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BPI Accreditation Program Goes a Step Beyond BPI Certification

The Building Performance Institute offers two programs, and it can be confusing to know which to pursue. Let’s talk about BPI Certification and the BPI Accreditation program.

There are a number of BPI Certifications that an individual can earn. The basic and most popular certification is called BPI Building Analyst. Typically, a BPI Building Analyst is also called an Energy Auditor. The next most popular BPI certification is the BPI Envelope/Shell Professional. After BPI Building Analyst and BPI Envelope, the other credentials BPI credentials are called Heat Pump, Heating, Air Condition, Multifamily, and Manufactured Housing. All of the advanced specialties are growing rapidly. However, many of the advanced specialties required in-depth trade knowledge to pass the exams. For example, the BPI Multifamily specialty requires in-depth knowledge of boiler systems.

On to the BPI Accreditation program…a BPI Accredited contractor is typically called a “Home Performance Contractor” (sometimes you’ll see “with ENERGY STAR” following the title). The point of accreditation is to label those contractors who have both the training and have incorporated quality control systems in place to truly look at the home as a system. A home performance contractor will come to a home not as a single trade (ie, an HVAC tech whose sole aim is to sell you a new HVAC unit) but rather from a holistic approach that includes insulation, air sealing, appliance efficiency, duct testing, and more. Once the work is selected, a BPI Accredited contractor will ensure that quality repairs or energy retrofits are made to the home.

So, if you are an individual looking to become an Energy Auditor, you will want to gain multiple certifications to expand your knowledge and to be able to market your services.

Jan. 2020 Update – if you’re looking for more information about the BPI Accreditation program, it seems that initiative has been rebranded and redesigned to become the BPI GoldStar Contractor program.

Energy Auditor Job Outlook & Where You’ll Find Work

As you’re researching the energy auditor job outlook, you’re probably asking yourself, “Where is the best place to be an energy auditor?” The answer is, anywhere in the country is a great place to be an energy auditor, but the entire Northeast, upper mid-west, and the West Coast are the BEST places. Here are the factors that make those locations, in particular, so great:

1 – Extreme Climate. Comfort is actually the number one reason that homeowners call an energy auditor. In fact, most of what we teach about making a home more energy efficient is directly related to the heating and cooling of a home.

2 – High Utility Costs. How high does a homeowner’s energy bill have to be before they start thinking about getting an energy audit? My experience is at least $400/month. In California, which leads the nation in electricity costs, $400/month is easy to surpass with its nearly 32 cents/kwh. In New York, heating a home with heating oil can run a homeowner $700/month. Cutting that 10% pays for a premium cable package. Compare these prices to Georgia at 8 cents/kwh where the average electric bill is probably closer to $100/month. 10% in Georgia is 2.5 lattes at Starbucks – doesn’t exactly make a homeowner jump off the couch to call an energy auditor.

3 – Old Housing Stock. In general, older homes are horribly inefficient. The insulation is old (if there is even any insulation), there have likely been many additions and modifications (which incur breaks in the home’s envelope), and energy-efficient building practices have evolved significantly in the last 30 years. Compare the average age of a house in New Jersey at over 30 years old to homes in the southeast where the average age is 10 years old – which area can make the most improvement on energy efficiency?

4 – Progressive Building Codes. In states that have adopted the 2012 (or later) International Energy Conservation Code, blower door and duct leakage testing is required on all new construction homes. Since energy auditors are trained on blower door and duct testing, this creates the perfect conditions for a certified home energy auditor to advertise a specific in-demand service.

energy codes map 2020

5 – State Incentive Programs. One of the challenges for energy auditors is the time it takes to do sales, marketing, and education of the homeowner. That effort can eat up both your time and profit. In New Jersey, the state’s Clean Energy Program advertises energy efficiency and has a toll-free hot line for homeowners to call for an energy audit they they then farm out to private BPI Certified energy auditors. That’s a great way to encourage small business energy auditors.

So which states are the best? New Jersey, California, Oregon, and Massachusetts.

So what about the South? Well, you can be an energy auditor in the Carolinas or Georgia, but you’ll most likely be a multi-tasker such as an insulator, handyman, home inspector, etc. In the Southeast, utility costs per kwh or BTU are the lowest in the country, and the weather is relatively mild. So unless someone has a real comfort problem (think August in Charleston or Atlanta), homeowners aren’t likely to call an energy auditor. This doesn’t mean that energy auditing isn’t a great skill set, it just means that your employment of the energy efficiency skills will be different. In Charlotte, energy auditing services can differentiate your HVAC company or your handyman business, but you’ll likely find it tough as a truly independent energy auditor.

If the energy auditor job outlook sounds appealing to you, our BPI Building Analyst Training is a great first step.

Learn more about Everblue's BPI Building Analyst Training

LEED Exam Perfect Score Earned by Everblue Student

Congrats to Joanne Haggerty! She used our LEED Green Associate Practice Questions to get a LEED exam perfect score of 200! Here’s what she had to say and below that is a copy of her exam sheet.

“I would like to say that the exam questions I purchased were excellent prep – I took my exam on Sunday and scored 200 – 100% throughout! I was stunned, and pleased of course- but I really feel that whilst your prep was tough it certainly helped me in my endeavors – they prompted me to read the questions thoroughly, as well as each answer and think about reasons behind each possibility to allow me to eliminate wrong answers methodically. I shall certainly be buying the AP equivalent materials when I start studying for this, and have already been recommending your material to colleagues who are on the same track.”

Top score on the LEED Green Associate Exam

What an extraordinary achievement! So, in case you were wondering, it is entirely possible to earn a perfect score on the LEED exam!

That said, a perfect score isn’t required. All that matters is that you pass. Potential employers and clients will not ask what your score was on the LEED exam; they only care that you understand enough to pass the exam. You can still call yourself a LEED Accredited Professional whether your score is 182 or 199.

In Joanne’s case, it just goes to show how incredibly proficient she is with the LEED credit requirements. We’re so darn proud of her!

Let us know how you did on the LEED Exam by emailing [email protected].

If you haven’t taken the exam yet and want to earn a LEED credential, sign up for a LEED Green Associate prep course today! Our students report a 99% first-time pass rate. We look forward to celebrating your LEED exam passing score too!

Register now for LEED Green Associate Exam Prep

Building Analyst vs. Rater: The Difference Between BPI and RESNET

The Building Analyst vs. Rater titles both represent a certified home energy auditor. Let’s look at how the certification processes differ as well as the knowledge areas of both professionals.

Are you interested in becoming an Energy Auditor? Have you looked at the various standards, options and utility programs in your area? The broad swath of incentive programs are a great way to help you start or expand your energy auditing or retrofitting business. Well, if you’ve looked into any of these programs, you’ve probably concluded that you need to become a HERS Rater or a BPI Building Analyst. In fact, almost all of city, state and utility incentive programs require an individual to have one of these professional certifications to qualify.

So what is the difference between BPI and RESNET? How do their testing standards differ? If you haven’t already seen our What is BPI and What is RESNET explanations, I recommend reading them before continuing. For this post, I will focus specifically on the training differences between their professional credentials:

Similarities: BPI and RESNET both teach the exact same principles of building science, energy loss and heat flow in a home. Both review standard practices for energy auditors and home performance contractors. Both test candidates on the blower door – a pressurization testing tool. And, lastly, both pre-approve and qualify third party training organizations to administer their training and examinations.

Differences: RESNET, however, requires 40 hours of training and includes duct testing and energy modeling, while BPI does not have a length of training requirement and includes combustion safety testing. RESNET does not have Combustion Safety Testing and BPI Building Analyst does not have duct testing. Additionally, BPI has multiple levels and specialties of certification, whereas, RESNET has the HERS rater only.

Written Exam Comparison: BPI’s exam is 100 multiple choice questions with 70 percent required to pass, while RESNET’s exam is only 50 multiple choice questions with a minimum score of 80 percent required to pass. BPI’s written exam is longer but generally considered easier to pass. RESNET’s exam is open book and open Internet, while BPI’s exam only allows you to have a copy of their standards. You’d think that an open book exam would be easier, but it’s not. RESNET’s higher passing score requirement and toughly worded questions really make that exam much harder than BPI. With the exception of a handful of curveballs, the BPI exam is a fairly straightforward test. Overall, both exams rigorously test your knowledge of building science and your basic carpenter’s math skills (Can you find the area of a wall? How about the volume of a house?).

Field Training Comparison: For the field training, both use the blower door as a primary training tool. BPI focuses on the energy audit process, the blower door and combustion safety testing. RESNET focuses on duct testing using a duct blaster. It makes sense if you know that BPI is based out of New York (a heating climate, more likely to have a combustion appliance) and RESNET is based out of San Diego (more likely to have a forced air duct system for air conditioning). BPI requires you to pass one proctored field audit to complete your training. For BPI, you can actually fail your field exam if you do not follow the testing procedures exactly. RESNET, however, does not have a field exam per se, however, you must complete five proctored audits after passing the written exam to become a fully certified HERS rater.

So which should certification you pursue – RESNET HERS Rater or BPI Building Analyst? Both, if you can afford it, but otherwise, the general rule of thumb is that RESNET focuses on new and newer homes, while BPI focuses on older and existing homes. Right now there is not much in the way of new residential construction, so BPI is the most popular standard and is likely going to be the credential required for contractors to participate the upcoming “Cash for Caulkers” program the federal government will be unveiling soon. Once you’ve chosen a certification make sure you chose a licensed BPI training affiliate or RESNET training provider. That will ensure you have no problems qualifying for the exams and field training.

Learn more about Everblue's RESNET HERS Rater Training

LEED Rating System Faces These 5 Growth Challenges

The LEED Rating System is by and large the best thing we’ve got to identify and rate sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. But, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still challenges to overcome.

1 – Cost. We’re in a recession, and two of the LEED Rating System’s biggest proponents (Colleges and Government) are hurting for money. LEED Certification needs to streamline its cost structure to retain the loyalty of budget-conscious universities, municipalities and states. I don’t mention the federal government because they already only build LEED certifiable buildings and don’t bother paying for the plaque.

2 – Its own growth. What is LEED Certification? Is it an exclusive club for only the greenest projects, or does it aim to be a national building code impacting as many properties nationwide as possible? It started out with exclusivity and has built a great aura. However, in some markets, LEED Certification is no longer exclusive enough to be a significant market differentiator. Basically, most of the active construction projects right now are pursuing LEED Certification. If everyone is doing it, is your project still special?

3 – Project review backlogs and confusion. We hear stories of projects finishing construction before they even receive their design submittal documentation back from GBCI – that’s not good. Additionally, the USGBC has reduced the role of CIRs, which previously could serve as additional interpretation beyond the reference guide. Basically, if someone had done it before you knew that you could too and get the point. Now there’s no guarantee, and that creates a lot of uncertainty – also not good.

4 – CalGreen. California is the nation’s leading standard bearer for the environment and green building. With CalGreen, the state is not just trying to exist alongside the LEED Rating System, but it is actively competing and marketing against LEED. At this point, no one knows what impact CalGreen will actually have on the number of LEED projects in California. The USGBC has effectively claimed that CalGreen is really just government-sponsored greenwashing. The state fired back claiming that the USGBC is only trying to protect their brand. Time will tell us who wins that battle.

5 – The economy. Until recently, the economic downturn has actually helped LEED. As buildings became vacant, builders raced to differentiate their projects, and they turned to LEED Certification to accomplish that. Now, however, the economy is in the toilet and even LEED projects aren’t even getting built. With no new construction projects, LEED will likely have a down year. Additionally, with significant cost pressures on the construction industry and government budgets, LEED Certification may become a luxury they simply can’t afford. Simply put, long term operational savings are great, but you can’t save any money if you can’t build a building in the first place because it costs too much.

CalGreen Challenges: California’s Response to its Green Building Code

Last post I discussed California’s new CalGreen building code standard and how that might interact with LEED, Build It Green and other green building standards. The California governor’s office has fired back with criticisms of its own in response to those citing CalGreen challenges and issues.

calgreen logo

Here I’ll lay out their four main points supporting CalGreen:

MYTH 1: “The 2010 Green Building Standards Code is not stringent enough to make a difference in the climate change efforts.”

FACT 1: The California Air Resources Board estimates that the mandatory provisions will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 equivalent) by 3 million metric tons in 2020. Additionally, the provisions will reduce water use by 20 percent and divert 50 percent of construction waste from landfills.

ANALYSIS: I have not read the actual building code standards yet so I cannot comment on their stringency. However, from what I have read, it seems that the requirements for energy and water savings are now a part of building code. Yes, some builders may cheat the system, but many will not, and California will likely continue improving the standard as more data becomes available. In terms of which standard is better, this is a non-issue in my mind. Each standard has its flaws that could allow builders to cheat, but each also accomplishes their mission of changing the way people approach building design and construction.

MYTH 2: “Local jurisdictions do not have the technical expertise to verify whether builders are complying with the Green Building Code.”

FACT 2: The code will utilize the long-standing, successful enforcement infrastructure that the state has established to enforce its health, safety, fire, energy and structural building codes making verification of the Green Code for local building inspectors a simple transition. Unlike many private green building certification programs, the CalGreen Code will not require businesses or property owners to pay additional fees for certification. Additionally, the CalGreen Code requires field inspections to ensure compliance.

ANALYSIS: The technical expertise may not exist right now at the local level, however, cities and towns will educate their inspectors and code departments about the CalGreen green building code. Additionally, this standard applies to every building, while LEED and Build It Green apply to less than 1 percent of the built environment. So even if it wasn’t as stringent or technically enforced, the CalGreen code should have a much bigger impact. Builders that want to go above and beyond will still be able to pursue LEED to distinguish themselves.

MYTH 3: “California’s CalGreen label and the tier structures will create market confusion with other third party verification systems.”

FACT 3: The CalGreen Code is a moniker to distinguish California’s many other building codes from the California Green Building Standards Code. The tier structure was developed by the Commission to promote market continuity. Having a mandatory code with a tier structure in place will allow California’s builders to build to a certifiable green standard without having to pay costly fees for third-party programs.

ANALYSIS: This is a legitimate concern. The market is already confused and frustrated with both the variety of standards and shady marketing claims (green washing).

MYTH 4: “The new code will significantly impact California cities’ own green building programs.”

FACT 4: The Code sets a sensible floor that all new structures must meet to significantly minimize the state’s overall carbon output. Each individual local jurisdiction retains the administrative authority to decide what is best for their communities while meeting the mandatory provisions in the new Green Code. They are encouraged to take additional actions to green their buildings that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and conserve our natural resources.

ANALYSIS: Both statements are true. Some cities will always go above and beyond the code. However, how many consumers will think that the CalGreen label is all they need? What will be interesting too is that if CalGreen works, then it will steal much of the thunder from the other green building standards. For example, CalGreen requires a 20 percent water usage reduction and mandates much of the easily achieved water efficiency items like flow faucets. To distinguish even greener buildings, LEED will now have to require ever greater water efficiency which will become more costly to achieve. Ultimately, that’s a good problem to have.

If you’re interested in learning more about the CalGreen challenges, LEED, or the basics of green building, I recommend that you take Everblue’s LEED Green Associate course.

It will be interesting to see how the CalGreen challenges evolve over the years and whether they choose to mingle with LEED or not.

CalGreen and LEED: Battle of the Green Building Standards

California’s green building code standard, called CalGreen, is interesting and perhaps a bit innovative in that it attempts to be both standard building code (a good thing) and a marketable green building rating system (like LEED). What’s odd is that building code usually sets the floor or the minimum standards. Because every home or building has to meet code, you don’t see builders advertising, “Buy our home, we meet code!”

When CalGreen was released , many organizations (including the USGBC and San Francisco-based Build It Green) criticized it on two fronts. First, they challenged the integrity of the CalGreen effort – would it really have an impact on building standards, or would it be greenwashing? Second, they challenged the building code’s attempt to be a builder marketing tool.

On the integrity question, green building standards will ultimately have to integrate into the building code. It’s a natural progression, and it’s ultimately where the biggest impact on our built environment is to be had. There are legitimate concerns about the ability of building inspectors and city officials to handle inspections, reviews, etc. The answer to that problem is not abandon the existing and successful enforcement infrastructure. As buildings become more complex, code officials and inspectors will need to be better educated and, ultimately, specialize further within their skill sets. Instead of opposing CalGreen, the USGBC and others have started to encourage independent third-party testing and research into the effectiveness of existing building codes, LEED, CalGreen, Build It Green, and more. That research has driven best practices.

On the marketing front, the USGBC and Build It Green have legitimate concerns. However, I would think that the state’s real desire is to advance their own marketing credentials. California prides itself on being at the forefront of environmental issues, and CalGreen is a way to give their leadership position a brand name. The problem with that effort is likely to be the dilution of the existing national standards and additional confusion in the minds of consumers. The really advanced consumer will still seek LEED and Build It Green, but the average off-the-street consumer already has a hard time knowing what is truly green from the 50+ standards that exist on a regional and city level.

As for the USGBC, it has to decide what it wants to be. Does it want to be the Coach purse of standards where every woman covets one but few can afford it (what LEED has historically been), or does it want to be more like Walmart and McDonald’s (everywhere) – it’s hard to be both. Something widespread and widely available loses its coveted status because everybody has one. In fact, the central challenge to LEED’s highly coveted status is its growth and widespread adoption. Now that the federal government and many states are mandating LEED on ALL constructions, LEED is becoming a lot less special. In fact, builders are already bemoaning the difficulty in getting press attention for “yet another LEED building.” So the question is whether there is room in the world for CalGreen and LEED to exist. CalGreen would be everywhere like McDonald’s, while LEED would be the equivalent of a high-end steak restaurant?

CalGreen and LEED: Where Are They Now?

As of the writing of this post (2010), much has happened! We’ve published a new blog (2017) that looks at exactly how CalGreen and LEED have been working together. Keep reading more about California green building here!

GI Bill Covers Cost of LEED Exam

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs recently announced its newest efforts to support the military by saying it would reimburse veterans for the cost of any LEED exam they wish to take. Eligible veterans include dependents and reservists who have taken a LEED exam since December 3, 2008.

As the green industry matures and prospers, a multitude of new career opportunities will surface for those with green training and knowledge. Peter Templeton, president of the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), recognizes that LEED expertise offers these new skills, credentials and opportunities for veterans.

At a time when many industries are declining, the green movement has emerged as the quintessential hope for a new and improved environment, economy and future. Now is the time to enhance one’s career, or learn a new trade, by positioning oneself as being on the cutting edge of the green movement.

The VA says it will cover up to $2,000 in exam fees. As the LEED exams range from $100-450, depending on type of test and whether or not an applicant is a USGBC member, it appears as though the VA will cover the exam cost of a LEED AP exam, in addition to a LEED Green Associate exam, which is the mandatory first step.

To qualify for reimbursement, veterans must apply directly to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. This reimbursement comes from a portion of one’s GI Bill.

The GI Bill cannot reimburse one for preparation prior to an exam, however, Everblue will. Starting January 1, 2010, Everblue will reserve two complimentary seats for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans at each of its LEED Green Associate exam prep courses. With the help of Everblue and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, one may enroll in an exam prep course, take more than one LEED exam and attain more than one green credential at no cost.

The GI Bill indicates that one may receive benefits to retake a test he or she did not pass. Also, one may receive benefits to retake a test for recertification or to retain a license one already has.

LEED expertise increases one’s marketability to potential employers. Although attaining a LEED credential can be beneficial for one’s career, this benefit does not compare to the invaluable acknowledgment of support from third-party organizations. It becomes clear that Everblue, as well as the Green Building Certification Institute, truly support America’s veterans and earnestly want to see them succeed.

For more information on GI Bill certification reimbursement, please see the VA Benefits website.

Silicon Ink, a 3D Printed Solar Cell, Can Conserve Energy

Silicon Ink, as it is called, can be 18 percent more efficient. According to Power and Energy Magazine, Innovalight Inc. is working with JA Solar Holdings Limited to commercialize this next-generation ink. Ultimately, off-the-shelf industrial printers will be able to print the ink solution onto any surface.

Researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology first conceptualized this product back in 2007 when they claimed to have developed a solar cell which could be painted on flexible plastic sheets.

The goal is for homeowners to be able to print sheets of the solar cells from their inkjet printers and put the finished Silicon Ink product on a wall or roof of their home. This commercialized concept will be widespread and popular, as it will allow common people to create their own power stations in their homes.

The product is still in its early stages, but when it is available, conservationists should be ready to take their ideas about solar efficiency to the next level.

It’s not only cool that this product was conceived almost 10 years ago but that it will also put power, literally, into homeowners’ hands.

Power and Energy Magazine indicates that the European Commission is already kicking its plan for solar efficiency up a notch by putting forth 50 billion euros toward research and development. The plan should reduce carbon emissions, as illustrated below.

can we reduce carbon emissions with silicon ink

Solar power is the next big thing, and it doesn’t just have to be for electricians and roofers. Since renewable energy will affect us all, we should all become educated on at least the basics of solar energy.

For this reason, we offer a variety of solar training courses for electrical contractors and anyone interested in renewable energy. Register today for Everblue’s solar training courses, so you can stay ahead of the curve!

How Green Building Works, According to 2008 Study

how green buildings works In 2008, the green building market size grew from an estimated 15 percent to 20 percent of new construction starts by value — an amount that’s equivalent to a $36 billion to $49 billion marketplace. It’s enough to make you wonder how green building works and how you can become part of it, right?

Now that growth has occurred, the study noted, against a backdrop of turmoil in the overall construction market, which fell 7 percent in 2007, 14 percent in 2008 and is projected to sustain a 17 drop this year.

Nevertheless, the green building market is expected to grow further, expanding to as much as $140 billion by 2013, the study said. The green commercial and institutional market share is projected to increase from a $24 to $29-billion marketplace in 2008 to $56 billion to $70 billion based on new starts by value.

In its broader findings, the study concluded that:

• Sustainability will continue to become part of standard corporate practice. As such, firms have a short window of engagement before they will lose first-mover advantage.

• At some level, sustainability is insulated from economic downturns—most likely due to the innovation it can spur. Firms should capitalize on the advantages of sustainability in order to position themselves to reap the benefits when the economy rebounds.

• Increased regulation is likely to occur. Firms should look for opportunities to position themselves ahead of regulation. Those that do will be able to compete in more markets and may also gain incentives offered to early adopters.

• Public reporting and transparency is becoming routine. Firms should take stock of their current baselines in order to be able to report accurately their performance and set goals and metrics for improvement. Customers will start to expect sustainability reports.

• Larger corporations are embracing sustainability more enthusiastically and engaging in more benchmarking activities. As a result, these large firms will influence the supply chain by requiring their vendors to provide them with sustainability and environmental reporting information. Smaller firms and service providers should establish their energy use, carbon emissions and other environmental and sustainability metrics in expectation of these requirements.

If you want to get a better understanding of how green building works, you should check out our LEED Green Associate Exam Prep. That class talks more about the factors driving sustainability as well as building strategies that can help you save energy and be more resilient.