Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The biggest challenge to obtaining green certification, high-performance homes, and low energy ratings is not technology, money, and know-how but lack of clear communication.
This course will help raters and verifiers understand different ways to communicate program requirements with the general contractors and sub-contractors in a way that allows all parties to meet project budget, timeline, and certification goals. By incorporating a few simple steps, the raters and verifiers can have a higher pass rate with the inspections and testing per program requirements. This will save time and money for the rater/verifier, builder and any sub-contractors involved in the above code program. Explaining the program in a different manner can yield great results for the builder, rater/verifier, sub-contractors, and homeowners. The communication skills taught in this course are currently used in the military, healthcare, EMS, and many other organizations today with great success.
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
Lessons Learned
1. **Understand** that clear communication is essential for maintaining health standards in high-performance homes, as it ensures that all parties are aligned on program requirements and safety protocols.
2. **Analyze** the impact of effective communication on safety, recognizing that a shared understanding among contractors and verifiers can significantly reduce the likelihood of mistakes during construction.
3. **Introduce** new communication techniques to promote the welfare of everyone involved, as a cohesive approach allows builders, raters, and subcontractors to work together more efficiently and effectively.
4. **Articulate** the importance of conveying program details in accessible ways to foster a collaborative environment that enhances overall project success and satisfaction for homeowners.
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
Speaker: Douglas Hansel-Pauly, Home Energy Rating Systems Council
I started in building science in 2016 after 19 years in healthcare as a respiratory therapist and it has been the best decision I ever made. Since then, I have played mad scientist with my home and many others to fine tune an IAQ system that is demand response and exceeds the highest ASHRAE levels for fresh air. I split my work between the residential and commercial world with residential services of Energy Star, Energy Trust EPS, and Earth Advantage certifications as well as forensic inspections for construction defects. The commercial work is in the large enclosure testing, building plan review, air barrier inspections and ABAA Auditor for building envelope assemblies. I also teach classes explaining the 2021 IECC energy measures for both residential and commercial provisions. In a nutshell I am a building science geek, and I love it.
The biggest challenge to obtaining green certification, high-performance homes, and low energy ratings is not technology, money, and know-how but lack of clear communication.
This course will help raters and verifiers understand different ways to communicate program requirements with the general contractors and sub-contractors in a way that allows all parties to meet project budget, timeline, and certification goals. By incorporating a few simple steps, the raters and verifiers can have a higher pass rate with the inspections and testing per program requirements. This will save time and money for the rater/verifier, builder and any sub-contractors involved in the above code program. Explaining the program in a different manner can yield great results for the builder, rater/verifier, sub-contractors, and homeowners. The communication skills taught in this course are currently used in the military, healthcare, EMS, and many other organizations today with great success.
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
Lessons Learned
1. **Understand** that clear communication is essential for maintaining health standards in high-performance homes, as it ensures that all parties are aligned on program requirements and safety protocols.
2. **Analyze** the impact of effective communication on safety, recognizing that a shared understanding among contractors and verifiers can significantly reduce the likelihood of mistakes during construction.
3. **Introduce** new communication techniques to promote the welfare of everyone involved, as a cohesive approach allows builders, raters, and subcontractors to work together more efficiently and effectively.
4. **Articulate** the importance of conveying program details in accessible ways to foster a collaborative environment that enhances overall project success and satisfaction for homeowners.
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
Speaker: Douglas Hansel-Pauly, Home Energy Rating Systems Council
I started in building science in 2016 after 19 years in healthcare as a respiratory therapist and it has been the best decision I ever made. Since then, I have played mad scientist with my home and many others to fine tune an IAQ system that is demand response and exceeds the highest ASHRAE levels for fresh air. I split my work between the residential and commercial world with residential services of Energy Star, Energy Trust EPS, and Earth Advantage certifications as well as forensic inspections for construction defects. The commercial work is in the large enclosure testing, building plan review, air barrier inspections and ABAA Auditor for building envelope assemblies. I also teach classes explaining the 2021 IECC energy measures for both residential and commercial provisions. In a nutshell I am a building science geek, and I love it.
