Page 30 – Everblue Training

Get LEED Accredited: A Cheat Sheet for Getting Started With LEED

Sustainability is fast becoming the norm. Once a quality coveted solely by tree-hugging environmentalists, sustainability has now transcended this cliché and illustrated its impact across all industries and professionals. One of the most widespread representations of sustainability is LEED. And it’s accessible to anyone, so if you want to get LEED accredited, keep reading!

LEED Training Guide LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a system that evaluates how “green” a building is and applies a designation, or LEED certification, to a building to easily represent that analysis.

When it comes to certifying a new construction or existing building project, many project teams prefer to have an accredited LEED professional on staff to assist with the process. Although LEED is a certification for buildings, a related designation can also be applied to the construction professionals knowledgeable about the system – this is called LEED accreditation.

At Everblue, we help architects, engineers, general contractors, and other professionals in the building industry prepare for their LEED exam so that they can earn a LEED accreditation. With this in mind, we wanted to take a moment to share the need-to-know facts about getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions About LEED Accreditation

What is the first step? All LEED candidates must pass the LEED Green Associate Exam before proceeding to the LEED AP with Specialty level.
What is a LEED AP? LEED AP stands for LEED Accredited Professional, however this is the second tier of accreditation. The individuals seeking this specialty credential tend to work on LEED projects on a regular basis.
What is the process for becoming a LEED Green Associate? We recommend that you participate in LEED exam prep training to learn about the LEED Rating Systems. As with many exam preparation scenarios, we recommend 20-30 hours of self-study time to make sure you fully understand the material. To take your exam, you will need to pay an exam fee to the U.S. Green Building Council. After you have paid for your exam, you will be able to choose the exact date and time of your exam appointment with your local Prometric Testing Center.
Are there any continuing education requirements? Yes. LEED Green Associates must obtain 15 hours of continuing education every 2 years. At the LEED AP level, professionals will need to obtain 30 hours of continuing education within the same time frame.
What is the fastest way to jump to the LEED AP level? The USGBC offers a combined exam option. Although this option comes with a bit of a discount, we don’t generally recommend this format. When you choose this option, you commit to a 4-hour exam, which can be pretty overwhelming if you are less familiar with the idiosyncrasies of LEED, and if you fail any portion of the exam, you will not be allowed to proceed. Thus, you walk away with no credential at all and wasted time and money. We recommend that LEED candidates pace themselves appropriately and prepare for one credential at a time.
How can I get started right now? Everblue offers live and online LEED training. Our exam prep training consolidates all of the important information that will be covered on the LEED exam. We provide you with everything you need to feel confident and prepared to successfully pass your exam and earn a LEED credential.

Your LEED Training Options

At Everblue, we’ve found success offering our LEED training services in two delivery methods:

Live Webinar – live instructor-led sessions for $499, follow along from home or work, includes all study materials (course guide, 8 LEED credit practice quizzes, 200 practice questions, 3 practice exams, and LEED credit reference sheets)
On-Demand Webinar – 16 hours, self-guided e-learning presentation for $399, immediate access after registration, access to course content for 6 months, includes all study materials (course guide, 8 LEED credit practice quizzes, 200 practice questions, 3 practice exams, and LEED credit reference sheets)

We are very proud to say that our students are reporting a 99% success rate on the LEED Green Associate v4 exam, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands when you choose Everblue as your LEED training provider!

Where to Get LEED Accredited – Live Classroom Locations

We’re constantly adding new locations for LEED training. Visit our LEED Courses page to see all the options.

We hope you’ll join us for a live or online LEED training course to get ready for your LEED exam! Call us at (800) 460-2575 or start a live chat if you have any questions.

Michigan HERS Rater Training Now Available Online

Note: The Michigan Works program is no longer available. However, Everblue does still offer RESNET HERS Rater training for those who live and work in Michigan!

We’re excited to announce that Everblue’s RESNET HERS Rater Training program has been approved by Michigan Works! for individual training. Michigan Works! provides services and support to Michigan’s Workforce Development System. Through the association, members can participate in timely and relevant professional development events to enhance their job skills and career opportunities.

Why Michigan Builders & Contractors Are Seeking HERS Rater Training Now

The Michigan Residential Code Review Committee voted to approve a new statewide building energy code based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, with some modifications.

One of the most important changes to the Michigan building code is the requirement for tighter duct systems verified with diagnostic tests. In layman’s terms, builders and contractors must be qualified to air-seal duct systems to prevent unwanted movement of air into and out of the home. These professionals must also be able to perform testing to show improvement of these air-sealing measures.

Because of these changes, builders and contractors are pursuing energy efficiency training so that they can become certified energy auditors with a HERS Rater certification or BPI Certification. Both the RESNET standards and BPI standards equip professionals with the technical knowledge to perform air leakage testing with a blower door and duct blaster.

How the New Michigan Building Code Will Save Energy

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) analyzed the economic potential of adopting the 2015 IECC, with the Michigan-specific modifications. They found that a newly constructed 2,400 square foot home in Detroit would use an average of 725 fewer kWh and 358 fewer therms per year if built to the 2015 IECC, as modified in Michigan, compared to the current energy code. This would result in the average homeowner saving around $320 annually in utility bills! It is important to note that these energy and cost savings will continue for the life of a building, which can be 50-100 years or more.

To best align your skills with Michigan’s new statewide energy code, consider becoming a HERS Rater and learning how to do duct testing. We offer HERS Rater training to help you prepare for the code’s launch. Get a head start today!

LEED AP Professionals Top Engineering Awards List

Consulting-Specifying Engineer announced its list of 40 Under 40 award winners last week, and we discovered that many of them were LEED AP Professionals!

Consulting-Specifying Engineer is a trade publication and website for professional engineers who design mechanical, electrical, electronic, and related systems for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. Now in its eighth year, the 40 Under 40 program honors building industry professionals, each of whom nominated by a mentor, who have demonstrated superior dedication to their profession, as well as leadership skills and volunteerism in their community and industry.

Although their professional titles are diverse – vice president, director, general manager, president, CEO, principal, and many others – one common theme among the 40 Under 40 winners were their ties to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. As I was reviewing the list, I noticed that many of the winners held a LEED professional credential after their name. After research, I discovered that 62.5% of the honorees held a LEED AP BD+C or a LEED AP credential. Why do you think that is?

LEED Professionals in 40 Under 40 List

The Rise of LEED AP Professionals Among Engineers

Building projects around the world either give serious consideration to incorporating sustainability or actually make the commitment to pursue a LEED Certification. Therefore, building industry professionals, such as architects and engineers, must be conversant in the topics related to sustainability and green building.

Engineers, in particular, are already responsible for evaluating structural systems for recycled content, local material content, and overall efficiency. Deciding to learn about LEED and applying that knowledge to sustainable building projects is merely an extension of what engineers already do.

LEED Certification emphasizes sustainable initiatives such as green roofs, solar PV arrays, storm water collection systems, heat recovery, and sophisticated building envelope solutions that all indirectly affect the structural design. These features have a significant impact on the building framing, therefore many engineers see the relevance in pursuing a LEED credential as a means of better assessing and implementing these solutions into their building projects.

Engineers who are LEED AP professionals can practice flexibility and innovation when they approach clients about their building projects. What they bring to the table are alternative ideas that complement the green building goals of the architects, design professionals, and building contractors. Engineers, specifically those with a LEED AP BD+C credential, have the expertise to provide enhanced advice regarding HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems in high-performing, energy-efficient buildings.

How Engineers Can Use LEED

There are a multitude of ways that engineers can incorporate LEED and sustainability into their building projects. Here are a few examples of ways that engineers can take their knowledge to the next level and provide new services to their clients:

LEED Sustainable Design Charrettes – A charrette refers to a collaborative session in which design professionals and their clients draft project goals for sustainable design and outline a plan for achieving those goals. Engineers with knowledge of the LEED Certification process will be able to use the LEED rating system as a checklist for achieving (or exceeding) those goals. This is a great opportunity for engineers who want to use their knowledge and expertise in sustainability to become leaders and facilitators on LEED-registered projects. This level of awareness, organization, and proficiency ensures that the project remains on pace and within budget.
LEED Consulting and Documentation – Similarly, an engineer working on a LEED certification project will be better equipped to identify and integrate viable sustainable design strategies into new construction or existing facilities over a colleague who is less familiar with LEED. One key component to earning LEED certification for a building project is the documentation; an engineer familiar with LEED will be an important resource for organizing, preparing, and submitting the official LEED documentation. It’s best for the team leader to be LEED accredited so that he/she can competently describe the project in question and submit the project for consideration in the appropriate LEED categories.
Energy Modeling – Saving energy (and energy-related expenses) is often a top goal for buildings that pursue LEED certification. An engineer fluent in LEED will be able to use sophisticated software to project annual energy consumption and costs and to determine whether the project will meet the energy efficiency prerequisites as outlined in the LEED rating system.
LEED Commissioning – A LEED-accredited engineer will be able to verify that the HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting, wastewater, etc. systems achieve the project requirements as designed by the architect and compliant with the intended level of LEED certification.

These are just a few of the actionable ways that engineers can incorporate LEED knowledge into their jobs.

LEED AP vs. LEED AP BD+C

As I noted above, there were a variety of 40 Under 40 honorees with either a LEED AP or a LEED AP BD+C credential. You may be wondering what the difference is. It’s quite simple.

A LEED AP, or LEED Accredited Professional, is someone who passed the LEED exam prior to 2009. At that time, there was only one level of LEED accreditation, and it was called LEED AP.

LEED AP BD+C logo In 2009, the U.S. Green Building Council revamped its LEED credentialing process and split the LEED AP into three tiers. The first tier is LEED Green Associate, the next level is LEED AP with Specialty, and the top level is LEED Fellow. When this change occurred, there was a grace period for LEED APs to opt into the new system and become a LEED AP with Specialty. All they had to do was pay a fee and commit to ongoing continuing education activities. Those who did not opt into the new system did not lose their LEED accreditation – they simply became known as LEED APs forevermore. A LEED AP who now wants to opt into the new system must start from the beginning with the LEED Green Associate accreditation, which is fair, since the LEED standards have now been updated twice since a LEED AP probably passed his or her exam.

In regard to the 40 Under 40 list, where 25 of the winners held a LEED credential, 44% had the LEED AP BD+C credential and 56% had the LEED AP. By the way, LEED AP BD+C stands for LEED AP Building Design and Construction, which refers to new construction or major remodel projects.

It’s nice to see that so many building professionals have made the commitment to environmental stewardship and that Consulting-Specifying Engineer has recognized their achievements. Congratulations to this year’s list!

Register now for LEED Green Associate Exam Prep

SMUD Home Performance Program Requires BPI Certification

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is the nation’s sixth largest electric service company, providing electricity for more than 65 years to Sacramento County. The utility boasts an impressive rebate program, called the SMUD Home Performance Program, for customers who want to reduce their monthly energy bills through energy-efficient improvements.

How Consumers Can Participate

The SMUD Home Performance Program is open to property owners of single-family detached homes as well as owners of multi-unit homes that are all electric. Customers may apply for financing through participating SMUD contractors.

How Contractors Can Participate

To become a SMUD Qualified Home Energy Contractor, a professional must have a valid California contractor’s license, appropriate bonding, and a BPI Building Analyst Certification. SMUD, in association with the California Building Performance Contractors Association, has provided an outline for actionable steps that should be taken by contractors interested in this program:

Step 1: Find Out if You Qualify – confirm that you meet the license and insurance requirements for participation
Step 2: Complete a Participation Workshop – mandatory before applying to the program
Step 3: Get Trained – participate in “Basic Path Training” or earn your BPI Building Analyst Certification to participate in the “Comprehensive Path”
Step 4: Apply to Participate – submit the SMUD Contractor Application to apply to the Energy Upgrade California Program

Everblue BPI Training is the best place to get started. The SMUD Home Performance Program specifically identifies and requires the BPI Building Analyst Certification to participate in the program.

SMUD Home Performance Program After remodelers, HVAC technicians, and insulation contractors have earned their BPI Building Analyst Certification and have been accepted into the SMUD program, they will be listed on the SMUD website as a participating contractor. This enables homeowners to find and choose an approved contractor to complete this work.

SMUD encourages energy efficiency home improvement projects as a solution to help customers manage their energy usage and utility bills. With financing, qualified customers can enjoy lower energy bills and increased comfort immediately while paying over time.

Learn more about Everblue's BPI Building Analyst Training

BPI Field Training is Hands-On in a Real Home Environment

When it comes to learning, some people often overlook their preferred learning style in favor of superficial factors that seemingly appeal to them. Cost, schedule, and simplicity are often the most valued features that a person considers when trying to purchase something – let alone education. Ironically, placing value on these superficial features often causes a person to sacrifice the ultimate goal, which is learning! Let’s take a moment to talk about why the “learn-by-doing” strategy is the most effective way to enhance your skill set, especially when it comes to BPI field training.

Who Needs BPI Training?

In the home performance industry, you have a series of contractors who specialize in various components throughout the home – windows, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc. More and more homeowners are not only seeking general improvements to the old equipment in their homes but also seeking options to save energy (and money). What they’re looking for is an all-around home performance contractor who can identify problems throughout the house, make recommendations, and provide corrective action. These customers are not looking for a series of specialists to employ. This is why contractors from a variety of backgrounds are seeking BPI training and certification – so they can be the one-stop-shop solution.

How to Learn About Home Energy Efficiency

Contractors who genuinely want to grow their skills and expand their business prefer BPI training over another way of learning. BPI training emphasizes the importance of the “house-as-a-system” mentality, which means that all the components in the home are interconnected and that a technician must be knowledgeable about how they all work. Sure, a contractor could go the cheap route and buy a book to read. In the interest of time, a contractor could try to challenge the BPI Certification written exam. Both of those options would be pretty simple – but will the contractor actually learn the skills and proper technique to perform home energy audits and feel confident about using those skills in the field?

Why Hands-On Field Training is the Best Way to Learn

The best way to learn about home energy auditing is by doing it! By participating in a live BPI training course, you gain valuable hands-on experience with concepts that you’ll use in the field. What we mean by hands-on experience is real time to learn how to use diagnostic equipment, such as a blower door and duct blaster, and practice using those tools to diagnose air leakage in the home. This type of job training addresses every learning style – visual, auditory, verbal, kinetic, logical, social, and solitary – so everybody walks away having learned new skills. There are components within the 5-day BPI training course that enables participants to flex their skills in each of these areas.

HVAC Testing Manometers BPI field training

Whether you decide to participate in the “theory” part of training via a live classroom environment or an online webinar, it is imperative that you participate in live, hands-on training to gain exposure to the energy auditing equipment. We strongly believe that home performance professionals – that is, the people responsible for the health and wellbeing of home occupants – should have experience working with the job tools and practicing home energy audit procedures. BPI training is the best outlet for acquiring this knowledge and experience.

During our BPI training courses, you’ll acquire the following hands-on skills:

Measuring air leakage with a blower door and manometer
Measuring duct leakage with a duct blaster and manometer
Testing the draft and spillage of gases from old HVAC equipment using a combustible gas leak detector
Determining the presence of poisonous carbon monoxide with a CO analyzer
Overall familiarity with home elements, ranging from insulation to windows and lighting

Due to the hands-on nature of home energy auditing, it’s important for contractors to seek appropriate training. You would be doing yourself (and your customers) a disservice by shying away from hands-on field training. In addition to gaining relevant skills, you also have the opportunity to ask questions in real time with your experienced energy auditing instructor as well as network with technicians in your area. The proficiency you demonstrate during hands-on field training directly leads to your success on the BPI Certification field exam, so why not participate in an engaging environment and learn by doing?

At Everblue, we provide all the energy auditing equipment for our students. As one of our BPI training participants, you also gain access to exclusive equipment discounts from leading manufacturers, such as The Energy Conservatory.

Add home energy auditing to your business offerings today! We offer BPI Certification training in a number of locations across the country. Give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or start a live chat with us to discuss the training options nearest you.

Commercial Energy Benchmarking Has Come a Long Way

I just read a fantastic article from Cliff Majersik, of the Institute for Market Transformation, talking about the growth of energy efficiency in this nation. The Huffington Post article appropriately compares this growth to the blossoming of spring – how is this appropriate? Because what we’re seeing is more and more cities across the country requiring energy benchmarking among their commercial buildings. Energy benchmarking is the process of measuring a building’s energy use over time, thereby establishing a baseline and acquiring the necessary data to make informed decisions about future energy efficiency upgrades. The reason this article was so striking is because it highlighted three major developments that occurred just last week (Aug 20-24).

Atlanta became the first major Southeast city to adopt an energy efficiency policy for commercial buildings. The City Council voted unanimously in favor of this policy.
Portland’s City Council also voted unanimously to pass its Energy Performance Reporting Policy for commercial buildings over 20,000 square feet. This policy was approved on Earth Day!
Congress passed the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015, which addresses energy use benchmarking in federal leased buildings. It’s the first energy bill passed by Congress since 2007!

I was also interested to learn that Atlanta and Portland’s new policies are actually not the first of their kind. There are similar commercial energy auditing policies in New York, DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Austin, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle (!!). Clearly, these policies have proven to be effective, giving rise to additional policies throughout the country.

Why is Commercial Energy Benchmarking So Important?

Commercial Building Energy Use After its citizens, buildings are typically a city’s most valuable assets and also the largest users of energy. In the U.S., the building sector accounts for roughly 40% of total energy consumption. Portland has over 5,000 commercial buildings that spend more than $335 million on energy annually. These buildings are responsible for nearly a quarter of Portland’s carbon emissions.

Improving building energy use should be a top priority for all building owners and facility managers. These energy benchmarking policies provide transparency to potential tenants and owners about building energy performance and motivate investment in energy efficiency improvements that reduce energy use, carbon emissions, and building owners’ overall energy costs. Of course there is also the added bonus of positive PR; top-performing buildings are likely to gain additional exposure and praise via the media, case studies, and other communication outlets.

“Today, my clients, tenant customers and staff expect energy efficiency,” said David Genrich, general manager at Jones Lang LaSalle, a professional services and investment management company specializing in real estate. “Tracking energy use has become a core responsibility of good building managers, and this policy [in Portland] ensures consistency across the board.”

How You Can Get Involved

The recent passage of Atlanta and Portland’s commercial building energy policies bode well for proposed legislation in other municipalities. Even more, if you are a building owner or facility manager, you should definitely start to research commercial energy use and ways that you can begin tracking it in your buildings. It is very likely that your city might be the next one to adopt a policy!

Some immediate first steps may include the following:

Enroll in our Commercial Building Energy Auditor course to get a better understanding of the topics related to commercial energy use. In this course, you will gain familiarity with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, which is the tool that many of these local ordinances are suggesting to their building owners and facility managers. This online training course is the perfect introduction to commercial energy auditing and will give you a solid foundation to make a difference in your community.
Consider earning a LEED AP Operations and Maintenance credential. This designation embodies all the same fundamental knowledge and objectives that a facility manager will experience when tracking energy use in a commercial building. The only difference is that this credential is specific to commercial buildings that have earned a LEED Certification. The LEED for Existing Buildings rating system has its own checklist of ways that building owners can measure and track energy use. Given that LEED is its own internationally-recognized standard for green building, a LEED AP with this designation would, of course, adhere to the requirements of the Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance rating system. This option is great for facility managers who are already eyeing their building’s energy use and want to take their efforts to the next level.

It’s a great time to become a commercial energy manager. See our post on energy manager salary for more information on this career pathway!

Also, check back with us for more information about new ordinances that get passed! We’re excited to see city officials taking commercial energy use so seriously. This is a step in the right direction, and we’re feeling pretty confident that more cities will follow suit!

Solar Energy Courses are the First Step to Getting a Job in Solar

When people think about sustainability, one of the first images to come to mind is a technician putting solar panels on a house. Solar = sustainability. Sure, there are a wide range of jobs and activities that actually make up the sustainability industry, but by and large, many people think about solar. We commonly get live chats from people looking to break into the sustainability industry via a job as a solar panel installer, and they’re not really sure how to get started. Truly, the first thing you’ll want to do is research solar energy courses.

Here is your brief guide to joining the sustainability industry as a solar PV installer.

First, let me just say that solar is a great add-on service for general contractors, builders, roofers, and electricians. Professionals in these fields are already working in construction – be it residential or commercial – and, like everyone on the planet, they’re looking for ways to better their skills, gain new clients, and grow their businesses. Solar can do exactly that. Many states have rebate programs that incentivize homeowners to add solar panels to their roofs. This causes homeowners to look for qualified solar contractors to perform the work – boom!

But what if you are completely new to the construction industry and want to learn more about solar energy?

Not a problem. Like every other occupation, there will be a degree of education and training required before you start climbing the ladder (literally) up to someone’s roof and try to put solar panels there. You will need to have a basic understanding of electricity and safety. Solar training can provide this for you. There are a number of solar energy courses out there – some online, some in live classroom settings. It really doesn’t matter which one you choose. What matters is that you indeed participate in an appropriate training course that will teach you the fundamentals.

Solar training provides an opportunity to install solar panels

After you learn the basic information about electricity and safety, you’ll want to familiarize yourself more with solar photovoltaic systems. As a solar contractor, you will be responsible for planning the design and installation of solar PV systems. Yet again, there are solar training courses available to help you get acquainted with this subject matter. Oftentimes, these advanced solar energy energy courses will actually include hands-on portions. During a hands-on training course, you can work in a team to assembly a solar PV array. This skill is incredibly valuable if you want to join the clean energy industry as a solar PV installer. You will be able to immediately apply these lessons to the work you will encounter in the field.

Now, with the right training and experience under your belt, you might consider earning a solar certification.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the industry leading organization for awarding solar certification to qualified professionals. Many of the NABCEP certifications have specific education, training, and experiential requirements before you are even eligible to sit for the certification exam. Thankfully, most solar training programs (especially those that are approved and accredited through IREC) align with the eligibility requirements for NABCEP Certification. You should seek out an appropriate solar training provider to ensure that you will meet both the education and experiential requirements to sit for the exam.

Voila! Once you have earned your NABCEP solar certification and completed a solar training program, you will be more than qualified to enter the solar workforce as an installer. You can work as an apprentice for a solar contractor or start your own solar PV installation business! Get started today – give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

Pass the LEED Exam by Utilizing These 5 Strategies

We love hearing from our students and getting feedback about their LEED exams. We recently heard from a student from our Boston LEED training class who wanted to provide thoughts on how to pass the LEED exam – like she did.

She sent a note to our instructor, Joan Darvish-Rouhani, that she passed the LEED Green Associate exam with a score of 190 (out of 200!). She also supplied some tips for her classmates to help them avoid the often-seen procrastination stage. We wanted to share these words of wisdom with you all…

1. Just take the exam already! You will want to study and study and study to the point where you won’t know if you’re ready to take the exam or not. You’re ready. You know this stuff! Joan taught you everything you need to know to pass the LEED exam. Do not procrastinate any longer!

2. Make use of mnemonics. The test-taking tips and techniques that were introduced in our LEED course haven proven success and work!

3. Look for questions on the exam that have been reworded. You might find several questions asking about the same topic – this will either be easy points gained or easy points lost!

4. Do not stress about math. There were very few math problems on the LEED exam. Most questions asked about the LEED credits.

5. Pay attention to how the question is worded. Several of the questions may ask you to select two or three answer choices. The question will come up as incomplete if you don’t check off the proper number of responses. This notice will show up when you hit the Review button.

At Everblue, our goal is to help you pass your LEED exam and earn a valuable sustainability certification or accreditation. Our LEED exam prep training combines professional, high-energy delivery with a no-nonsense, only-what-you-need-to-know approach to provide an intense learning experience. Since the launch of the new LEED v4 exams, our students have reported a 99% pass rate on the LEED Green Associate exam. Get started today by calling us at (800) 460-2575.

Energy Codes in Action

We’re 5 days away from the National Energy Codes Conference hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This is the first national conference dedicated solely to energy codes since 2011. The conference will focus on the development, adoption, and compliance of state energy codes. As you may know, the United States does not have a national energy code or standard, so energy codes are adopted at the state and local levels of government.

DOE National Energy Codes Conference photo

Why is This Important?

Model building codes exist to provide guidance and to standardize the expectations for a building’s quality, safety, and energy performance. Model codes get updated every three years in order to incorporate new technologies, materials, and methods into our building processes. The three-year gap is meant to provide sufficient time for proof of performance and enhanced health, safety, durability, and energy efficiency.

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is one building code of note. The IECC establishes minimum design and construction requirements for energy efficiency. Buildings that meet the model energy code use less energy, which reduces utility bills – and puts money back into consumers’ pockets.

Looking strictly at residential IECC adoption, the majority of states are operating under the 2009 IECC. The second most popular code is the 2012 IECC, which means that more and more states are seeing the value of increased energy efficiency in our buildings. According to a report developed by the DOE, a homeowner can save $388 in the first year by implementing the 2012 IECC over the 2009 IECC.

What Does the 2012 IECC Cover?

Some items to consider in regard to 2012 IECC include the following:

New homes being built must be caulked and sealed to create an air-tight envelope.
Ducts and air handlers must be sealed with maximum leakage testing to show tightness.
Wall insulation should be R-15 or R-13+1 Continuous.
Hot water pipes need R-3 insulation.

The requirement gaining the most awareness is that of duct leakage testing. Both the 2009 and 2012 IECC require duct tightness to be verified. Verification must be shown through blower door and duct blaster testing.

According to the Department of Energy, verification can take place via either a post-construction test or a rough-in test:

“For the post-construction test, leakage measurement must be made across the entire system, including the manufacturer’s air handler enclosure, with all register boots taped or sealed at a test pressure of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa). The 2009 IECC limits the leakage to outdoors to less than or equal to 8 cfm per 100 ft2 of conditioned floor area or total leakage less than or equal to 12 cfm per 100 ft2 of conditioned floor area. The 2012 IECC only contains a requirement for total leakage of less than or equal to 4 cfm per 100 ft2 of conditioned floor area.

For the rough-in test, leakage measurement is made across the system, with the manufacturer’s air handler enclosure if it is installed. The test is conducted at 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa) with all registers taped or sealed. The 2009 IECC limits leakage to less than or equal to 6 cfm per 100 ft2 of conditioned floor area when the air handler is installed and 4 cfm when it is not installed. The 2012 IECC limits the leakage to 4 cfm per 100 ft2 of conditioned floor area when the air handler is installed and 3 cfm when it is not installed.”

State Energy Code Adoption image

Energy Codes in Action

Next week’s National Energy Codes Conference is themed Energy Codes in Action. This is such a fitting theme, seeing as to how the 2009 and 2012 energy codes appear to be what’s driving residential energy efficiency training among home builders, energy auditors, home inspectors, and general contractors nationwide. As soon as a state decides to adopt a new energy code, home performance professionals start to read up on the new requirements and seek training. This brings me to a few case studies to illustrate the point.

Case Study #1: Nashville Energy Code

The first national conference dedicated solely to energy codes since 2011 will be taking place in…Nashville, TN.

Who would have thought that Nashville would be the epicenter for this conversation? From the information on energycodes.gov, you would see that Tennessee is operating under the 2006 IECC. However, we at Everblue have witnessed a dramatic increase in TN for training regarding duct and air leakage testing. For the last three months, we’ve talked with scores of builders throughout the state who are craving knowledge that will help them meet or exceed code. As we mentioned earlier in this post, it is up to the state and/or local governments to adopt the code. Having done some research, it looks like there are several cities in TN that have adopted the 2009 or 2012 IECC, which would absolutely explain why so many practitioners have reached out to us for training.

We keep directing these inquiries to the BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage course. BPI IDL launched in September 2014 to directly address 2009 and 2012 energy code requirements. This certification course focuses exclusively on blower door and duct blaster concepts to help professionals understand duct and air leakage. Our next Nashville BPI training course is scheduled for May 21-22. We encourage those attending the National Energy Codes Conference to join us for this training and be sure to sign up by the early registration deadline on May 7 to save $100 on your enrollment!

Case Study #2: Michigan Energy Code (Statewide Ruling)

Our next case study focuses on another hotbed for residential building: Detroit, MI!

Oh yes, we’ve received quite a few inquiries in the last few DAYS about duct leakage testing in Michigan. Evidently there will be some code changes taking effect in 2016 in Detroit.

According to the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, the Michigan Residential Code Review Committee voted to approve a new statewide building energy code for residential buildings. The new code is based on 2015 IECC, with some modifications.

MEEA analyzed the economic potential of adopting the 2015 IECC, with the Michigan-specific modifications, and identified the following advantages: “We have found that a newly constructed 2,400 square foot home in Detroit will use an average of 725 fewer kWh and 358 fewer therms per year if built to the 2015 IECC, as modified in Michigan, compared to the current energy code. This would result in the average homeowner saving around $320 annually in utility bills. It is important to note that these energy and cost savings will continue for the life of a building, which can be 50 – 100 years or more.”

We are directing these inquiries to the RESNET HERS Rater Training course. This training also includes blower door and duct blaster concepts that encourage knowledge of duct and air leakage testing. Our next Detroit RESNET HERS training course is scheduled for June 8-12. This course also has a $100 early registration discount (with the deadline being May 25).

Energy codes are driving action across the country. Like these two examples above, we saw a massive surge in RESNET and BPI training in Boston when Massachusetts adopted the 2012 IECC. As an exciting cherry on top, it was announced just this morning that the state of Vermont adopted a modified 2015 IECC HERS Index Score option to its state building energy code. What this means is that builders can now use the HERS Score as a compliance path to meeting the 2015 IECC. Vermont’s action represents the first state to have adopted the 2015 IECC Energy Rating Index compliance path. There will likely be a surge among VT builders who become certified HERS Raters (so please check back with us as we add some RESNET training courses in the area!).

In short, there are a number of reasons why you should be pursuing a BPI or RESNET certification if you work in the residential energy efficiency industry. Those reasons may include personal achievement, marketability, lifelong learning, chances of a promotion, increased pay, or the altruistic desire to help homeowners save money on their energy bills. You can now add one more reason to the list: energy codes.

While the other reasons may be subjective, it’s hard to defy your state or local energy code if you want to work in this industry. BPI and RESNET aren’t going anywhere. They exist to help you acquire the job skills you need to stay relevant and make a difference in your community. So your first action item is this: research your local energy code and determine if you have the skills to meet the code. Next: Live chat us or give us a call at (800) 460-2575 to determine whether you should pursue BPI or RESNET training to address your local code needs.

Learn more about Everblue's RESNET HERS Rater Training

LEED AP Acronym Comes with Some History & Context

Many moons ago, when LEED credentials were first established for green building professionals, there was a designation called LEED AP. The LEED AP acronym stood for LEED Accredited Professional.

Things were simple back then. If you wanted to pursue a LEED credential, you became a LEED AP.

LEED Version 3 debuted and changed the credentialing process.

In April 2009, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) modified the LEED standards. They named the new version LEED 2009, or LEED Version 3. This version modified the credentialing process significantly.

Instead of just one designation, three levels were born:

LEED Green Associate
LEED AP with Specialty
LEED Fellow

What happened to the pre-2009 LEED APs?

They were given many opportunities to opt into the new tiered process and update their status from LEED AP to the new LEED AP With Specialty designation.

Alternatively, some people chose not to opt into the new system and instead chose to remain a regular LEED AP, or what some would call a LEED AP Without Specialty.

How did LEED v3 impact pre-2009 LEED APs’ careers?

There was no way for LEED APs at the time to know that their credential would later be viewed as archaic and out of touch.

In fact, the USGBC stopped featuring them in their directory of accredited professionals! We wrote more about this controversy in our other LEED AP Without Specialty blog post.

What happened when LEED Version 4 launched in 2014?

LEED Version 4 replaced LEED 2009.

Given that so much had changed in the LEED standards and the green building industry in general, the original LEED APs are no longer allowed to opt into the new system as quickly and easily as before.

If they want to opt into the new version, pre-2009 LEED APs have to start at the beginning of the LEED credentialing process, with LEED Green Associate.

LEED Credential Process

It’s possible to do nothing and remain a regular LEED AP for life, but since that credential is 5+ years out of date, these individuals will be recognized as inactive LEED professionals.

LEED AP vs. LEED AP Specialty

So, to summarize, LEED AP is not the same as LEED AP with Specialty.

You can identify a professional from before LEED 2009 if his or her name is followed simply by the LEED AP acronym.

You can identify a professional from after LEED 2009 (versions 3 or 4) if his or name is followed by a series of acronyms, such as LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M, LEED AP ID+C, LEED AP ND, or LEED AP Homes.

What do those LEED AP acronyms mean?

These five acronyms represent the five LEED AP specialties available under LEED 2009 (and going forward under LEED Version 4).

Spelled out, these specialties are:

LEED AP Building Design and Construction
LEED AP Operations and Maintenance
LEED AP Interior Design and Construction
LEED AP Neighborhood Development
LEED AP Homes

Nowadays, if you say that you want to become a LEED AP, you may or may not be referring to one of these advanced LEED AP specialties. Yes, I said advanced.

LEED Green Associate is the first step to earning a LEED credential.

This is the mandatory first step for everyone, regardless of occupation, education, and experience. Everyone has to pass the LEED Green Associate exam before proceeding to a LEED AP with Specialty designation.

For most people, LEED Green Associate is sufficient. If you work in the sustainability industry but maybe you don’t work on LEED projects regularly, then a LEED Green Associate accreditation is perfectly sufficient for you.

If, however, you do work on LEED projects in some regard, then you should consider advancing to the LEED AP specialty that most corresponds with your job responsibilities.

By and large, the most popular LEED AP specialties are LEED AP Building Design + Construction and LEED AP Operations and Maintenance.

At Everblue, we provide exam prep training for LEED Green Associate, LEED AP BD+C, and LEED AP O+M.

The lesson for today is this: Whether you’re brand new to LEED or want to earn the coveted LEED AP credential, you must first earn your LEED Green Associate. No matter what. Get started now!