Class Description

This three day course covers the essentials of energy efficiency. Topics include the fundamentals of building science and the thermal envelope, math pertaining to building measurements, minimum building codes, residential house plans, mechanical systems, lights, appliances and analysis of utility bills. The course teaches the concepts and skills required for anyone to be effective as energy efficiency professionals.

Prerequisites

There is no prerequisite coursework and the course is open to anyone interested in the energy efficiency industry. Success will depend in part on your ability to learn and retain information in a short period of time. Required math skills include calculating area and volume (Geometric formulas) and solving basic Algebra formals.

It is very important that you read the following before the first day of class:

Residential Energy: Cost Savings and Comfort for Existing Buildings by Krigger and Dorsi, pages: 13-26, 27-37, 49-72, 73-100, 101-120, 121-126, 137-141, 144-147, 157-160, 176-179, 183-188, 197-206, 208-217, 219-230, 235-249, 267 (math formulas), 286 “N” Factor Chart.

The book will be sent to each student who registers for the class one week prior to the scheduled class date.

Course Objectives

Upon Completion of this course, the student will have the ability to:

• Describe the basic concepts of building science dealing with heat flow, moisture flow and air flow
• Calculate the dimensions and other characteristics of the thermal envelope and heating and cooling loads
• Describe how the house performs as a system and how system components interact
• Describe how mechanical systems, lights and appliances impact utility bills and energy consumption
• Describe current minimum energy efficiency building standards
• Demonstrate how to read plans and perform takeoffs from plans
• Demonstrate basic energy efficiency industry knowledge and describe career pathways within that field

Student Evaluation

Student performance is evaluated on the basis of:

• Class participation
• Lab participation
• Completion of assignments
• Attendance

Textbooks & Instructiona

Residential Energy, published by Saturn Resources
E-200, E-201, E-202, E-203, E-204 Modules, published by ONTILITY

Attendance Policy

It is expected that students will attend scheduled classes regularly and on time. If an absence occurs, it is the responsibility of the student to make up all missed work. Students, who must withdraw from a class, will receive credit for work completed and may complete the course at a later date with instructor approval. Attendance will be tracked and maintained for various reporting purposes.

Accreditation and Evaluation

The curriculum for this course is based on the National Mortgage Industry Standards and the course is accredited by the Residential Energy Network (RESNET) and Building Performance Institute (BPI). In keeping with the standards of this accreditation, students are encouraged to provide informal feedback throughout the course. A survey is distributed to students on the last day of class whereby students are asked to evaluate the class and the instructor. This feedback is used to create an on-going professional development plan for instructors and to inform course improvements.

Students With Disabilities

This institution complies with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities who seek accommodations must make their requests knows when registering for a course or workshop. If a disability is identified after class has begun, a non-retroactive accommodation plan will be developed.