HERS Modeler

The HERS Modeler performs energy modeling using accredited HERS Rating software tools.  The HERS Modeler must report to a HERS Rater and belong to the same Rating Quality Assurance Provider. A HERS Modeler may work for more than one HERS Rater and be a member of more than one Rating Quality Assurance Provider. The Certification earned is applicable regardless of what software you use. To become certified:

1. Take an accredited HERS Modeler Training Course including the completion of three Mentored Rating Models
2. Complete a proctored Graded Evaluation of a Rating Model
3. Join the accredited Rating Quality Assurance Provider that the HERS Rater you are working for belongs to
4. Perform a minimum of two Probationary Rating Models for each software tool you choose to become certified to perform modeling in (Apprenticeship period - completed through the Rating Quality Assurance Provider)
5. Obtain Certification (The Rating Quality Assurance Provider finalizes the certification with RESNET)

Here is a link to the information about our online training: https://energysmartinstitute.com/hers-energy-modeler-certification/

Rating Field Inspector

The Rating Field Inspector (RFI) is certified to perform testing and verification field work under the supervision of a HERS Rater. The RFI must report to a HERS Rater and belong to the same Rating Quality  Assurance Provider. An RFI may work for more than one HERS Rater and be a member of more than one Rating Quality Assurance Provider. Certification does not require formal training classes, instead the HERS Rater trains the RFI in the field. However, since not all field situations are always readily available, we do provide courses that can fill in the gaps and help RFIs understand and be aware of standards, example situations, math, testing, and construction terminology. To become certified:

1. The HERS Rater (or other Qualified Mentor) provides field training to the RFI Candidate.
2. The HERS Rater (or other Qualified Mentor) evaluates the RFI Candidate using a Graded Field Evaluation and Photo Documentation, which are shared with the RFI Candidate. A minimum of three Graded Field Evaluations are performed.
3. The RFI Candidate joins the accredited Rating Quality Assurance Provider that the HERS Rater belongs to.
4. The RFI Candidate performs a minimum of one additional Graded Field Evaluation for the Rating Quality Assurance Provider's Candidate Field Assessor.
5. Take and pass the RESNET RESCAZ Simulation Exam - We have a RESCAZ exam prep course for this to help ensure your success!
6. Obtain Certification (The Rating Quality Assurance Provider finalizes the certification with RESNET).

ENERGY STAR Verifier

The ENERGY STAR Verifier is certified to perform verification for new homes and dwelling units to the standards of the ENERGY STAR New Homes program and/or to the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction program. ENERGY STAR Program verification is required to obtain federal tax credits for this new construction. ENERGY STAR New Homes verifier certification is required to provide verification for the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction program. To become certified:

1. Take ENERGY STAR New Homes Certification training
2. Take and pass the ENERGY STAR exam (included in the certification training)
   • This certifies you as a verifier for the ENERGY STAR New Homes program
3. Take ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction training
4. Take and pass the ENERGY STAR exam (included in the certification training)
   • This certifies you as a verifier for the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction program

LEED Projects require that a HERS Rater or a "Qualified Energy Rater" perform certain tasks and verification inspections for a LEED Project to achieve certification. However, LEED projects that are outside of the United States or Canada have difficulty locating and engaging an individual who is certified as a HERS Rater.

The USGBC has ruled that individuals who complete specific qualifications will be considered a qualified professional and may perform all tasks required to be performed by the HERS Rater (also referred to as the “qualified energy rater” in the LEED v4 Homes Reference Guide). This is for projects within the following Rating Systems and Version that are located outside of the United States and Canada:

Rating System

LEED BD+C: Homes, LEED BD+C: Multifamily Midrise

Rating System Version

v4.1 - LEED v4.1, v4 - LEED v4, v3 - LEED 2008

For projects outside of the U.S. and Canada, individuals with the following qualifications will be considered a qualified professional:

1. Completion of one of the following forms of education:

• An Associate or Bachelor’s degree program that includes coursework in applied building science. If performing blower door testing and/or duct leakage for the LEED project, the individual must provide evidence that the degree coursework specifically covered these topics, or provide evidence of at least 4 hours of formal training for each relevant topic.

OR

• At least 4 hours of formal training in each of the following: building science fundamentals, blower door testing (if being performed for the project), air sealing inspections, insulation inspections, and duct leakage testing (if being performed by the project).

2. Experience performing energy inspections and testing on at least two building projects with a similar scope of work.

3. At least three years of professional experience in residential construction.

Additionally, the individual may not be part of the design or construction team.

This training program will satisfy the requirements of item #1 above for those projects that do not include blower door or duct leakage testing. However, it does include an introduction to both of these topics. For projects that do include blower door or duct leakage testing, additional training and hands-on practice will fulfill the additional hours required for these two items.

To receive your certification, you must have:

• 12 Hours of LEED Qualified Energy Rater Training
• Experience performing energy inspections and testing on at least two building projects with a similar scope of work
• At least three years of professional experience in residential construction
• Hands-on infiltration testing (if required by the project)
• Hands-on duct leakage testing (if required by the project)

Contact Brett Little at Green Home Institute for further direction:

Brett Little
GreenHomeInstitute.org
Education Manager
616.458.6733 ext. 3
1451 Lake Drive SE, #6484
Grand Rapids, MI 49516
Brett.Little@greenhomeinstitute.org
(He/Him)

“Empowering people to make healthier & more sustainable choices in the places we live.”

Click here to schedule a meeting with me!