Energy

DNR working with non-profit to provide energy rater training

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources is working with a non-profit group to boost the number of people trained to do energy ratings on homes.

That will mean more people able to help people and businesses take advantage of increased funding for a state program offering rebates for building or refitting buildings for energy efficiency.

The Louisiana Clean Tech Network is offering a series of training workshops in Shreveport and Alexandria in September and October that will certify Home Energy Raters in the state.  The training and certification is awarded by Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET).

DNR administers energy efficiency programs throughout the state, including the Louisiana Home Energy Rebate Option Program (HERO). The HERO Program started in 2000, offering cash rebates of up to $2,000 for residents that upgrade their home to become more energy efficient.  DNR has been awarded American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to enhance and expand the state’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.  With the additional federal funding, the HERO program will offer a higher cash rebate -- up to $3,000 -- and will allow more citizens, businesses, and new home construction to be included in the program. 

Homeowners, homebuilders, and small business owners who choose to upgrade to higher energy efficiency standards as they build, retrofit or remodel may be eligible for the rebates. Verification of the expanded HERO Program will require the services of a RESNET certified Home Energy Rater.

“The increased funding for the HERO program means more people will be able to benefit and those who do participate will benefit from both a greater rebate and the future energy savings,” said DNR Secretary Scott Angelle.

To become a RESNET certified Home Energy Raters, individuals are required to complete a six-day class conducted by a certified RESNET trainer, pass a national examination and conduct five supervised ratings. A rater will learn to conduct a series of physical tests on a building or home and then create a computer model to evaluate potential energy efficiency improvements and estimated savings for customers.

The upcoming training schedule includes dates in Shreveport beginning Sept. 14; and in Alexandria beginning October 9.

Wade Byrd, President of Performance Building Consulting and La. Clean Tech Rater Trainer, said it is recommended that prospective Home Energy Raters have some experience in construction or building science.  “There are two levels of certification,” Wade said.  “To achieve the highest level of Certified Home Energy Rater requires a detailed understanding of basic building science principles. A certification of Field Inspector allows interested individuals to work under certified Raters in order to gain experience,” he explained.

La. Clean Tech Executive Director Steve Shelton said those interested in the workshop can obtain more information and can register online at the Louisiana Clean Tech website at www.lacleantech.org. 

The website gives easy, step by step instructions.  A second week of field work will follow each week of classroom training. Upon successful completion of the two week course, attendees will have met all of the requirements to obtain certification under RESNET as well as under the state run HERO Program.

The Louisiana Clean Tech Network is a Louisiana non-profit industry organization headquartered in New Orleans promoting the development of clean industries within the state. 

RESNET is a national industry consensus standard organization currently active in all 50 states. Information on RESNET can be found at www.resnet.us.