ThermalWise is conducting a four session (4 hours each) training course for those who would like to learn the foundational modelling skills used by residential energy advisors. The sessions will run from 8 am to 12 pm each morning, with daily take home exercises to be completed before the next session.

There will be an optional Thursday afternoon session at ThermalWise’s office in Dartmouth for those attendees who would like to receive hands-on experience conducting a blower door test.

The workshop will cover the following topics:

• Residential energy modelling;

• HOT2000 energy modelling and the EnerGuide Rating System;

• Plan and building takeoffs;

• Onsite data collection requirements;

• Blower door testing; and,

• Quality assurance requirements.

The workshop is intended for those who have a background or keen interest in the residential construction/energy-efficiency sector. The workshop assumes that attendees are familiar with residential construction techniques, materials and mechanical systems. Please note that this workshop will include a brief introduction to building science. Prior familiarity with Trimble's SketchUp program will be expected from participants; a training module for this program will be sent prior to the course. Ideal attendees would be:

• Building officials;

• Home inspectors;

• Home designers;

• Builders;

• Energy-efficiency program delivery specialists;

• Past energy advisors; and,

• People interested in becoming energy advisors.

The workshop will provide attendees with the foundational skills required to become an energy advisor or to better integrate residential energy efficiency considerations into their business activities. The workshop will focus heavily on HOT2000 energy modelling and plan/site data collection activities. Attendees need not necessarily be interested in pursuing careers as energy advisors. However, all attendees will be provided with the study materials required to take NRCan’s Foundations and Energy Advisor Exams, along with an energy advisor training copy of HOT2000.

For those who are potentially interested in becoming energy advisors, ThermalWise may provide future mentorship opportunities for participants to conduct mock energy evaluations that will be reviewed by ThermalWise staff members. ThermalWise will provide feedback on these evaluations and they could be considered towards the mentorship requirements for activation as a v.15 EnerGuide Rating System Energy Advisor. This decision is currently pending staff resources and future funding opportunities. For more information on the steps required to become an energy advisor visit: NRCan - How to Become an Energy Advisor. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact ThermalWise.

All attendees will be required to have use of a computer with Microsoft Windows operating system. The majority of the workshop will take place on Microsoft Teams. Having a second monitor will make attending the course and participating in exercises much easier and is highly recommended.