O/E First In Michigan Certified To Train Home Energy Auditors/Raters

Troy-based O/E Learning said it had become the first Michigan company to obtain certification from the industry-recognized non-profit Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) to train technicians to audit and rate the energy efficiency of homes.

The certification was granted by RESNET after review of O/E Learning's curriculum, which consists of a 76-hour course conducted over a 10-week period.

The course consists of two phases. Phase I (48 hours) includes the following topics in depth: principles of energy, energy and the building shell, air leakage, insulations, occupant safety, building durability, windows and doors. Phase II (28 hours) covers subject matter review, the basics of energy auditing, RESNET requirements, a practice test, performing two supervised field audits and taking the proctored exam.

Training is delivered in a hybrid, hands-on approach, using high-caliber instructors, rating equipment and software, and on-line instructional resources. 

After successful completion of the course, energy auditors/raters can be hired to service builders or homeowners to analyze the energy efficiency of homes. When the inspection is completed, the energy auditors/raters give the homes a Home Energy Rating System rating, which indicates the energy efficiency of the homes.

The next session begins June 4th in Troy. For more information on HERS Field Training and Certification, visit www.oelearning.com/RESNET.

A comprehensive energy audit covers the entire house, including walls, roofs, basements, windows, focusing on energy usage.

O/E president Brian Makowski said the certification "recognizes our company's unique training capabilities and at the same time, creates new job opportunities for those interested in working to help save energy."

RESNET's standards and HERS ratings are officially recognized by the federal government for verification of building energy performance for such programs as federal tax incentives, the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program and the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program. RESNET standards and HERS ratings are also recognized by the U.S. mortgage industry for capitalizing a building's energy performance.

"Those who complete our course will have the opportunity for an exciting, profitable career as our country becomes more and more aware of the importance of saving energy," said Makowski. "A self-employed rater has an estimated annual earning potential of $50,000 to $70,000. In addition, homeowners who have the audits conducted and implement the energy-saving measures recommended, will not only enjoy savings, but will see the value of their property increase."

Since 1984, O/E Learning has been assisting corporations and non-profits with their training and communication needs. O/E designs and develops new training and performance improvement programs, as well as converts existing programs to a different form of delivery including Web-based, instructor-led, virtual classroom, CD/DVD, and mobile devices.

More at www.oelearning.com.