What is BPI Accreditation?
BPI Accreditation is a standards-based home performance program that aims to help you differentiate your business from the competition. By ensuring certified staff, quality management, and the delivery of consistent, high-quality services on every project, BPI Accreditation helps you raise the bar in home performance contracting. Accreditation is voluntary, but it does require a true commitment to approach each project from a house-as-a-system perspective and to meet nationally-recognized BPI standards every time.
What value does Accreditation bring to my business?
BPI Accredited Contractors stand out from the crowd. By offering real solutions—not quick fixes—you show that you’re serious about home performance contracting.
By educating customers on the value of the whole-home approach and providing a comprehensive evaluation of their homes’ problems, you avoid direct competition with the low-bid gang.
Accreditation earns you the right to use the BPI mark in support of your sales efforts, differentiating your business based on proven performance—not price.
What is the value of having my staff certified?
Employing BPI Certified staff is proof that that your team has gone through rigorous, credible training. BPI Certified Professionals know how to apply house-as-a-system techniques in upgrading the performance of homes. Your customers will appreciate that your staff can locate the real problems and fix them without jeopardizing other systems in their house. Happier clients mean more referrals, fewer callbacks and greater profitability.
I’m an Accredited Contractor, now what?
You can start by applying the fundamentals of whole-home performance to all of your projects, ensuring that you meet BPI Standards. You can now offer home performance assessments to your customers. Make sure you’re advertising your BPI Accreditation to give you the competitive edge based on performance.
How do we educate the homeowner?
Homeowners need to appreciate that all of the products and materials in their homes produce a relatively complex system of interactions. Air leakage or insufficient insulation, for example, can compromise the performance of heating and air conditioning equipment. Leaky ducts may draw in dust and other contaminants into the air that homeowners breath and lose valuable conditioned air to the outside. That is why it is important to help homeowners understand the importance of the house-as-a-system approach.
What is the value of being a Certified Professional?
The value of being a BPI Certified Technician is in:
- Understanding the relationship between all the systems in the house and its effect on occupant health, safety and comfort, energy efficiency and durability
- Finding the real problem and fixing it, instead of putting a bandage on one of the symptoms
- Getting the edge over low-bid, fly-by-night contractors
- Having the comfort of our Quality Assurance Program, verification that your work was done right the first time
What happens if I (or my staff) fail part of an exam?
When we say that we are “raising the bar in home performance contracting,” we’re serious. BPI wants to challenge technicians to get the skills necessary to help homeowners diagnose and solve their home’s problems. The 100—question written tests and two-hour field tests are challenging. Not everyone passes. Those who fail the test can schedule to take the test again.
Questions and Answers from bpi.org
How much does the equipment cost? I hear it is $10,000!
That is not true! There are only two pieces of equipment you need to do the ECAD audit : The ductblaster and the infrared thermometer. The duct blaster is $1800 and after you have completed 5 audits there is a $400 rebate from the City. The infrared thermometer is $40 and there is a $35 rebate from the City AND you can receive a $100 rebate from the City from taking your BPI certification class.
Questions about ECAD Energy Audits
1. Can auditors also do the upgrades from the audits?
As long as they are contractors holding a valid HVAC license and registered with Home Performance with Energy Star program.
2. Are there discounts or rebates available from the City if a seller does the upgrades required by the audit?
Yes, there are rebates for any Austin Energy customer who chooses to go purchase items listed in the Energy Efficiency Rebates section of www.austinenergy.com
3. Are the recommendations in the audit going to be called "repairs"?
No, simply because its not broken. The wording would be upgrades or something similar, suggesting the value that will be gained once the upgrade is performed.
4. Can the buyer hire the inspector to do an inspection and audit?
Whatever sort of agreement the buyer/seller decide on is fine but the audit has to be done before the sale is final.
5. How long will an audit take?
The City of Austin estimates about 1 hour per 1,000 sq. feet
6. Who will explain the audit report to the seller/buyer?
The auditor will sit down with the seller and explain these are the areas that were measured in the home, these are the recommended upgrades, and this “x” is the projected monetary value received due to the upgrade.
7. Will the audits be held in a central data base at the City?
Yes, they will.
8. Are you the only ones providing the live BPI certification training in Austin?
Yes.
9. If there is an energy audit done, the seller will not need an inspection, is that right?
No, audits and inspections are different.
10. Does COA have a rules prohibiting an auditor from also doing the inspectiion on the property (not a Star Energy Inspection- a normal inspection that is done prior to closing)?
A Real Estate inspector who is certified with BPI or RESNET and has registered with Austin Energy is allowed to do the audit and inspection. The audit must be done before closing of the sale, most cases paid for by the seller but it is negotiable and whatever the buyer and seller agree on is fine as long as it done. Per the ordinance, the seller must disclose the audit before closing.
11. If a person is certified as a RESNET HERS rater, what do they have to do to become BPI certified?
They must take and pass a 100 question online proctored examination AND complete a field examination demonstrating their proficiency in using the equipment.
12. Will the energy audit include an infrared thermal exam of the home?
According to Austin Energy as of 2/27/09, no IR Thermal exam of the home is required through the Ordinance Energy Audit. Some companies many wish to offer this service as an add-on or part of their standard Ordinance energy audit.
FAQ's from Austin Energy
Single-Family Homes
- What is a single-family home?
The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance defines a single-family home as having fewer than five dwelling units. - If I get my electricity from Austin Energy but live outside the city limits, do I need an ECAD audit?
No. The ordinance applies only to properties both in Austin and that receive electricity from Austin Energy. - Is my condominium affected by the ordinance?
No. Condominiums are not affected by the ECAD ordinance. - How old must my home be to require an ECAD audit if I sell it?
Single-family homes 10 years or older and homes that have not participated in an Austin Energy residential energy-efficiency program within 10 years require an ECAD audit before being sold. - What does the ECAD audit report include?
The ECAD audit report includes the condition and estimated R-value of the attic insulation, the percentage of air leakage through the duct system, the number of windows with direct sunlight for at least an hour a day, and the energy-efficiency rating of the air-conditioning equipment. It also includes suggestions for improving the home’s energy efficiency. - What must I provide to a potential home buyer to show that I had an ECAD audit?
Sellers must provide a copy of the ECAD audit. - What energy-efficiency improvements qualify the home for an exemption from the ECAD ordinance?
- The single-family home is exempt from an ECAD audit if it meets any one of the following conditions. Within 10 years before the sale, the home received:
- At least three energy-efficiency improvements through Austin Energy residential energy-efficiency programs.
- A total of $500 in rebates through Austin Energy residential energy-efficiency programs.
- Free Energy-Efficiency Improvements through Austin Energy residential energy-efficiency programs.
- See ECAD Ordinance for Single-Family Homes for additional exemptions. - What can I provide a potential home buyer to show that I completed energy-efficiency improvements?
Austin Energy provides homeowners with information about the energy-efficiency improvements they received through Austin Energy programs. Call 974-7827 or email Austin Energy with the home’s address and the homeowner’s telephone number. - Does the ECAD ordinance require that I provide a potential home buyer with monthly electricity bills?
No. Home sellers do not have to provide utility bills to home buyers. The only required document is the ECAD audit, unless the home has a variance or an exemption. Providing a home buyer with past electricity bills does not replace the required ECAD audit. - My home had an energy audit and I made energy-efficiency improvements within 10 years after the audit. How can I get these improvements on record with the City of Austin?
Austin Energy keeps records of energy audits and energy-efficiency improvements made by registered Austin Energy contractors. - Is my home exempt from the ECAD ordinance if I implemented energy-efficiency measures without participating in an Austin Energy residential energy-efficiency program?
No. Only homes that participate in an Austin Energy residential energy-efficiency program are exempt from the ECAD ordinance. The quality of materials and methods can be ensured only if the work is performed under the guidelines of an Austin Energy program. - If a house is scheduled for demolition by a new owner, does it need an ECAD audit before the sale?
The home may receive a variance if a variance request is submitted to Austin Energy prior to the time of sale and the new owner applies no later than six months after the sale for a permit to demolish the home. - If the home buyer plans to substantially remodel the home, does it need an ECAD audit before the sale?
The home may receive a variance if the buyer applies no later than six months after the sale for a building permit to substantially remodel the home. The seller and buyer must submit a variance request and enter into a binding agreement where the buyer agrees to complete an ECAD audit no later than six months after the remodel. - How do I apply for a variance to the ECAD ordinance?
View the Variance Application for Residence Demolition. - View the Variance Application for Residence Substantial Remodel.
To apply for a variance, submit a Variance Application by email, or print out an ECAD Variance Application and send it to the Director of Energy Efficiency Services, Austin Energy, 811 Barton Springs Road, Third Floor, Austin, TX 78704. - What if I sell the house without having an audit?
Non-compliance with the ECAD ordinance is a Class C misdemeanor. Reported violations will be forwarded to the City of Austin Legal Department for review and action. - How many homes does the ECAD ordinance affect?
It is estimated the ordinance could affect about 3,000 homes each year.
ECAD Audits
- Who performs the ECAD audit?
The ECAD audit must be performed by an auditor who is a certified Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Rater or a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professiona. Austin Energy maintains a Web-based list of certified ECAD auditors who have registered with Austin Energy. In addition to being certified, these auditors must attend an Austin Energy orientation and meet other guidelines. - How long does an ECAD home audit generally take?
An ECAD audit takes about one hour per thousand square feet of a home. - What home components does an ECAD auditor evaluate?
The ECAD auditor evaluates the home’s windows, attic insulation, air conditioning and heating system, and the air duct system. - What information is included in the ECAD home audit report?
- The ECAD audit report for a single-family home includes:
- Attic insulation’s condition and estimated R-value.
- Percentage of air leakage from the duct system.
- Number of windows receiving more than one hour of direct sunlight.
- Estimated air conditioning system SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) value and general condition of the mechanical system.
- Recommendations for improving the home’s energy efficiency. - What does the ECAD audit report look like?
The ECAD audit is a multipart form that includes the evaluation of the audited home components, recommendations for energy-efficiency upgrades, and information about Austin Energy loan and rebate programs. - How much does an ECAD home audit cost?
The estimated cost of an ECAD audit is from $200 to $300 for a typical single-family home 1,800 square feet or smaller with a single air-conditioning system. Auditors set their own prices, which depend on the size of the home. - What is the difference between the required ECAD audit and the free energy analysis available through the Austin Energy Power Saver™ Program?
ECAD audits are required by law. They must be conducted by a BPI Building Analyst Professional or a RESNET Home Energy Rater. The contractors who perform free energy analyses for Austin Energy’s Power Saver™ Program are not required to beBPI or RESNET certified. They are listed on the Austin Energy website as Power Saver™ Program participating companies. - What is Austin Energy’s role with the ECAD audits and the ECAD ordinance?
Austin Energy verifies that ECAD auditors are certified as RESNET Raters or BPI Building Analyst Professionals. Austin Energy also collects and maintains ECAD audit records. - Where are the results of the ECAD audits stored?
ECAD auditors provide audit results to Austin Energy, which keeps a record of each audit.
ECAD Auditors
- What qualifies an ECAD auditor to perform energy audits under the ECAD ordinance?
ECAD auditors must be certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). For more information about becoming an ECAD auditor, please call 974-7827 or email Austin Energy. - How do energy auditors get certified to conduct ECAD audits?
First, they must pass the BPI Building Analyst Professional online written exam and field test or the RESNET Home Energy Rater online test. - Who provides the preparatory training for certifications?
Texas Home Energy Raters Organization (TX HERO) offers RESNET test preparatory training, and Green Energy Audit Certification provides preparatory training for BPI certifications in central Texas. Austin Community College and other schools are planning to offer training. - How long does the training take?
The preparatory training usually takes up to five days depending on the training provider. The training includes both classroom and field training. - How much does the preparatory training cost?
BPI and RESNET training, testing, and certification costs are available from the training providers. - Can non-certified auditors perform ECAD audits if they work under a certified auditor?
No. All ECAD auditors must be BPI or RESNET certified and perform the audits themselves. - How do I know that an energy auditor has the required certification?
Owners may ask ECAD auditors to show their BPI or RESNET certification card. - Do ECAD auditors have to get additional certifications to perform ECAD audits for multifamily properties?
No. ECAD auditors can perform audits for single-family and multifamily properties. However, some may choose to specialize in one or the other. - Do ECAD auditors have to get additional certifications to perform ECAD audits for commercial buildings?
No. Commercial buildings only need to have an energy rating. Building owners do not need to use ECAD auditors or have an energy audit. - Do ECAD auditors need special audit software, thermal imaging capabilities, and blower door testing equipment?
ECAD auditors need a duct blaster to measure duct leakage. BPI or RESNET may identify other equipment and software needed to meet their certification requirements. - Are ECAD auditors required to perform a duct blower test?
Yes. ECAD auditors need to perform a duct blower test to determine duct system leakage.
Energy-Efficiency Improvements
- What energy-efficiency improvements might be needed under the ECAD ordinance?
The ECAD ordinance does not require single-family homes to make energy-efficiency improvements. However, certain improvements made through Austin Energy energy-efficiency programs can exempt the home from the ECAD audit. - Does Austin Energy offer any rebates or assistance for making energy-efficiency improvements?
Austin Energy offers a variety of energy-efficiency programs that include rebates for owners of residential, multifamily, and commercial buildings. - What is the average rebate for each energy-efficiency improvement?
The average Austin Energy rebate varies by each energy-efficiency improvement but may cover up to 25% of the total installed cost. Austin Energy and Texas Gas Service both offer rebates for attic insulation and duct repair. Together the rebates cover almost half the cost of these two improvements. Federal tax credits are also available for a number of efficiency improvements. - How do I apply for rebates?
For information about applying for rebates, see Austin Energy’s Energy Efficiency Programs and Offerings. Customers can also call a participating company and request a bid for energy-efficiency improvements.
Multifamily Properties
- What is a multifamily property?
The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance defines a multifamily property as a property with five or more dwelling units. - Does my condominium have to comply with this ordinance?
No. Condominiums are not subject to the ECAD ordinance. - When does Austin Energy plan to complete gathering data on per-square-foot energy use in multifamily properties?
Austin Energy expects to have the average per-square-foot-area energy use for multifamily properties by the end of 2011. - How do I make the per-square-foot energy use of my multifamily property available to the public?
The ECAD ordinance requires posting results of the ECAD audit at the property and providing them to current and prospective tenants and to prospective buyers. - What is a high energy-use multifamily property?
A multifamily property is considered high energy-use if its per-square-foot energy use exceeds the average energy use of multifamily properties in the Austin Energy service area by 150% or more. - What do I need to do if the multifamily property I own is a high energy-use property?
Austin Energy will notify owners if their multifamily property is a high energy-use property. Owners must then complete the energy-efficiency upgrades needed to bring the property within a per-square-foot energy use of 110% of the average for multifamily properties. - How much time do I have to make the necessary upgrades to be within 110% of the average per-square-foot energy use?
Owners have 18 months from the date of the notification to make energy-efficiency improvements, or they may apply for an extension within 90 days of receiving notice. - What are the most common cost-effective upgrades for a multifamily property?
The most common cost-effective upgrades include air duct sealing, attic insulation, and solar screens or window film. Austin Energy has rebates and low cost loans for owners to improve the multifamily property’s energy efficiency. - Can ECAD auditors perform audits for both single-family homes and multifamily properties?
Yes. They are qualified to audit both, but may choose to specialize in one type of property.
Commercial Buildings
- How do I determine my commercial building’s energy rating?
Commercial building owners are required to use one of two Austin Energy-approved free energy-rating systems:
- Portfolio Manager (for commercial buildings 5,000 square feet or larger).
- Austin Energy Free Online Commercial/Business Energy Analysis tool (for commercial buildings less than 5,000 square feet). - What information do I need to enter into Portfolio Manager?
Portfolio Manager uses building-sector specific inputs, such as square feet, operating hours, and the number of workers on each shift, along with utility use, to normalize against national data for climate from the Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) data. - What if Portfolio Manager can’t rate my building?
Portfolio Manager may not be able to rate some specialized commercial facilities. If it can’t perform a rating, Portfolio Manager displays a reason. Building owners should email that reason to Austin Energy. - What is the time frame for rating my commercial building?
A building more than 10 years old by June 1, 2009 must have an energy use rating calculated by June 1, 2011. Other buildings must be rated before they are 10 years old. - Am I required to provide Austin Energy with a copy of the rating?
Yes. Commercial building owners must report their rating. Austin Energy reserves the right to request additional details to verify the inputs. - Is there a minimum rating required for commercial buildings?
No. Commercial building owners need only to report the rating. However, City Council has set voluntary goals for commercial buildings to improve their energy-efficiency rating.
If your score is… You should… 75 or higher (no action necessary) 63-74 Raise the score to 75 42-62 Raise the score by 20% Below 42 Raise the score to 50 - Are commercial buildings that do not meet the minimum rating required to make energy-efficiency upgrades?
No. Energy-efficiency upgrades are not required. The City has set voluntary energy efficiency goals for commercial buildings. Austin Energy supports the city’s goals for energy efficiency by encouraging participation in its commercial energy-efficiency programs. - Does Austin Energy make the rating of commercial buildings available to the public?
No. - If I own a commercial building, but the tenant pays the utility bills and maintains the building, am I required to report the building’s rating?
Yes. The building owner is responsible for rating the building. - If I maintain the commercial building and pay the utility bills, but do not own the building, am I required to report the building’s rating?
No. The building owner is responsible for rating their building. Tenants should cooperate with building owners in the rating of the buildings. - My commercial building is served by a master meter with other facilities; there is no sub-metering to determine my building’s actual use. How can I rate my building?
Owners should rate it as a whole. - Does anyone review my rating inputs for accuracy or compliance?
Austin Energy reserves the right to randomly audit commercial building ratings. - The energy rating systems use Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) data. What if updates to CBECS data cause my energy rating to drop below 50?
Nothing. The energy-efficiency goals are voluntary. Austin Energy supports the city’s energy-efficiency goals by encouraging participation in its commercial energy-efficiency programs. - I own several commercial buildings. Can I rate and report them as one portfolio?
Building owners must rate and report each commercial building individually. However, Portfolio Manager lets them create and manage a portfolio of multiple buildings. - I don’t have access to my natural gas bills. Does this invalidate my rating?
Yes. Portfolio Manager requires accurate ratings on all fuel sources including natural gas. - Does it impact the rating if my building is only partly occupied?
Yes. Occupancy is incorporated in the Portfolio Manager rating. - What happens when occupancy changes within a year? Does that make it impossible to obtain a rating?
Portfolio Manager lets users adjust occupancy as it changes, allowing for a rating when occupancy is not static. It is still possible to rate the building. - Do I receive notification if I am not in compliance?
Yes, Austin Energy sends out notices of non-compliance to owners who do not rate their buildings and report those ratings to Austin Energy. - Does Austin Energy provide automatic electric utility uploads to my Portfolio Manager account?
Austin Energy is currently working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow automatic uploading of electric utility bills into Portfolio Manager. - Does Texas Gas Service provide automatic updates for my Portfolio Manager account?
At this point, Austin Energy is unaware of plans for this service. Gas data must be entered manually. - What do I need to do if my commercial building is less than 10 years old and I decide to sell it?
It is the seller’s responsibility to report the building’s energy rating to Austin Energy and share the score with potential buyers. - Does Portfolio Manager let me transfer my building rating to the new owner?
Yes. - Are buildings owned by the State of Texas required to comply with the ECAD ordinance?
No. - Are university buildings required to comply with the ECAD ordinance?
State universities, such as the University of Texas, are not required to comply with the ECAD ordinance. Private universities are required to comply with the ECAD ordinance.
