The residential retrofit revolution is here! BPI certifications prove that your employees have the best knowledge and expertise in the sustainable retrofit and building industry. Learn how to get BPI certificates to save yourself and your clients money, help the environment and make your business more successful and sustainable.
The BPI standard
A new proposed legislation called HOMESTAR is meant to create jobs in existing industries by providing strong short-term incentives for energy efficiency improvements in residential buildings. This initiative establishes a $6 billion rebate program to encourage immediate investments in energy-efficient appliances, building mechanical systems and insulation, and whole-home energy efficiency retrofits.
With unemployment in the construction sector near 25% and with substantial underutilized capacity in the manufacturing sector, the HOMESTAR program has the potential to jumpstart our economic recovery by boosting demand for energy efficiency products and installation services. The program will hopefully result in the creation of tens of thousands of jobs while achieving substantial reductions in energy use.
To ensure the quality of the service provided, many government programs, including HOMESTAR, have turned to one standard body – the Building Performance Institute (BPI). BPI is one of the key certifications recognized by the government for the proposed $6 billion HOMESTAR program which offers up to $8,000 in energy efficiency rebates for homeowners.
BPI is a national standard development organization for residential energy efficiency and weatherization retrofit work. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, BPI brings together leading building science experts from across North America to develop their standards using a consensus-based methodology. BPI standards help provide quality and consistency by ensuring the entire home performance and weatherization workforce is following the same strict protocols. Furthermore, BPI provides training through a network of training affiliate organizations, individual certifications, company accreditations and quality assurance programs.
Creating new green jobs
There is a growing need for a highly trained, skilled, professional and residential energy efficiency retrofit workforce. Since knowledge and skills are prerequisites for successful work, BPI has developed comprehensive standards for home performance contractors and affiliations with local training organizations.
By increasing the scope of work, accredited contracting companies see an improved bottom line, earn a reputation for quality work and also add value to the community.
Recently, Greener Dawn Inc. has gained access to a $360,000 training grant from the California Employment Training Panel to provide BPI certification to local contracting firms who are Efficiency First members.
Greener Dawn Fast Track Training in San Diego
Greener Dawn in conjunction with San Diego State University is launching the only local Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification course in San Diego County from July 10th through August 22nd (2010). The grant allows for contracting firms to send employees to an SDSU course and receive a 50% rebate within 90 days of completion of the course.
GD’s PBI Fast Track Training is the industry’s most flexible and cost-effective way to get accredited. The combined Building Analyst and Building Envelope course along with both written exams is offered at a significant discount. The cost of the course is $2,500 with $1,250 being reimbursed to the contracting firm.
“Home Star will jumpstart this Residential Energy Efficiency Revolution and will implement the proper infrastructure”, says President of Greener Dawn, Courtland Weisleder. “It starts with quality education and training through the Building Performance Institute certification. This grant is a great opportunity for local workers to become BPI certified and participate in the upcoming Home Star program at the lowest price in the industry.”
San Diego State University and Greener Dawn offer a 6 week comprehensive BPI training course that incorporates both classroom time and online time. For more information, go to GD Training at http://www.bpitrainingnow.com/.
