to be a pool of 10 houses available, so candidates in the same class will not be tested on the same two houses. Candidates will have up to 2 hours for each home assessment.

More info about the exam:

It is a proctored test
Open book, open note
Passing score is 80% or higher
Must complete test house 1 and test house 2

When going through the exam registration process, candidates will supply the name of their training provider and the email address of their instructor. This will allow the instructor to receive a copy of the exam results. Candidates will also receive a copy of their feedback report.

How Does the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam Fit Into the Certification Process?

In order to become a certified HERS Rater, a candidate must complete the following:

5 home energy ratings
Pass the National Rater Core Exam
Pass the National Rater Combustion Safety Simulation Exam
Sign a contract with a RESNET Quality Assurance Provider
Submit all home energy ratings to the QA Provider

Now, candidates must also pass the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam. This exam does not replace any of the pre-existing requirements.

Who Needs to Take the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam?

All new HERS Rater candidates must take this exam starting July 1, 2016. Everblue has already factored the exam into its RESNET HERS Rater Training program.

Existing HERS Raters must take this exam by February 2018. To get a jumpstart on this requirement, please call us at (800) 460-2575.

NABCEP Rebrands Entry Level Exam

In July 2015, NABCEP announced that it would be changing the name of its Entry Level Program to “NABCEP Associate Program.” Over the following year, very few details about the rebranding came out, so some wondered if the name change would, in fact, occur.

One year after the first announcement, NABCEP sent a reminder to all of its training providers about the pending changes to the Entry Level Program and identified July 22nd as a possible launch date. Today’s email from NABCEP now shows that the launch has been pushed back to August 15th, so as to not interfere with the processing of the August 5th Professional Certification Exam Application Deadline.

If NABCEP is a new acronym for you and you’d like to start a career in solar energy, visit our Introduction to Solar series.

What is NABCEP?

NABCEP, or the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, is the leading organization for solar certification. When solar installers and technicians pursue certification, they work toward an esteemed credential from NABCEP.

NABCEP logo

What is the NABCEP Entry Level Program?

The first step for candidates interested in solar photovoltaics (PV) is the NABCEP PV Entry Level program, which demonstrates one’s basic knowledge of solar panel design and installation.

This program requires that a candidate complete coursework that covers the NABCEP Entry Level Learning Objectives with a Registered Exam Provider like Everblue. After then completing a Candidate Eligibility Form, an individual will sit for the NABCEP Entry Level Exam. Upon passing this exam, an individual will receive a certificate of knowledge that can be used as a foot in the door to solar PV jobs and a qualifier for advanced NABCEP Certification exams, such as the NABCEP PV Installation Professional or NABCEP PV Technical Sales exams.

How is NABCEP Associate Different from the NABCEP Entry Level Program?

The NABCEP Associate exam is still an entry level examination that confirms a basic knowledge of the subject tested. The NABCEP Entry Level Learning Objectives will not be changing at this time, except for the rebranding in name.

The main reason why NABCEP is rebranding the Entry Level Program is to better recognize the achievement of those who have passed the exam. This name change should help employers identify those who have demonstrated a basic knowledge of fundamental principles and concepts in the application, design, installation, and operation of solar photovoltaic systems.

“NABCEP’s Associate Program will provide those achieving the credential a respected mark of distinction signifying their knowledge of the technology and commitment to safety and quality standards,” said Don Warfield, NABCEP Chair. “As demand for a skilled, clean energy workforce continues to grow, NABCEP Associate credentials will assure employers, consumers, and other stakeholders that these individuals have attained a threshold of knowledge enabling them to perform basic services.”

To follow through on its goal of recognizing these qualified individuals, NABCEP will:

Allow an experience-based eligibility pathway for the exam
Provide a logo and wordmark for credential holders to use
Maintain an online directory where employers can verify a candidate’s credentials

Programmatically, the biggest change with the launching of the NABCEP Associate Program is that maintaining the NABCEP Associate credential will require recertification every three years from the original exam date. NABCEP Associates will need to document at least 12 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain the credential.

NABCEP timeline image

Becoming a NABCEP Associate

To qualify for the NABCEP Associate exam, a candidate must (a) complete coursework that is aligned with the NABCEP Learning Objectives from a Registered Exam Provider or (b) demonstrate at least six months of work experience in the solar PV, solar heating, or small wind industries.

Candidates who fail an exam will be able to schedule and pay for a re-test. Candidates will be allowed up to four attempts per year to pass.

Individuals who previously passed the NABCEP Entry Level Exam will be able to obtain the new designation through a simple registration process.

According to NABCEP’s most recent announcement, the NABCEP Associate Program rebranding will go into effect on or around August 15, 2016. It’ll no doubt take some time for both NABCEP and Everblue to update all language to reflect these changes (and for word to get out that the rebranding has occurred), but we plan to keep in stride with NABCEP.

For any questions about this rebranding or Everblue’s PV101 Solar Associate training program, please call us at (800) 460-2575.

“As NABCEP continues its mission to offer quality credentialing programs for the renewable energy industry, we are pleased to announce the NABCEP Associate Program for those starting their careers in this rapidly growing industry,” said Richard Lawrence, Executive Director “A workforce trained to NABCEP’s competency-based, industry-verified standards enhances consumer confidence, improves quality, and expands the use of clean, renewable power.”

Solar Energy Training Courses: Live vs. Online Formats

We’re often asked whether we offer online solar energy training courses. We do! All of our Solar Training Courses are available as self-paced online webinars. Students gain instant access to the online materials and can log in to participate any time 24/7 for 6 months.

But depending on your experience and learning style, it might be better for you to take an in-person solar installation course.

You don’t want to be this guy, right?

solar training meme

At Everblue, we strongly believe in quality education. Our training is designed to help professionals advance in their careers and/or help job-changers transition into a growing workforce with real-world technical skills.

You’ll find that we offer our PV201 Solar Installation course in an online format with an optional live training add-on. That way, if you feel more comfortable getting your hands on the equipment and practicing the solar installation technique, we’ll have you covered!

Our solar instructors are experienced solar panel installers with the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification.

It’s beneficial for our participants to interact with this type of professional in a training environment and to get instant feedback on their installation techniques before they go out and apply for jobs. We’re happy to provide this kind of service – in fact, we prefer it.

We are not just a training factory. Everblue was founded with the purpose of educating professionals on real environmental topics and giving them the skills to go out and make a difference. We call this intense green jobs training.

As our student Rob Blake said, “It was clear that the staff cared about our success and matched our efforts in achieving it. If you want to learn, you need to interact and ask questions. EverBlue creates that environment.” Stephanie Sowers echoed those sentiments when she said that her instructor, Bobby, really cared about the participants as individuals and wanted them to succeed.

solar training collage

Adding solar to your skills doesn’t have to be difficult or costly.

We’ve intentionally designed our NABCEP PV Installation Professional training program the way we have for two distinct reasons:

1. Meet the training requirement to sit for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional exam

IREC Accredited curriculum
Includes 58 hours of education
40 of those hours are approved as Advanced Training

2. Make qualifying for the NABCEP exam and gaining real-world solar skills EASY

One educational program to take you from beginner to technician
Includes self-paced online training AND live hands-on solar panel installation training
One-time payment of $1,899

The NABCEP PV Installation Professional training program provides a fundamental range of knowledge regardless of whether you want to pursue NABCEP Certification. With this training, you’ll be able to start working as a solar panel installer or incorporate the knowledge into your advertising, business development, and sales strategies.

To begin your journey with solar energy training courses, give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

LEED for Structural Engineers: Why You Should Get Accredited

The value that structural engineers bring to LEED certification projects is their expertise in building materials and structural systems with consideration to structural adaptability for future use and alternative uses.

If you want to learn more about LEED now, visit our New to LEED? Start Here! section.

Structural engineering – a specialty within the field of civil engineering that focuses on the framework of structures and designing those structures to withstand the stresses and pressures of the environment. Structural engineers are trained to understand and calculate the stability, strength, and rigidity of built structures, to develop designs and integrate their design with that of other designers, and to supervise construction of projects on site. They are responsible for making creative and efficient use of funds, structural elements, and materials to achieve goals.

Jim Lucas of Live Science notes that structural engineering is among the oldest types of engineering, dating back to the first instance of tree branches being lashed together with vines to make a shelter. Throughout history, people have been designing and building increasingly larger and more sophisticated structures.

leed structural engineer

LEED Certification & Structural Engineering

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED standards were developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to honor buildings, homes, and communities that were designed, built, and maintained with energy-efficiency and sustainability in mind.

Cross-functional teams of construction professionals collaborate on design, materials, and systems in order to earn points toward a building’s LEED Certification label (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum). The USGBC recommends a series of strategies and techniques, known as LEED credits, to do this. The point values on the LEED credits vary, so it’s up to the project team members to pick and choose which credits to pursue to meet their goals. It’s important for building professionals to learn the idiosyncrasies of LEED so that they can make smart decisions upfront and implement items with efficiency and effectiveness.

Engineering contributions include improving building durability, reducing costs, addressing climate change, improving occupant comfort, and increasing building resiliency.

How do Structural Engineers Contribute to LEED Certification?

Considering that LEED certification is a label for buildings, it seems reasonable that structural engineers would be involved with the process. Structural engineers will want to join the LEED certification process early in the design phase to collaborate with the architect and develop a scheme for an efficient structural system.

At the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), structural engineer JQ worked with design architect Perkins + Will to earn a LEED Platinum designation for the university’s student services center. The building consists of a four-story concrete frame, steel bar joist roof, and steel-framed clerestory in the center of the building to bring natural light to the interior spaces.

A structural engineer’s knowledge of building materials and structural penetrations helps LEED project teams to:

Decrease material consumption
Create a waste management plan
Encourage recycling and reuse
Reduce stormwater runoff
Source local materials
Reduce carbon omissions

According to Chris Hofheins, a building’s structure can have a significant impact on its embodied energy – i.e., the available energy used in the work of constructing a building. A building’s structure accounts for about 25% of the building’s embodied energy but only 10% of the building’s cost. A structural engineer with LEED knowledge can assist with sound sustainable design principles that can significantly reduce the building’s embodied energy.

With regard to LEED certification projects, structural engineers contribute most to the Materials & Resources credit category – which LEED Version 4 revamped to offer 13 points across five credits. Structural engineers can also assist with earning the new prerequisite for Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning.

As Hofheins explains, the four most common structural materials – steel, concrete, masonry, and wood – each have a unique set of attributes and properties. Structural engineers should be careful when specifying the structural components of a building in order to capture all of the available LEED points and minimize the building’s embodied energy.

leed building materials

Which LEED Credential Does a Structural Engineer Need?

The first step for any building professional interested in sustainability is to pass the LEED Green Associate exam. This designation demonstrates an understanding of the LEED Rating System as a whole, with basic familiarity of all the LEED credit requirements.

After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, a structural engineer may choose to upgrade to a LEED AP with a Specialty. There are five specialties available – Building Design + Construction, Operations + Maintenance, Interior Design + Construction, Neighborhood Development, and Homes.

Individuals who upgrade to a LEED AP Specialty generally work on LEED projects on a regular basis and therefore benefit from the advanced specialty knowledge. Not to mention, LEED certification projects earn a free point for having a LEED AP Specialty team member. A structural engineer who upgrades to a LEED AP Specialty benefits from greater knowledge, marketability, and job opportunities.

To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.

Become a HERS Rater After Viewing These RESNET FAQs

As you research what it takes to become a HERS Rater, this list of FAQs should answer all of your questions and put you on the right path.

Getting Started: An Introduction

What does RESNET stand for?
What is the difference between a home energy audit and home energy rating?
What does HERS stand for?
What does a HERS Rater do?
Who should earn a HERS Rater Certification?

How to Become a HERS Rater

What are the steps for becoming a certified HERS Rater?
What is a Quality Assurance Provider or QAD?
How long does it take to become a HERS Rater?
What topics are covered in a RESNET training course?
Is HERS Rater Certification recognized nationwide?

Why HERS Raters Are Successful

What are the benefits of becoming a HERS Rater?
Will I be able to meet my state’s energy code, which requires blower door and duct testing, if I have a HERS Rater Certification?
What equipment will I need to work as a HERS Rater?

RESNET logo

What does RESNET stand for?

RESNET stands for Residential Energy Services Network. RESNET is a non-profit organization that created technical standards for home energy auditing and home energy rating.

What is the difference between a home energy audit and home energy rating?

HERS Raters are trained to do both home energy audits and home energy ratings.

Home energy audits involve a prioritized list of improvements and a projected cost/benefit for each of the improvements. A HERS Rater directs customers to a qualified contractor to implement the suggest improvements.
Home energy ratings generally apply to new home construction or major remodeling. The HERS Rater evaluates all the systems in the home and inputs the results into sophisticated computer software. The software can identify how energy-efficient the home is compared to the standard home built to code. This score, or rating, is based on an index. If the rating is 15% better than code, it may qualify the home for the prestigious ENERGY STAR Homes designation.

What does HERS stand for?

HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System. This system is represented by an index of scores from 0 to 100, where 100 represents the energy use of the standard home built to code and 0 represents a home that uses no net purchased energy.

What does a HERS Rater do?

Using building science knowledge, a HERS Rater performs home energy audits to help clients reduce energy use in a home (and therefore lower the HERS score). He/she performs a series of diagnostic tests inside the home to evaluate insulation, ventilation, window and lightbulb efficiency, utility rate structures, combustion appliance safety, etc. This information will be entered into energy modeling software, which identifies how energy-efficient the home is compared to the standard home built to code. This is how the HERS Rater acquires the HERS Score – a number that represents the home’s energy use in a quick and precise manner.

Who should earn a HERS Rater Certification?

The RESNET standards are best applied to new homes because the HERS Rater is able to predict energy use of a prospective home from blueprints and provide the builder with feedback on how to better optimize systems in the home for enhanced energy efficiency. Any new construction professional interested in energy savings or home improvement may take an interest in RESNET HERS Rater Certification. Those occupations may include:

Builders
General contractors
HVAC technicians
Insulation contractors
Home inspectors

What are the steps for becoming a certified HERS Rater?

Put in its simplest form, the steps to become a certified HERS Rater are as follows:

1. Pass the RESNET Core Written Exam with a score of 80% or higher

2. Pass the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam

3. Pass the RESNET Combustion Safety Written Exam with a score of 80% or higher

4. Pass the RESNET Combustion Safety Simulation Exam with a score of 85% or higher

5. Complete 5 home energy ratings

6. Partner with an approved RESNET Quality Assurance Provider

The easiest way to complete these steps is to enroll in a RESNET Training program. Such a program includes these components, saving candidates from piecing together each part separately. We believe in a “one-stop-shop” mentality, so our all-inclusive program provides everything that is needed to earn the HERS Rater Certification.

To learn more about the idiosyncrasies of each step, please call us at (800) 460-2575.

What is a Quality Assurance Provider or QAD?

Quality assurance (QA) is the process by which a third party reviews the home energy ratings submitted by a HERS Rater to ensure compliance with the RESNET standards.

The RESNET standards specify that a QA Provider must check 10% of a Rater’s energy modeling files and perform an on-site QA review of 1% of a Rater’s rated homes each year.

A QAD, or Quality Assurance Designee, is a person who works for a Quality Assurance Provider in the role of reviewing home energy ratings submitted by HERS Rater. RESNET QADs are experienced HERS Raters themselves, having rated at least 25 homes and earned a passing score on the QAD test. There are a slew of additional qualifications to ensure that a HERS Rater is knowledgeable enough to become a QAD.

How long does it take to become a HERS Rater?

Participants have one year from the time of training to complete all of the certification requirements, namely working with their Quality Assurance Provider to complete the remaining 2-3 home energy ratings.

It is only after candidates completes all requirements that they can call themselves a certified HERS Rater.

What topics are covered in a RESNET training course?

The RESNET HERS Rater training is designed to help you become a certified home energy auditor and home energy rater. During the course, you will learn building science principles, including home depressurization, duct pressure diagnostics, duct tightness testing and verification, combustion appliance safety, thermal and pressure boundary evaluation, work scope prioritization, and home energy modeling.

Is HERS Rater Certification recognized nationwide?

Yes and no. HERS Rater Certification is recognized nationwide, with the exception of California. California puts its own spin on the HERS Rater program.

California’s HERS Index is a scale of 0 to 250. The CA HERS Rater designation is called California Whole-House Home Energy Rater. Because of its unique building code requirements and state-specific legislation, California has strict requirements on how HERS training shall be conducted. CalCERTS is the only organization in the U.S. approved to provide HERS training in California.

What are the benefits of becoming a HERS Rater?

As a certified HERS Rater, you will be able to do the following:

Help homeowners save more on their energy bills
Negotiate better pay and more referrals
Participate in utility programs that require a HERS Rater
Enhance your marketability and grow your business

On a more tangible level, here’s a sample listing of the organizations and programs that encourage RESNET:

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes program
2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
RESNET EnergySmart Builders
U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program in partnership with Habitat for Humanity
Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum
Multiple Listing Service

Will I be able to meet my state’s energy code, which requires blower door and duct testing, if I have a HERS Rater Certification?

Most state codes do not explicitly list RESNET HERS Rater Certification as a way of fulfilling its requirements. However, the skills learned in a HERS Rater course will help you to fulfill the state code requirements for blower door and duct testing. The RESNET HERS Rater course covers blower door and duct testing to fulfill the 2012 and 2015 IECC building codes.

Furthermore, the 2015 IECC includes a compliance path that relies on the HERS index. Builders who choose this option work with a certified HERS Rater to make informed decisions on insulation, windows, etc. that will meet the code requirements. So states that have adopted 2015 IECC – AL, FL, HI, IL, MD, MI, NJ, NM, and VT (so far) – offer great job opportunities for HERS Raters.

What equipment will I need to work as a HERS Rater?

As a home energy auditor, you will be using the following equipment (at a minimum):

Blower door
Duct blaster
Manometer
Carbon monoxide analyzer
Combustible gas leak detector
Infrared camera

HERS Raters can be self-employed or part of a larger energy efficiency company. Equipment prices range by manufacturer, date, or whether the equipment is used or new. Our students receive a 12.5% discount from The Energy Conservatory and a 14% discount from Retrotec.

Ready to Become a RESNET HERS Rater?

If you’re ready to move forward with HERS Rater training, register online or give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

LEED for Plumbing Contractors: Why You Should Get Accredited

Heating and cooling, waste removal, and potable water delivery are among the most common uses for plumbing. Ironically, these concepts are also addressed in LEED. Continue reading to learn about the dynamics of LEED for plumbing contractors.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services (MEP) is a significant component of the construction supply chain. MEP design is critical for design decision-making, accurate documentation, performance and cost-estimating, construction planning, and managing and operating the resulting facility.

plumbing contractor

LEED Certification & Water

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an environmental standard for buildings, homes, and communities.

These structures earn a LEED Certification label (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum) based on the number of strategies, or LEED Credits, incorporated into the design, construction, and operations processes.

The LEED Credits consider water efficiency, building materials, site selection, regional needs, and more.

Although LEED Certification is most known for its commercial applications, it also applies to residential building. With regard to homes, LEED offers:

Reduction in monthly energy bills by installing solar energy for heating water
Water use reduction and less water waste
Ground-breaking wastewater technologies
Water-resourceful landscaping
Greater resale value

According to Aladdin Plumbing Corp, the installation of Energy Star appliances and efficient plumbing fixtures and waste lines can bring over a 40% reduction in water use.

How Do Plumbing Contractors Contribute to LEED Certification?

Plumbing contractors are involved in the early stages of a LEED Certification project because they need to understand a building owner’s needs and goals. With this knowledge, a plumbing contractor or engineer can recommend the most cost-effective and efficient plumbing designs and fixtures.

Plumbers’ knowledge of building codes and different system options has allowed them to become further involved in the design process. When working on green buildings, plumbers can encourage and install water-efficient appliances, such as dual-flush toilets, or systems that reuse gray water.

Knowledge of these systems is helpful for projects seeking LEED Certification:

Water distribution systems
Water treatment systems
Water heating systems
Pressure booster systems
Sanitary, waste, and vent systems
Storm drainage systems
Fire protection systems

As well as these skill areas:

Choosing flow and flush fixtures for water use reduction calculations
Encouraging strategies for water re-use
Offering designs that include solar hot water systems
Using BIM programs to produce 3D documents for project coordination
Preparing and submitting LEED documentation
Educating building owners on waterless fixture maintenance

Plumbing contractors can help LEED project teams earn credits in several categories, beyond simply Water Efficiency.

Sustainable Sites – contributing to conversations about stormwater management, rainwater harvesting, vegetated roofs, irrigation systems, shower heads, and site pollution prevention

Energy & Atmosphere – participating in field verification tests with a commissioning agent and providing water metering cut sheets

Materials & Resources – submitting receipts for materials and considering transportation impacts associated with product sourcing

Indoor Environmental Quality – providing cut sheets for on-site applied low-VOC adhesives, sealants, paints, and coatings

LEED Certification requires input from multi-disciplinary professionals. Only by working as a team can the project take the most advantage of the sustainability services and strategies offered.

LEED Accreditation can be an advertising strategy for many trade professionals. Use your LEED credentials to communicate your knowledge and comfort with LEED Certification projects. When LEED project teams look to hire contractors to assist with certain components of the project, they look for companies that understand the LEED requirements and have experience working on LEED projects. This ends up being more cost-effective than hiring a less experienced contractor and having to hold their hand along the way. Regardless of how many years of experience in a particular trade, LEED Certification projects require a unique understanding of LEED-specific guidelines.

plumbing tools

Which LEED Credential Does a Plumbing Contractor Need?

All trade professionals considering a LEED credential must first work toward the LEED Green Associate. This entry-level credential demonstrates a basic understanding of the LEED Rating System and sustainability principles. This is the required first step for everyone.

After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, a plumbing contractor may consider upgrading to a LEED AP with a specialty in Building Design + Construction (BD+C). This advanced credential takes a deeper dive into the intricacies of the LEED BD+C Rating System.

LEED projects earn a free point toward LEED Certification simply by having someone working on the project who holds an advanced LEED AP Specialty credential in the same track as the project. Since LEED Certification projects rely on points to dictate which label the structure earns, it’s advantageous for project teams to find easy ways to earn points where they can.

To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.

Solar Requirements in California: 5 Cities Lead the Way

California has long been known as the leader for solar energy. The state generates well over half of our country’s solar electric capacity, largely due to the sunshine it receives but also the community and governmental support that it receives. Now, five cities with solar requirements in California are additionally supporting the growth of solar energy.

If you want to help meet the demand for qualified solar panel installers, which will inevitably be driven by all this support, visit our Introduction to Solar series.

The state of California will soon require that all residential construction be “net zero energy” by 2020 and all new commercial construction be “net zero energy” by 2030. This will require that legislation include advanced energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and components. Several municipalities with solar requirements in California have already started to take action.

The trending course of action is to require rooftop solar energy systems to be built on all new buildings – residential and commercial. This action seeks to capitalize on the falling cost of solar power.

Solar Panels in California

With the deadlines for these ambitious state energy goals in sight, more and more cities are actively joining the cause with solar requirements in California.

California Cities that Require Rooftop Solar Panels

2008 – Culver City

2013 – Lancaster & Sebastopol

2016 – San Francisco & Santa Monica

2017 – San Mateo

San Francisco

The mandate in San Francisco requires photovoltaic or solar hot-water panels on all new residential and commercial buildings up to 10 stories tall. The ordinance notes that installing solar panels at the time of construction is cheaper and easier for developers than adding them later.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica appears to have some of the strictest requirements yet. Multifamily dwellings and non-residential buildings, including hotels and motels, are required to install a solar system with a minimum total wattage of two times the square footage of the building. For example, a 4-story building with 10,000 square feet would need a 20-kilowatt system. The only exception to the solar panel requirement is if it is technically infeasible due to lack of available and/or unshaded areas.

While the upfront cost on commercial buildings is estimated to increase by 0.75%, the solar panels will reduce long-term electricity costs by an average of 11%. Southern California Gas Company offers rebates of up to $500,000 to assist with any upfront costs. The 30% federal tax credit also helps to reduce these costs.

San Mateo

The City of San Mateo began requiring the installation of solar systems on all new construction projects starting January 1, 2017. The city also requires cool roof installation on all new multi-family and commercial developments with low-sloped roofs.

The City Council approved updating its building code in May 2016 and will now impact new single-family, multi-family, and non-residential construction.

The proposed ordinance from May required that developers incorporate a range of features, such as solar panels, cool roofs, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Other requirements (by structure) included:

New single-family homes – at least a 1 kW solar PV system
Multi-family buildings with between three and 16 units – at least a 2 kW system
Multi-family buildings with 17 or more units – at least a 3 kW system
Non-residential buildings with less than 10,000 square feet – at least a 3 kW system
Non-residential buildings with more than 10,000 square feet – at least a 5 kW system

As an alternative, developers on any new construction project could skip solar panel installation if they instead provide a solar hot water system that can collect at least 40 square feet.

The requirements must be cost-effective and not present an unreasonable burden to builders. Thankfully, the decreasing price of solar panels has made it easier to incorporate these technologies.

In areas that have not yet mandated rooftop solar, state law requires 15% of rooftops on all new small and mid-sized buildings to be “solar ready” – meaning that the roof is unshaded by the proposed building itself and is free of obtrusions.

Arm Yourself with Solar PV Skills

At Everblue, we offer solar panel installation training in multiple cities across the United States – including in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas.

nabcep solar certification training courses

Our courses introduce fundamental principles about solar energy, electricity, and safety. They also focus on gaining field experience as a solar panel installer. After participating in an Everblue solar training course, attendees should feel comfortable designing and constructing solar PV arrays on residential and commercial buildings.

Our NABCEP PV Installation Professional program bundles all of our solar training courses into one comprehensive program. With this package, you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge as well as hands-on solar panel installation skills. The NABCEP PV Installation Professional program qualifies participants to sit for the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam and fulfills the educational pre-requisite to sit for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam.