Halco Helps National Organization Prepare New Certification Course & Exam

Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) recently turned to Halco to help develop a new insulation and air sealing course. The college’s Center for Energy Efficiency and Building Science is preparing the curriculum for a new Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification.

For three days, Home Energy Performance by Halco professionals Dave Davenport, Tom Goodman, Requin Ratchford, Joe Hagen and Hal Smith beta tested the first round of the new curriculum, which was presented by HVCC in partnership with Monroe Community College (MCC).

After college faculty members taught the draft curriculum to the Halco professionals, it was then field tested at Smith’s home. The Halco people critiqued the course content and field practice for clarity, accuracy and applicability. These comments will be integrated into the final curriculum and exams.

Three MCC students participated in a second beta test at Halco, followed by a third round in which four members of the current Energy Efficiency Specialist class at Halco participated. The third round concluded with a daylong certification exam, monitored by BPI representatives.

All four Energy Efficiency Specialist students – Ron DeRue, Frank Cushman, Curti Yankton and Ryan Gould – became the first to earn Basic Insulation and Air Sealing certification.

Six more Energy Efficiency Specialist students are in the process of earning Building Analyst Professional certification. This designation qualifies them to perform Comprehensive Home Assessments as part of The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® Program.

All of the Halco first round beta testers hold BPI’s Building Analyst Professional and Building Envelope Professional certifications. Smith and Davenport also are certified as Heating Professionals and Smith has earned Air Conditioning Professional certification.

Halco, which was established in 1984, serves the Finger Lakes and Central New York from its headquarters in Phelps. The fast growing company has been recognized by a number of national organizations for its leadership in the field of employee training.