Build a Career in Energy Efficiency

September 22, 2008

Orientation Session on Becoming a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® Contractor

Corning, NY -- The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in partnership with the City of Corning, is offering a free orientation on October 7 from 6:30-8:00 pm for home improvement contractors interested in offering energy efficiency services. The orientation is being promoted through the Southern Tier Energy $mart Communities Program based in Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.

Local and state governments are setting new goals to increase energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving energy efficiency and switching to renewable forms of energy.  Probably the most critical actions will be taken in the building sector, which accounts for nearly half of carbon emissions in the U.S.  Contractors and builders will play a primary role in helping homeowners, businesses, and local institutions identify the most cost effective combinations of energy improvements for their buildings.

The session, to be held at the Business Development Center of Corning Community College at 24 Dennison Parkway West in Corning, is for contractors who wish to become accredited and certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), a national resource for building science technology that sets the standards for assessing and improving the energy performance of homes.  This is a required step for participation by a contractor in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® Program.  An overview of the process for becoming a partner in the Multifamily Performance Program will also be offered. The October 7 evening event at the Corning Business Development Center is free, but registration is requested.

"BPI accreditation is an important step for contractors to take in order to offer homeowners a systematic approach to identifying, installing, and financing energy improvements to their homes,” said NYSERDA Vice President for Programs, Bob Callender. “Through our Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® Program, we’re creating new opportunities for contractors to attract customers, while expanding energy efficiency and renewable services for the individual homeowner.”

Demand for certified home performance contractors is increasing as residents across our region learn about NYSERDA’s energy efficiency programs, which can result in up to 40% savings in energy bills.  The Southern Tier region currently does not have enough accredited contractors to meet demand, and participating contractors can tap into this expanding market.

NYSERDA offers incentives to participating contractors through its Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® Program, to help offset the cost of training, certification and equipment.  This is more than just an energy efficiency program; it’s the model for the home improvement industry of the future.  Participating contractors differentiate their services to homeowners by making their homes energy efficient, as well as healthy, safe, and comfortable.  This goes a long way toward creating greater customer satisfaction and value for home improvement services.  NYSERDA also provides low-interest financing and other incentives to qualified residents to fund the energy efficiency improvements they receive through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® Program.  Because of high heating costs, these incentives are being enhanced for low and moderate-income residents.

To register to attend, please call Dee Hill, City of Corning, at 607-962-0340, Ext. 112.

Contacts

Gay Nicholson
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
607-533-7312

Nancy Norman, NYSERDA
518-862-1090, Ext. 3414