School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Building Sciences
Department
Energy Technology
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
BldgScien, Energy,HVAC& MSFM
Course Number
250
Course Title
Energy Audit & Certification
Cross-Referenced Course
Credit Hours
4.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Catalog Course Description
For students seeking to become BPI certified residential energy auditors or to understand the principles of energy auditing. Includes training in the principles of energy transfer, building envelopes, energy auditing, air leakage, insulation, windows and doors, heating systems, cooling systems, indoor air quality, lighting, appliances, and water heating. Students will gain the skills required to perform building inspections and make cost effective recommendations for improving energy efficiency. At the conclusion of this class students will be able to sit for the Building Performance Institute (BPI) theory written test for Building Analyst certification.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Core Course Topics
- Residential Energy Use and Codes
- Demonstrate an understanding of energy use, conservation, and management
- Describe knowledge of local and state building codes
- Energy equipment and construction techniques
- Describe basic knowledge of construction related to residential dwellings
- Ability to work with basic tools, heating test equipment, and a blower door
- Building Shell and Energy Assessment
- Identify window types, and performance ratings
- Identify different types of residential insulation, and describe relative performance issues and opportunities
- Identify construction related issues related to air leakage and infiltration
- Identify and describe water heating systems and describe their impact on energy consumption
- Identify and describe various types of lighting and describe their impact on energy consumption
- Energy Improvement
- Evaluate methods for reducing energy costs and improving building efficiency
- Analyze the overall condition and efficiency of heating and cooling systems
- Analyze the overall efficiency of a home and identify primary areas of air leakage in walls, ceilings and foundations
- Demonstrate energy savings through sealed windows, doors and other openings in the a residential home including fireplaces, attic hatches and electrical outlets
- Prepare a plan for addressing future upgrades to the building including an economic analysis of payback periods for each planned upgrade
- BPI Certification
- Demonstrate the knowledge required to pass the BPI certification exam
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of Academic Achievement
The following assessment tools will be common to all sections:
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Final Exam
Outcomes
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Effective Term
Fall 2022