| What Is Home Performance with ENERGY STAR? |
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR is a nationally recognized service that trains contractors to provide households with cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. Nationally, the service is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
| How Is Vermont Participating in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR? |
Efficiency Vermont trains insulation, building, remodeling, heating and cooling and other contractors to become certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractors. Efficiency Vermont is providing this assistance with the aim of increasingly the availability of local, independent Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractors throughout the state.
| How Can I Become an Approved Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Contractor? |
To become a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR provider, a contractor must have at least one employee who is certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Efficiency Vermont, a BPI affiliate, offers BPI training courses. After becoming BPI certified, contractors are eligible to offer Home Performance with ENERGY STAR services to homeowners. In exchange for meeting participation requirements, contractors receive incentives including marketing leads, financial incentives, and advanced training.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR requirements and incentives. (PDF)
| How can becoming BPI Certified help me and my business? |
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR can set your company apart from the competition. The skills you learn through the certification process allow you to help customers make informed decisions about their homes. Performing work to Home Performance with ENERGY STAR standards can help you reduce your callbacks and increase your profits. Participating in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR will also give you access to special incentives and recognition from Efficiency Vermont.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR requirements and incentives. (PDF)
| What Is the Building Performance Institute? |
The Building Performance Institute promotes excellence in the contracting trades by establishing standards of performance for technicians and providing certifications for qualified contractors. BPI contractors use a "whole house" approach to create energy-efficient, durable buildings that are both comfortable and safe for the people who occupy them.
| How Can I Receive Training and Become BPI Certified? |
Efficiency Vermont, a BPI affiliate, offers courses conducted by BPI-approved trainers. Each multi-day comprehensive course consists of class and field training for the three basic types of BPI Certification: Building Analyst (basic energy auditor), Shell Specialist (building envelope specialist), and Heat Specialist. Courses cover basic and intermediate level building science, diagnostic tools and techniques, combustion safety, and advanced topics. All BPI certifications require contractors to pass a 50-question multiple-choice test, a 2 to 3 hour field-based performance test, and submit a report outlining testing results and recommendations. Certification must be renewed every three years.
In 2008, BPI training courses will be offered in the fall. To express interest in upcoming BPI trainings, please complete and mail in the questionnaire below. Efficiency Vermont will contact you when the next BPI training course is scheduled.
2008 BPI Training Flyer (PDF)
BPI Training Questionnaire (PDF)
| What Is My Cost To Be Trained And Certified? |
The course fee is normally $1500, but for a limited time the Vermont Department of Labor is offering a $750 grant for taking this course. Additionally, for individuals who become BPI-certified within 90 days of completing the course, Efficiency Vermont will reimburse individuals for the $750 balance of the course cost.
| How Do I Sign-Up or Get More Information? |
Contact Efficiency Vermont?s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR team at 1-888-921-5990 or HomePerformance@veic.org.
