The Efficiency Training Program at Lakes Region Community College has professional energy efficiency training classes for both the residential and commercial sectors.  LRCC is a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Test Center, and provides for several BPI certifications.  These and other residential energy efficiency course descriptions are listed below. 

Interested in other residential energy efficiency trainings and certifications? Contact us!

Residential Energy Efficiency Non-Credit Courses

Residential Energy Efficiency Non-Credit Courses

This 7-day course prepares students for the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst written and field exam, and for careers in energy auditing and related professions. Students will learn how to evaluate residential buildings as energy systems, and recommend safe, energy efficient and cost-effective building improvements. Approximately half of the course will be spent in the field using a blower door, combustion analyzer, and other weatherization diagnostic equipment. Register separately for the BPI written and field tests.

Course Prerequisites:

Required Skills:

  • Basic math, science, computer and communication skills
  • Ability to crawl in an attic and other spaces, and ability to lift 30 pounds

Recommended Skills:

  • Familiarity with building systems (structural, energy, mechanical, etc.)
  • Ability to practice building diagnostic procedures outside of the course will greatly improve the likelihood of passing the separate field test.

Offered regularly each year. 

The test is suitable for both qualified students and existing Building Analysts needing recertification. The testing includes all applicable BPI administrative fees, use of an online testing center, and BPI proctoring services. This module ONLY includes the Building Analyst WRITTEN certification exam. BPI certification candidates must register separately for the Building Analyst field exam and/or for any instruction.

BPI Building Analyst field certification testing for experienced energy auditor professionals or students with sufficient preparation.  It is suitable for existing Building Analysts needing re-certification.  The testing includes all applicable BPI administrative fees, a suitable field test location, use of diagnostic equipment, and BPI proctoring services.  The individually proctored field test takes two hours.  This module ONLY includes the Building Analyst FIELD certification exam.  BPI certification candidates must register separately for the Building Analyst written test and/or for any instruction. 

Offered multiple times per year at field locations in New Hampshire. 

This review module is for experienced energy auditor professionals who intend to take the BPI Building Analyst certification or recertification exams.  The review includes: (a) an online component of building science and BPI exam review materials; and (b) a field test review day.  The field test review day may be held in conjunction with other Building Analyst classes.  The Review is NOT intended for students already in or as a substitute for the more comprehensive Building Analyst training class.  BPI certification candidates must register separately for the BPI Building Analyst written test and field test.

Course Prerequisites:

Required Skills: (approval of instructor recommended)

  • Energy auditing experience
  • Experience with building diagnostic equipment and procedures: combustion safety, blower door, etc.
  • Ability to access the internet and a valid e-mail address for the online components

Recommended Skills: Familiarity with BPI Building Analyst certification

Building Science Principles is an online course package that also includes online testing for Building Performance Institute’s “Building Science Principles Certificate of Knowledge” (see www.bpi.org). Building Science Principals provides an introduction to buildings as energy systems with an emphasis on residential buildings. Topics include the building envelope, heat flows and insulation, heating and cooling systems, air movement, ventilation, moisture, and energy efficiency strategies. The tuition for this online course includes:

(1) The BPI Building Science Principles (BSP) Reference Guide;  

(2) Online BSP review materials;  and

(3) One electronic code for taking the BSP Certificate of Knowledge online exam. 

The BSP Reference Guide will be provided to the student in either in print or electronic form.  The BSP online exam is open book and not proctored.

Course Prerequisites:

  • Ability to access the internet and a valid e-mail address are required for this online course.
  • No prior knowledge in building science or energy systems is necessary. 

This self-directed online course is offered in the Spring, Summer and Fall terms, and must be completed within the term.

Infiltration and Duct Leakage (IDL) BPI certification testing is for technicians who conduct air leakage and duct leakage diagnostic tests in new and existing residential buildings.  Candidates who successfully complete this field test will be awarded the IDL certification by the Building Performance Institute (BPI).  Testing includes all applicable BPI administrative fees, a campus laboratory-based field exam location, use of diagnostic equipment, and BPI-approved proctoring services.  This module ONLY includes the IDL certification test; no instruction.  Allow two hours for the testing. 

Course Prerequisites

(approval of instructor recommended)

  • Experience with blower door and duct leakage testing diagnostic equipment and procedures.
  • Familiarity with BPI’s “Infiltration and Duct Leakage Certification Scheme Handbook”  www.bpi.org

Offered as-needed at Lakes Region Community College, Laconia, NH. 

Other Residential Energy Efficiency Trainings

Ask about custom energy efficiency or renewable energy training suited to employer needs.  Other trainings and programs have included: manufactured housing weatherization, Air Leakage Control Installer, infrared thermal imaging, equipment practicums, mentoring, blower door use and energy modeling. 

Your New Hampshire company may be eligible for up to 50% in matching grants from the New Hampshire Job Training Fund for any of these energy training.

 

Course Locations

Lakes Region Community College is located in Laconia, the geographic center of New Hampshire, and the heart of the beautiful lakes region.  We are easy to get to from many places in New Hampshire and beyond.  Ample accommodation options are a few minutes away.  

Course Instructors

LRCC Efficiency Training Program instructors are experienced energy professionals who combine their field experience with a passion for teaching.  They hold multiple professional energy certifications, and are familiar with energy issues in New Hampshire.