Utilities may be taking a new turn by training independent contractors, but many training centers around the country have been doing so with great success for many years. (For a list of training centers, see our "Guide to Training Programs for Home Performance Professionals," HE Jan/Feb '99, p. 32). Now, a new player is entering the training arena.
Standing on the shoulders of an 18-year effort to educate the building industry on energy-efficient, healthier, and resource-efficient homes, the Energy Efficient Building Association (EEBA) launched the EEBA Institute of Building Construction Technology at its November 1999 Conference and Exposition in Baltimore. The institute offers an extensive collection of in-depth seminars, including more than 50 sessions in 12 topic areas. The sessions range from basic building science to how to more effectively manage and market the business of building energy-efficient homes.
HVAC contractors needing to know more about pressure differences (air balancing), moisture control, or ventilation can choose any of ten courses in the Mechanicals topic. The Building Science and Envelope topics provide a long list of courses focused on academic principles and on practical applications. Rounding out the list of topics are: Codes, Design, Site, Furnishes and Finishes, Indoor Environment, Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance, and Sustainability. In order to be included in the curriculum, courses are peer reviewed for content and for the knowledge and experience of the presenters.
Recognizing the value of certification in delivering a coherent and extensive professional training program (see "Are Your Contractors Certifiable?" HE Jan/Feb '99, p. 29), EEBA has established the Master Builder Program as part of the EEBA Institute. Builders who have completed the required topic areas for a total of 100 points of credit (70 points of classroom courses and 30 points of field), and who have conducted an individual project under the supervision of a mentor, can receive EEBA's Master Builder Certification. The demanding number of points ensures that candidates will gain a comprehensive understanding of the systems approach to building science, while the field training and the individual project make the courses relevant to real life.
Organizations can sponsor institute presentations anywhere, and are encouraged to charge reasonable registration fees to offset the $2,000-plus-expenses daily institute fee. An upcoming opportunity to attend an institute event is the 2000 conference, to be held in Denver, October 2000. In addition, credits will be offered through an educational alliance with Affordable Comfort at the Affordable Comfort Conferences. Continuing education units are available with the American Institute of Architects, and EEBA is working with other certifying organizations as well.
--Don Otto
Don Otto, owner of DPO Construction in Iowa City, Iowa, has been building and remodeling homes for more than 20 years.
