Training 2008
RESNET/HERS
Date: May 5–9 (Monday–Friday)
Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Urban Options, East Lansing, MI
Fee: $1750.00
Participants must complete the Rater Training Application for approval.
Home Energy Rating System Rater
Training & Accreditation
Scheduled Training
May 5–9, 2008
Who Should Attend
If you are involved or would like to be involved in the new exciting career of home energy rating then this class is for you. Here you will learn the skills necessary to perform a thorough home energy rating that conforms to the National Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Standards put forth by the national Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and recognized by the National Association of State Energy Officials. Participants will be able to evaluate how the home acts as a system and evaluate the home’s energy performance, comfort and safety.
How to apply and register for the training
- Please fill out the application form and submit it to Urban Options no later than March 28 , 2008 (qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis).
- Acceptance to the training is based on receipt of registration form to Urban Options by April 4, 2008.
- Urban Options will send out applicable class information, directions, and local hotel accommodations.
What you will learn
- A sound understanding of building science fundamentals and residential energy use
- Principles of air, heat, and moisture flow in a home
- How to use diagnostic equipment for performance testing of homes and interpret results and consequences in residential buildings
- How to use accredited rating software (Rem Rate) to produce energy ratings for existing homes with improvement analysis reports that show customers a prioritized return on recommended energy improvement investments
- Generate ratings for new homes that demonstrate certification compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Homes Program
- Produce builder reports that verify new homes as meeting the efficiency requirements of the Energy Policy Act for energy efficient new construction tax credits
- Produce energy code compliance reports for permits and inspectors
- A general understanding of how a Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) rater operates including industry requirements and responsibilities for raters and rating providers
- The potential benefits and application of energy mortgages
Items Included
- Consultant Workbook and Manual
- Rating data collection forms
- Proctoring RESNET National Home Energy Rater online exam (participant will be required to pay $50 at time of testing by credit or debit card)
- 5% discount on blower door and duct blaster equipment purchased through The Energy Conservatory
- One copy of Rem Rate software and component libraries with licensing agreement
Post training accreditation requirements
Upon completion of the training each participant will be required to complete two ratings in the presence of the trainer (Urban Options will work to make this opportunity accessible) and three additional ratings (participant’s responsibility) within one year of the training date to complete their accreditation. All five completed ratings are subject to quality control review (including field quality control) under the coordinating supervision of Urban Options Provider staff. Once the five ratings are completed the licensing agreement for the software will become active provided the participant remains in good standing and meets the on-going requirements outlined by RESNET for the HERS code of conduct and standards. Post training fees are included in the price of the training. Any additional fee for travel if applicable will be disclosed in writing at the time of invitation to the training before registration.
Class size and location
Class size will be held to a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 14. Registration materials will be sent out based on participant responses to the application and will include details of the training agenda, payment options, directions to the training facility, and local hotels for overnight stay. Each participant will be responsible for lodging and food for all 5 days of training. We will break for lunch one hour each day and offer breaks at appropriate times. The training will be held at the Urban Options Energy Center located at 405 Grove St. East Lansing, MI 48823. (Apply here)
Cost and Payment Options
The total cost for the class is $1750.00 and will include all items stated above. Payment of the training fee is due by April 18, 2008. Payment options include Paypal, credit card, check, or money order made payable to Urban Options.
Acceptance for Training
Acceptance to the training is based on receipt of registration form (included in registration materials) and payment of the training fee. This is a first come first serve basis, we will mail registration material to all qualified candidates (based on participant qualifications) and the first to respond with completed forms and fees will be registered. If by chance your registration arrives too late then we will notify you of the next training date and upon payment hold a spot for you. If 10 or more participants are turned away due to full occupancy we will then offer another training ASAP. Registration forms are due April 4 and payment must be returned by April 18, 2008 for this training date. Once registration and fees are received we will mail out training related study materials and further information in preparation for the training.
Trainer Information
This training is being conducted as a partnership between Urban Options and Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation. Founded in 1978, Urban Options is a non-profit organization based in East Lansing with an Upper Peninsula branch, Northern Options, in Marquette. The organization provides energy-related “hands on” education and services for residents and businesses across the state of Michigan. Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation is a non-profit energy consulting firm located in Madison Wisconsin. Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation is a RESNET accredited rater trainer and rating provider.
What to Bring
In order to have the best experience during the training and to be able to take the exam each participant must bring their own laptop to the training so that participants don’t have to share a computer. The trainers will distribute the latest version of the rating software to each participant on the first day of class for use. Registration key codes will then be given to extend software license agreements to the appropriate term.
For field training:
- Handheld calculator, flashlight, clipboard, and tape measure
Computer Specs:
- Windows 2000 or XP ( Windows 98 or ME will work with Visual Basic 6.0 SP5 installed)
- Windows Vista is now capable of running the rating software
Internet Browser:
- Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher must be installed (test will not work with Netscape)
- Wireless Internet ( Can make other arrangements if not available)
- CPU: 300 MHz Pentium 11 or faster
- RAM: 128MB minimum
- Disk Space: 500MB free space required
