Home Performance with ENERGY STAR is a nationally recognized service that trains contractors to provide households with cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. Nationally, the service is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Efficiency Vermont trains insulation, building, remodeling, heating and cooling and other contractors to become certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractors. Efficiency Vermont is providing this assistance with the aim of increasingly the availability of local, independent Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractors throughout the state.

To become a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR provider, a contractor must have at least one employee who is certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Efficiency Vermont, a BPI affiliate, offers BPI training courses. After becoming BPI certified, contractors are eligible to offer Home Performance with ENERGY STAR services to homeowners. In exchange for meeting participation requirements, contractors receive incentives including marketing leads, financial incentives, and advanced training.

 Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Contractor requirements and incentives (PDF)

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR can set your company apart from the competition. The skills you learn through the certification process allow you to help customers make informed decisions about their homes. Performing work to Home Performance with ENERGY STAR standards can help you reduce your callbacks and increase your profits. Participating in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR will also give you access to special incentives and recognition from Efficiency Vermont.

 Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Contractor requirements and incentives (PDF)

The Building Performance Institute promotes excellence in the contracting trades by establishing standards of performance for technicians and providing certifications for qualified contractors. BPI contractors use a "whole house" approach to create energy-efficient, durable buildings that are both comfortable and safe for the people who occupy them.

Efficiency Vermont, a BPI affiliate, offers courses conducted by BPI-approved trainers. Each multi-day comprehensive course consists of class and field training for the three basic types of BPI Certification: Building Analyst (basic energy auditor), Shell Specialist (building envelope specialist), and Heat Specialist. Courses cover basic and intermediate level building science, diagnostic tools and techniques, combustion safety, and advanced topics. All BPI certifications require contractors to pass a 50-question multiple-choice test, a 2 to 3 hour field-based performance test, and submit a report outlining testing results and recommendations. Certification must be renewed every three years.

To express interest in upcoming BPI trainings, please complete and mail in the questionnaire below. Efficiency Vermont will contact you when the next BPI training course is scheduled.

  BPI Training Questionnaire (PDF)

In 2009, the course fee was $1,500. Individuals who become BPI-certified within 90 days of completing the course and who report at least six completed jobs to Efficiency Vermont within six months may be eligible for refunds of up to $1,000 of the course cost

Contact Efficiency Vermont's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR team at 1-888-921-5990 or HomePerformance@veic.org.

The BPI training and certification process is as follows:

1. Complete the BPI Training Questionnaire and return it to Efficiency Vermont to be placed on the waiting list for the next BPI training course.
2. Efficiency Vermont will contact you when the next training dates have been scheduled
3. Two weeks after the end of each course, Efficiency Vermont will administer the BPI multiple choice written test for Building Analyst, Envelope, and Heating certifications.
4. Review training notes and BPI technical standards, practice whole-house audits, and contact your Efficiency Vermont technical advisor for additional field training.
5. When you are ready, schedule your field test. An Efficiency Vermont proctor will administer the field test at a time and location of your choosing and submit your test to BPI for evaluation.
6. BPI will mail your test scores to you. If you pass, you will receive a packet identifying you as a BPI certified technician.
7. Begin using your new skills to enhance your business and participate in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR.