PERC Drives Energy Efficiency Training, Backs National Home Performance Initiative

WASHINGTON (May 19, 2010)—As the Federal government continues to roll out incentive programs that drive energy efficiency, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is helping expand training opportunities for construction professionals through its support of its Home Performance initiative.

Facilitated by Hanley Wood, PERC is sponsoring six regional Home Performance training programs to offer industry professionals the opportunity to learn how to choose appliances that can help save energy and improve a home's performance. The programs cover a wide range of topics including the heating benefits associated with propane.

"Propane is a cost-effective solution for home heating, backup energy, and water heating. From a high-efficiency propane furnace to a tankless water heater, the right appliances can help homeowners in any climate enjoy the benefits of propane," said Tracy Burleson, director of residential programs for PERC. "In many cases, a propane-fueled heating system can pay back, through energy savings, within a year. Plus it offers homeowners the benefits of gas without being connected to the natural gas line. Through our support of the Home Performance initiative, we are ensuring that construction professionals have the resources and tools they need to make homes more energy efficient and meet their customers' needs."

Two-day Home Performance training sessions cover the value of environmentally sound construction techniques, interpreting energy audits, correcting problems identified by energy auditors, and implementing energy-saving solutions. Sessions are being offered in Washington; Long Island, N.Y.; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Seattle; and Laguna Beach, Calif. More information is available at www.greengroundup.com.

For construction and remodeling professionals who are unable to attend a regional program, PERC also offers a wide array of online continuing education courses, located at www.buildwithpropane.com. The free courses offer energy training backed by both the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Each continuing education course includes a 90-minute lesson on propane as a practical solution to green building. Course topics include how to incorporate propane and related equipment into design, building and installation practices, and how to explain propane's advantages to homeowners, homebuyers, and remodelers working beyond the natural gas main.