The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Principles of Green Buildings was developed and written in partnership with nationally recognized building science experts from Advanced Energy of North Carolina. This course will introduce and provide the science behind the House as a System by going through all of the major sub-systems that affect the way the entire structure system performs. A building is the sum of many parts and for best performance for the occupants it must be set up correctly with those sub systems “synced” together. A building that performs correctly will provide the best energy efficiency, be a healthy environment for its occupants, and will maintain its structural integrity.

The 9 modules of Principles of Green Buildings introduce the building as a system concept and then steps you through an explanation of the major individual system components and concepts. The modules teach scientific fact coupled with common sense using pictures, videos, graphics, and text. For more in-depth questions or explanation of content you are provided with an SME (Subject Matter Expert) mentor.

The Principles of Green Buildings (PGB) course explains the science that an individual in the building, remodeling, or trade industry needs to know if they are working to make buildings perform more efficiently. The PGB course also helps prepare individuals for BPI, NATE, NARI, RESNET, and other industry credentials for green buildings. Successful completion of this course is recognized by both BPI and NATE for 28 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) applicable to several BPI and NATE certifications. To receive recognition for the 28 CEUs you must complete this course of study scoring 75% or higher on your overall grade. You are tested at the completion of each module within the course and will also be required to successfully complete a comprehensive final exam after completing module 9.

The expected student for this course is someone that is beginning their career in the Home Performance workforce or exploring that realm of work. Home Performance covers a broad range of possible trades and occupations, most notably the HVAC technician, Building Envelope workers such as air sealing, insulation, and vapor barrier workers, siding and window specialists, and a number of other workforce groups. The understanding gained of how the each subsystem interacts with and affects the others is the key to actually achieving Building Performance.

This course is open-enrollment and self-paced. Students will be given an initial 3 months to complete their program. If you need more time, a 3 month extension can be purchased for $45.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program, students will:

• Appreciate the interaction of individual building systems in the whole house operation.
• Have completed the initial portion of the BPI and other Home Performance certification processes.
• Have a better understanding of all the major “systems” found in a conventional building.
• Discover solutions to our National energy dilemma.
• Understand issues of building science and how they can relate to occupant health.
• Discover the relationships of building systems and building sustainability.
  

The Principles of Green Buildings is composed of nine modules:
1. House as a System
2. Air Flow Basics
3. Heat Flow, Insulation, Windows
4. Framing & Air Sealing
5. Moisture Management
6. Conditioning Strategies
7. Ventilation
8. Combustion Safety
9. IAQ Basics