Building Science Principles

Why take the Building Science Principles (BSP) course?

Taking a Building Science Principles (BSP) class is a smart investment for anyone who wants to understand how buildings really work — how heat, air, and moisture interact to affect comfort, energy use, and indoor air quality. It gives you practical knowledge to solve problems, make buildings more efficient, communicate better with clients or contractors, and make informed choices about upgrades. For professionals, it is an affordable first step toward industry-recognized certifications and better job opportunities. For homeowners, it can help avoid costly mistakes and lower energy bills. Overall, it is a practical way to boost skills, save money, and support sustainability goals.

Course Information Flyer (PDF)

Target Audience

A Building Science Principles (BSP) course is ideal for anyone who wants a practical foundation in how buildings work as systems (no technical background needed), including: 

• Contractors and builders who want to understand how their work affects a building’s performance.
• Energy auditors and weatherization technicians starting out or wanting to advance.
• HVAC, insulation, or home performance professionals who need to explain solutions to clients.
• Facility managers or building operators looking to manage energy use and comfort better.
• Homeowners, real estate agents, or property managers who want to make informed decisions about upgrades and maintenance.
• Anyone considering a career in energy efficiency or green building.

The Course

• The Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Science Principles (BSP) course is an introduction to residential buildings as energy systems. Topics include the building envelope, heat flows and insulation, heating and cooling systems, air movement, ventilation, moisture, and energy efficiency strategies. Course includes: Electronic BPI BSP Reference Guide; a code to take the BPI-BSP certificate exam; exam review resources; and live virtual instruction via ZOOM for the Virtual BSP.
• Building Science Principles is also available as a twelve-hour virtual class (NCWK908L) in addition to the resources above.

• Virtual class: $500
• In-Person: $600
• Tuition assistance is available to eligible participants through NHSaves and the Town of Peterborough

• Location: Virtual
• Dates and Times: January 7, 14, 21, and 28 of 2026 ([4] Wednesdays from 5:00-8:30)
• CRN #: 22968
• Course #: NCWK 908L
• Register now!

• NHSaves^®
• NH Department of Energy
• Town of Peterborough 
• MAXT Makerspace