REEN-161: Energy Auditing/Weatherization Certification Lab

School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Building Sciences
Department
Energy Technology
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Renewable Energy
Course Number
161
Course Title
Energy Auditing/Weatherization Certification Lab
Credit Hours
1.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
16.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
16.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
REEN-160
Co-requisites
REEN-160
Catalog Course Description

This certification lab class allows students to apply in the field the concepts introduced in REEN 160. Discusses industry-defined standards, basic energy efficiency improvements, how to evaluate energy consumption, and how to calculate energy costs. Other topics include how to use industry tools to measure energy consumption in residential settings and preparation for the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst field exam. Along with a written exam, a field exam enables students to complete the BPI certification process. It is strongly recommended that a student pass REEN 160 and the BPI written theory test before taking REEN 161.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. Field Certification Preparation Lab - Energy Use and Building Shell
  2. Field Certification Preparation Lab - Air Leakage/Insulation
  3. Field Certification Preparation Lab - Windows and Doors
  4. Field Certification Preparation Lab - Heating and Cooling
  5. Field Certification Preparation Lab- Lighting and Appliances
  6. Field Certification Preparation Lab - Water Heating
  7. Field Certification Preparation Lab - Health and Safety
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Apply course information in order to pass BPI field certification exam.
  2. Apply concepts of energy conservation related to residential buildings.
  3. Formulate a plan to help consumers resolve heating, cooling and air leakage problems.*
  4. Evaluate methods for reducing energy costs and improving building efficiency.*
  5. Analyze the overall condition and efficiency of heating and cooling systems.
  6. Analyze the overall efficiency of a home and identify primary areas of air leakage in walls, ceilings and foundations.
  7. Demonstrate energy savings through sealed windows, doors and other openings in the a residential home including fireplaces, attic hatches and electrical outlets.
  8. Prepare a plan for addressing future upgrades to the building including an economic analysis of payback periods for each planned upgrade.*

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Student academic achievement will be assessed via tests, class participation, final field test exam, and written field audits. All other assessment of student achievement is left up to the discretion of the individual instructors/test proctors.

Effective Term
Summer 2014