Hi friend, Welcome to the October edition of HPSC Monthly. This month, we bring you these top stories and more: - Kootenay and Boundary in-person workshops
- Rebate program webinars coming this November
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Share your ideas for residential retrofit workforce support
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Kootenay and Boundary In-Person Workshops
People from across the Kootenay and Boundary communities working in the home building and renovation sector can access subsidized training to prepare for upcoming industry shifts and increased customer demand.
The Community Energy Association (CEA) is delivering workshops on high efficiency building envelopes and mechanical systems (i.e., heat pumps) as part of the Kootenay Clean Energy Transition (KCET) initiative. See the schedule and find links for registration below.
Cranbrook* *The HPSC will be attending workshops at this location to provide information and support for the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) registration process. Grand Forks Castlegar
“With the need to improve energy efficiency and home comfort in our communities, we are excited to offer local, subsidized training with industry experts for contractors and building experts across the Kootenays. We appreciate how busy our local contractors and tradespeople are, and we hope that offering subsidized training will make it easier for them to participate” states Jessica Martin-Thompson, Climate Initiatives Specialist with CEA. It is not just the environment that will benefit from the transition to more efficient homes. With increasingly hot and smoky summers, there is an urgent need for cooler and healthy homes. Home energy retrofits will provide this shift to healthier and more comfortable homes, while saving energy costs for homeowners.
“This is a great opportunity for Kootenay contractors and tradespeople to stay ahead of evolving customer needs, especially with growing rebates available for home energy retrofits.” Martin-Thompson continues, “we’re seeing more homeowners interested in retrofits and we want to help homeowners and local contractors get ready for the shift.”
CEA is a member-based, non-profit organization working since 1995 at the community level to reduce emissions, conserve energy and progressively transition to a low carbon, resilient economy. As a non-profit consultant, all proceeds from CEA’s work go back into advancing low carbon solutions for community climate action. Its staff are distributed around BC and its Board is comprised of representatives from local governments, utilities, and the private sector.
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Rebate Program Webinars
FortisBC, BC Hydro and the Province of BC are hosting online webinars for Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) members to provide training and updates on the Home Renovation Rebate and CleanBC Better Homes programs. There are different dates depending on your sector and location, see information and links to register below. |
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REMINDER: Rebate Program Updates Effective October 1, 2022
As mentioned in last month's E-News, the CleanBC Better Homes and Homes Renovation Rebate programs have updated their rebate requirements for heat pumps and windows, effective October 1, 2022. The updates are summarized below.
Heat Pump Rebate Requirements
Effective for invoices dated on or after October 1, 2022, all mini-split, multi-split, central ducted and dual fuel ducted heat pumps must have an HSPF ≥10.00; SEER ≥16.00. This update is being implemented to help ensure that homeowners are installing the best energy efficient models in their home and to help align with the Canada Greener Homes program. Additional requirements must be met and can be viewed using the BC Hydro space heating rebate guide or by visiting betterhomesbc.ca.
Windows Rebate Requirements
Effective for invoices dated on or after October 1, 2022, Tier 1 windows (U-factor of 1.4 to 1.23 W/m2K) will no longer be available for rebates across the province. Rebates for tier 2 windows and doors (U-factor of 1.22 W/m2K or lower) are still available for $100 per window or door (up to 20 windows per Tier) when replacing current windows or exterior doors with program qualified products. Additional requirements must be met and can be viewed at betterhomesbc.ca.
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Residential Retrofit Workforce Shortage
A report by the Canadian Climate Institute suggests that Canada's workforce is not prepared for the growth expected in a net zero economy. Residential retrofits play a critical role in improving energy efficiency to help meet Canada's net zero targets. What do you think - is the residential retrofit workforce prepared for the amount of work required in the coming years?
What supports or resources should the HPSC advocate for to support the residential retrofit workforce in BC? Click the button below to send us an email with your ideas. |
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BC Green Building Calendar
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. |
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Innovation Series: Systems Thinking for Decarbonizing Retrofits Vancouver | October 19, 7:30-9:30am | $125 (non-members)
Join a panel of industry experts as they walk through what it means to decarbonize an existing building, why systems thinking results in a better plan, and take an in-depth look into IAQ strategies; why they remain important, the benefits and challenges in an existing building, and strategies and technologies that can support optimal IAQ while managing energy efficiency. |
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| High Performance vs Energy Efficient Buildings Workshops
In-person (3 locations)| November 2022 | $400 (non CHBA members) or $250 (CHBA members)
FortisBC is sponsoring a series of whole-day workshops based on several examples and case studies that will explain the differences between a high performance and energy efficient building.
Presented by Hamid Building Design and hosted by local CHBA chapters, these workshops will familiarize participants with the concept of a holistic approach towards building envelope energy efficiency to satisfy performance criteria such as moisture management, thermal comfort, durability, indoor air quality. There will also be a great emphasis on the intergraded design process via various brainstorming sessions and group works. Hamid Design Build will also bring mobile building envelope assembly mock-ups, plus a wide range of building envelope products and systems as part of the sessions.
The workshop is suitable for builders, architects, designers, consultants, building inspectors, energy advisors, window manufacturers, contractors (carpentry, insulation, cladding, HVAC, etc.), real estate agents, and whoever interested in high performance building envelope practices. The workshops will run from 8:00am to 4:30pm in three locations: Victoria, Nanaimo and Burnaby. Each workshop will cover the same content and each one is pending for 7.5 CPD points through BC Housing. Click the links below to learn more and register. |
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FortisBC Offering 80% Subsidy Discount for HRAI Courses Limited Time Offer FortisBC will be subsidizing several of HRAI's most popular courses during the fall and winter months, by 80% off the regular price. This offer is only available to contractors in BC.
HPCN Registrants: This is a great opportunity to complete your HRAI/TECA training requirement. You will still be eligible for reimbursement of 100% of the course costs plus a contribution towards wages.
Please note: This offer is not in combination with any other offer or discount from HRAI (including HRAI Membership discounts). The subsidy is available now until the funding and spots run out. |
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National Home Performance Conference (U.S.) Seattle, WA | April 17-20, 2023 | $995 (USD) Each year, this event brings together contractors, weatherization professionals, trainers, program administrators, energy auditors, and others working in residential energy efficiency for the latest developments and education in the industry. |
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Air Sealing and Retrofits 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
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TECA Principles of Moving Air Online | Classes starting Sep 21, Oct 6, and Oct 20 | $659 + GST (non-members)
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.
TECA Heat Loss/Heat Gain Course Online | Classes starting Sep 19, Oct 3, and Oct 17 | $385 + GST (non-members)
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. |
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HRAI Residential Heat Loss & Heat Gain Calculations Online | Classes starting Sep 19, Oct 18, Nov 25 and more | $1,240 + taxes
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.
HRAI Basic Principles of Residential Ventilation Online | On-Demand | $79 + taxes
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.
A discount code for these HRAI courses is accessible upon registration with the HPCN. |
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| Quality Installation of Insulation Retrofits in BC Homes
Online | On Demand | FREE for BC Contractors applying to the HPCN*
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 Online | On Demand | FREE for BC Contractors applying to the HPCN*
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.
*Home Performance Contractor Network – limited time offer. Discount code available upon registration.
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2021 Revised - Best Practice Guide for Replacement Window and Doors Digital ($150) or Print ($290) (non-member prices)
Developed ─ and newly revised ─ by the Fenestration Association of BC and BC Housing, this guide applies current building science and best practices to the replacement of windows and doors in wood-frame residential buildings. It provides practical information and useful guidelines to help ensure these products are replaced in a way that improves the durability of building enclosures in existing buildings. 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.
Did you know? This guide is a required resource for registration with the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN). Contractors registering with the HPCN are eligible for a discounted copy of the guide. Learn more at homeperformance.ca/contractornetwork
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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: - General principles for business owners and managers
- Health and safety concerns
- Customer service
- Human resources
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Design considerations and building science
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| Become a Program-Qualified Energy Advisor Ongoing Applications
Program-Qualified Energy Advisors (PQEAs) are EnerGuide Rating System registered energy advisors (working with Service Organizations licensed through Natural Resources Canada) who have completed additional BC rebate program-focused orientation training. To access the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Programs Energy Advisor Supported Rebates homeowners must use a PQEA to deliver the required EnerGuide home energy evaluations.
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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.
Know of other professional development opportunities? Let us know at info@homeperformance.ca |
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