Contractor and Career Resources

Trade Associations and Professional Organizations

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
International trade association offering certification programs, courses and training programs and a wide range of publications and technical standards documents

Building Performance Institute (BPI)
The credentialing arm of the Home Performance contracting industry, offering training and accreditation for individuals and Home Performance businesses

Efficiency First
National trade association for Home Performance contractors and related businesses

Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)
A national trade group and standards-making body for building energy efficiency rating systems

Industry Standards and Product Ratings

ASHRAE Standards and Guidelines
Preview some standards documentation online, or purchase complete documents through ASHRAE

BPI Standards
Index of technical standards documents for building performance and professional accreditation

ENERGY STAR
Guide to household appliances and home improvement products that qualify under the federal ENERGY STAR program

RESNET Standards
Index of standards for home energy rating, audits and procedures

Research Reports

Meeting AB 32 – Cost-Effective Green House Gas Reductions in the Residential Sector [PDF]
August 2008 report prepared by ConSol for the California Homebuilding Foundation

Carbon Footprint of Single-Family Residential New Construction [PDF]
May 2008 report prepared by ConSol for the California Homebuilding Foundation

Workforce and Career Development

So You Want to Be a Home Performance Contractor... [PDF]
Article from Home Energy magazine offering advice about getting into the industry, by Greg Thomas.

So You Think You Want a Job in the Home Performance Industry? [PDF]
A guide for potential Home Performance workers in Northern California, produced by Efficiency First member Recurve, Inc.

ENERGY STAR Training
Free online training resources from the federal ENERGY STAR program

BPI Affiliate Training
Locate training programs for BPI accreditation

How to Become a Certified RESNET Rater
Overview of RESNET certification with a directory of training provicers

ASHRAE Educational Resources
Listing of conferences, training programs and self-directed learning materials for heating, refrigeration and air conditioning engineers