lcowie's blog

BPI Certification and Accreditation Explained

Are you looking for a BPI Certification? Are you looking to become a BPI Accredited contractor? To set the record straight, BPI Certification is for individuals while BPI Accreditation is for companies [NOTE: Please do not confuse this with LEED where the buildings are LEED Certified and individuals are LEED Accredited].

Homestar Energy Retrofit Update

Here's the latest update from the National Save Energy coalition:

1. Obama Calls for Clean Energy Bill – In an Oval Office address to the nation last night regarding the on-going Gulf Oil spill, President Obama declared the need for a new national energy policy. He acknowledged that such a policy will have costs but stressed that “we can’t afford not to change how we produce and use energy – because the long-term costs to our economy, our national security, and our environment are far greater.” While the President did not present a specific platform for such an energy policy, he did offer numerous options for inclusion. In the coming weeks, the President will meet with leaders of both parties to discuss these options.

The Power of Corporate Guilt

Duke Energy, the nation's largest power company, announced today that it is asking suppliers to provide separate pricing for mountain-top removal mined coal vs underground mined coal. It will be interesting to see what the suppliers come back with. At issue is the environmentally destructive practice of removing entire mountain tops (and filling the neighboring valley) just to get access to the coal. Streams are covered, eco-systems ruined, and toxic waste is left uncovered to be washed down stream by rain water.

Electrical Contractor to Become Energy Contractor?

I recently read this article that absolutely blew me away. The article asserts that “electrical contractor” will not  be a suitable job title for electricians, as they will have to adapt to the growing green market. A more suitable term will be “energy contractor.” I think this is a very astute prediction for the future. The green movement will be affecting many, so it will be important that we all prepare for it and embrace it.

 

Seeking Partners for Everblue's Energy Auditor Internship Program

Everblue is developing a program to provide job internships to unemployed youth graduates (Ages 16-19) of our BPI Building Analyst/Energy Auditor course. Currently, we are seeking interested companies within 30 miles of the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts who are interested in providing internships for these program graduates. This internship opportunity will be available at no cost to employers committing to the program.

Efficiency First Call for Action

Here is an interesting update from Washington on the state of green energy and energy efficiency programs coming out of Washington. Thank you Patrick Roche, from the National SAVE Energy Coalition, for the following summary:

How is a BPI Building Analyst Different From a RESNET HERS Rater?

Are you interested in becoming an Energy Auditor? Have you looked at the various standards, options and utility programs in your area? The broad swath of incentive programs are a great way to help you start or expand your energy auditing or retrofitting business. Well, if you've looked into any of these programs, you've probably concluded that you need to become a HERS Rater or a BPI Building Analyst. In fact, almost all of city, state and utility incentive programs require an individual to have one of these professional certifications to qualify.

Top 5 Challenges Facing the LEED Green Building Rating System

1 - Cost.  We're in a recession, and two of LEED's biggest proponents (Colleges and Government) are hurting for money. LEED needs to streamline its cost structure to retain the loyalty of budget-conscious universities, municipalities and states. I don't mention the federal government because they already only build LEED certifiable buildings and don't bother paying for the plaque.

 

Green Job Training for the Unemployed

Are you seeking a Green Job?  Are you also unemployed?  Well, you’re in luck. There are many federal, state and private funding programs to help prepare you to either get a green job or to green up your existing job skills. With many of these programs administered at the county level and with 6000+ counties nationwide, the funding process is daunting for most people. Aside from the help that we can provide you here at Everblue, I’d like to explain the job training programs and their aims. Many people don’t realize that these programs exist, and this is really a fundamental change in our society’s approach to unemployment insurance.

 

Did Avatar Motivate You to Be More Sustainable?

Have you seen Avatar?  Great movie, right?  What did you like about it?  For me it was the sense of wonder at the world of Pandora, which seemed more real than really watching in 3D.  How would it be if we could link in to horses and birds to ride and fly in unison with them?  Wouldn't it be neat if the world lit up at night around us? 

 

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