March 2022 View in Browser Hi friend,
Welcome to the March edition of HPSC Monthly. This month, we bring you these top stories and more:
Featured News
Contractors' Forum
Join your residential retrofit industry peers for a virtual meet-up. Ask your questions, share your feedback, and get need-to-know information on the latest home performance initiatives.
Date: Wednesday, April 27 Time: 9:00-11:00am PST Cost: Free Registration Required: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYscO6vqzkvGdUcvkiowQ7pyY-U8bGqbIbv
Topics include:
HPSC & Program Updates
New Heat Pump Rebate Requirement Deadline Extended
It was previously communicated that on April 1, 2022, homeowners would need to use a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member to access CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate program heat pump rebates.
The program administrators are aware of the HVAC industry’s challenges in B.C. and the impact on contractors' ability to complete the HPCN registration. To ensure an adequate supply of HPCN contractors for homeowners, the requirement to use an HPCN member to be eligible for heat pump rebates has moved to July 1, 2022.
Beginning July 1, 2022, customers must use an HPCN member to be eligible for heat pump rebates in the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebates program.
Not Yet Registered in the HPCN? Visit homeperformance.ca/contractornetwork to learn more and get started.
Already Registered? Log in to the HPCN portal to complete your HPCN registration by July 1, 2022.
Have questions regarding a rebate program? Contact the relevant program partner:
New CleanBC Better Homes Income Qualified Program
The provincial CleanBC Better Homes Income Qualified Program (IQP) is a new, standalone program that provides high-value incentives for eligible income qualified households. Program rebates will be instantly passed on to eligible participants at the point-of-sale by Registered Contractors, making it easy and more affordable for customers to participate in the program. Available rebates may cover up to 95% of project costs based on the customer’s qualifying income level. Rebates for these upgrades will be paid directly to Registered Contractors installing IQP-eligible upgrades, once a rebate application has been submitted and approved.
Important: Contractors participating in this rebate program must become Registered Contractors in the Income Qualified Program and Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) members.
Want to participate in the Income Qualified Program? Start your HPCN registration today! More information on IQP onboarding is provided to HPCN members upon finishing registration. Rebates and HPCN Membership
One benefit of membership in the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) is access to rebate programs. We often get asked: "But, which rebates?!"
We have summarized the answer in the table below. Click on the table to access web links for each program. New Industry Advisory Committee
We are pleased to announce the members of our new Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). The list of members below is a diversified blend of industry leadership and representation from throughout BC.
The IAC will focus on retrofit industry and whole home performance related matters and serve as a committee of the Board to inform HPSC’s strategic priorities. The IAC will meet quarterly, and members will also serve on the HPSC's Sector Councils (renovation, HVAC, windows & doors, insulation, energy advisors, and utilities/government).
Thank you to each member for your willingness to offer time and insights to the committee. We are grateful to have you on board!
The creation of the IAC is part of the evolution of the HPSC's governance structure. The HPSC solicited applications for IAC membership at the end of 2022; we heard from many remarkable individuals and appreciate everyone who expressed interest. Industry News
Air Sealing and Weatherization Survey
BC Hydro is conducting a province-wide survey of air sealing and weatherization practitioners. This survey will be used by BC Hydro to identify barriers to growth for the air sealing industry, and to design programs to incentivize air sealing.
The survey is open until March 22nd. It can be completed in roughly 6-8 minutes, however partially complete responses are also accepted. Responses are anonymous.
Take the survey: https://questionnaire.simplesurvey.com/f/l/2022AirSealingSurvey
For questions regarding the survey, contact Alex at RDH Building Science: ajanusz@rdh.com Training & Events
Check out the new BC Green Building Calendar, a resource to find all of the latest events and training related to green building subject matter, including: emissions, energy efficiency, resiliency, high-performance design, and more. In-person Forum | March 23 & 24 | See website for cost
BUILDEX Vancouver is Western Canada’s largest forum connecting the holistic building industry. Sign-up to be an exhibitor or register to attend. Join them at the Vancouver Convention Centre to interact, learn and discover the newest innovations from a market in constant transformation. The event will follow official government guidance and venue regulations. All patrons attending BUILDEX Vancouver will be required to provide proof of vaccination and government-issued ID to access the event. Online | On Demand | Free | Available to HPCN registrants/members only This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of air sealing for Part 9 (single family detached and attached) residential building retrofit contractors. The goal of this course is to inform contractors working in retrofit rebate programs of both the recommendations and best practices for air sealing to enhance consumer satisfaction and comfort, maximize energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions, and improve home durability. Register with the HPCN to access the course: homeperformance.ca/contractornetwork TECA Principles of Moving Air This course will benefit those working in the New, Retrofit or Repair portions of the industry. It was developed to give those who are designing or installing duct systems the ability to create quiet, efficient systems which deliver the required volumes while using the least fan energy. Today, furnaces, heat pumps and ventilation systems require larger volumes of air to be moved. Duct fitting shape, the number of fittings, air filters, coils all contribute to reduced flow in ductwork.
The course is intended to help participants perform accurate and code-compliant heat loss and heat gain calculations. The BC Building Code calls for CSA F280-12 for calculation of heat loss and heat gain, for Part 9 buildings. The TECA Heat Loss / Gain software has been designed to give users an accurate and simple way to calculate heating and cooling loads by the CSA F280-12 calculation methods. HRAI Residential Heat Loss & Heat Gain Calculations Based on the CSA Standard F280-12, students get a firsthand introduction of the basic principles of building science and heat loss/gain. Through various in-class exercises, the student will learn how to determine the thermal resistance (R value) of various building assemblies, such as walls and ceilings. Accurately, calculate room by room heat loss and gain while considering the influences of occupancy, exposure, ventilation, air leakage across the building envelope and more.
Through this online course, participants are introduced to the basic principles of residential ventilation. The course starts by defining the concepts known as “House as a System”; the flow of air, heat and water and how these impact natural ventilation (i.e., air leakage). The course includes a description of the theory of mechanical airflow including air pressure, duct resistance and fan ratings. A review of the impact on combustion appliances, humidity levels and indoor air quality is also provided. Quality Installation of Insulation Retrofits in BC Homes This course covers best practices for the quality installation of insulation in residential retrofit applications specific to single-family homes in British Columbia. Supported by the Province of BC, BC Hydro and FortisBC, this course is part of HPCN training requirements that will become mandatory for select rebate programs in 2022. Quality Installation of Forced Air Furnace and Air Source Heat Pump Retrofits in BC Homes This course covers best practices for the quality installation of furnaces and air-source heat pumps in residential retrofit applications specific to single-family homes in British Columbia. Supported by the Province of BC, BC Hydro and FortisBC, this course is part of HPCN training requirements that will become mandatory for select rebate programs in 2022. 2021 Revised - Best Practice Guide for Replacement Window and Doors It specifically addresses the unique challenges presented by BC’s coastal climate, which has inspired advancements in building envelope technology that have been adopted around the world. CHBA BC Renovation Fundamentals Online | On-Demand | $349 The goal of this course is to provide renovators like you with an introduction to the basic knowledge needed to perform your job as a business owner or manager. By completing this course you'll gain a foundational understanding of the best practices for running a professional and successful renovation business in Canada. Note: there is a final exam at the end of the online course. Course topics include:
Become a Program-Qualified Energy Advisor This list of training and events is compiled for your information. The HPSC is not affiliated with any of the third party organizations providing training or hosting events. This communication is being sent to individuals who have consented to receiving periodic industry updates and information from the Home Performance Stakeholder Council. Click here to unsubscribe from future Home Performance Stakeholder Council marketing emails. We promise not to take it personally. |