BPI & RESNET PROPOSE NEW JOINT COMPREHENSIVE HOME ENERGY AUDIT STANDARD Public Comment Period Now Open

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For the past two years, representatives of the Building Performance, Institute (BPI) and the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) have been working together to draft a certification standard for the Comprehensive Energy Home Auditor. The Board of Directors of BPI and RESNET have authorized a draft standard to go through the public review and comment process required for adopting the standard. Individuals who are certified through the new joint standard will be able to conduct home energy ratings and building analysis for BPI Accredited Contractors.   Originally the joint certification was to be called the Home Performance Analyst but the certification was changed to fit within the context of the RESNET National Home Energy Audit Standard.  "We view this collaboration with RESNET as a significant opportunity for BPI Building Analyst's to expand the scope of their service offerings in residential buildings - both new and existing," says BPI Chairman, Laverne Dalgleish.  "There is a tremendous need for comprehensive improvements to the performance of the nation's 120 million homes and this standard will serve as the basis for analyzing the building and determining the priorities for getting the proper work done," according to Dalgleish. RESNET President, Philip Fairey, applauds the new standard by stating, "RESNET Raters have long had the opportunity to rate the energy performance of both new and existing buildings, but what this standard provides the Rater is the opportunity to better serve their existing home clients through a comprehensive home energy audit process.  In addition," he adds, "the creation of a dual certification between our two organizations will eliminate confusion on the part of the general public and state and utility program sponsors as to what constitutes a comprehensive home energy audit." Procedures are being put in place now for existing BPI Building Analyst's and RESNET Raters to take the additional training they will need to pass the portion of the examination that is not covered by their existing certification.  Holders of both designations will submit to a minor administrative process in order to achieve the new dual certification.  Training and testing for the new certification designation is scheduled to be introduced early in 2009. To view the proposed joint standard click on BPI/RESNET Joint Comprehensive Home Energy Audit Standard. BPI and RESNET are seeking comments on the proposed enhancements to the standard. Public comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted until November 24, 2008. To comment on the revised standard click on Comment on BPI/RESNET Joint Comprehensive Home Energy Audit Standard. Please submit a separate form for each section of the draft standard that you wish to comment on. BPI and RESNET will post comments received on the proposed revisions in real time. You can review the comments submitted by clicking on Comments Received on Joint BPI/RESNET Standard. After the public comment process, a joint BPI/RESNET Standards Committee will consider the comments submitted on the standard and propose necessary changes. The BPI and RESNET Boards will then consider the recommendations of the joint standards committee and then vote to adopt the standard. Building Performance Institute, Inc. 107 Hermes Road, Suite 110 Malta, NY 12020 Phone: (877) 274-1274 Fax: (866) 777-1274 info@bpi.org www.bpi.org