Building Analyst Training: Our First Class in the New Facility

Last Friday, several building science students (including the writer of this blog post) gathered in the Elysian Energy training facility and sat down at their computers. Nobody spoke. It was time to take the BPI Building Analyst Written Exam, which we had been preparing for all week.

The BPI Building Analyst course was a jam-packed week. Every minute of class was important. There was a tremendous amount of material that needed to be digested in just four and a half days. We were expected to be well-versed in varied areas of building efficiency including HVAC equipment, health and safety standards, air quality issues, and insulation installation. The BPI written exam isn’t easy. There are one hundred questions to be answered in 120 minutes.

Our class was fortunate to be in the new space because we were able to learn theory and practical application side-by-side: we had discussions about combustion chambers while looking at an actual furnace; questions about the orientation of air handlers were answered through the examination of real equipment; and calculations of building airflow standards were conducted using a blower door test. Those experiences gave the theory of the course meaning and helped all of us understand the importance of building science.

Having been through the course, I  have an entirely new understanding of the buildings around us. I survey gable vents with interest and diagnose studs on exposed construction sites. More importantly, I see the weaknesses in my own home, and I know what could be done to remedy them. The Building Analyst course teaches theory, practical testing, and diagnostic analysis. But more broadly the course helps you understand your home as an entity unto itself, one that breathes air, absorbs moisture, and consumes electricity. I would recommend the Building Analyst course to any building professional who wants to gain a better understanding of buildings and their systems.

-This article was written by Elysian Energy’s Marketing Coordinator, David Zussman

The past week’s course was taught by Elysian Energy’s Green Building and Training Manager, Andy Corral. Andy brought his expertise in home construction and systems to the course. The course materials were prepared by Andy and Training Coordinator, Ruth Ann Scoles, who has a Masters Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction.

If you are interested in taking a BPI course, contact Ruth Ann Scoles at training@elysianenergy.com.