Join us at the Construction Experience Center in Denver, Colorado for the Xcel Energy ZERH and NextGen Builder Training. This two-day event presented by Construction Instruction and the EEBA includes a comprehensive program that will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to to construct high-performance zero energy ready homes.

Day one is focused on the Zero Energy Ready Home Version 2 Training, covering advanced wall systems, high-performance mechanical systems, and renewable energy integration. Learn to select the most cost-effective materials and technologies to design, model, and construct homes that only use as much energy as they are able to produce over the course of each year. The emphasis will be on finding practical solutions for each specific climate zone.

Day two is focused on the new ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification Program, which offers an additional level of recognition for homes and apartments that go above and beyond the core ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program requirements and incorporates advanced electric technologies that will help to build our clean energy future.

Gain practical expertise through hands-on exercises and case studies.

By the end of the two-day course, you'll be empowered to confidently build zero energy ready homes, and gain the knowledge necessary to meet the ZERH Program requirements and the NextGen Certification Program requirements. Join us and be at the forefront of sustainable construction, creating homes that prioritize energy efficiency, cost savings, durability, comfort, and a reduced carbon footprint.

Schedule:

Day One:

• 8am - 8:30am : Light Breakfast Provided (bagels, yogurt, etc).
• 8:30am - 12pm : Class: How to Build a Zero Energy Ready Home
• 12pm - 1pm : Lunch Provided
• 1pm - 4:30pm : Class continues
• 4:30pm - 5:15 pm (ish) : Happy Hour

Day Two:

• 8am - 8:30am : Light Breakfast Provided (bagels, yogurt, etc).
• 8:30am - 12pm : Class: Building to the ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification Program
• 12pm - 1pm : Lunch Provided
• 1pm - 3:30pm : Class continues

How to Build a Zero Energy Ready Home

This course provides participants with a comprehensive discovery of all elements of the Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready (ZER) Home program requirements and cost-effective pathways of how to meet those requirements. The course will cover the compelling trends towards high performance homes and the building science principles that support the move towards homes that will use, on average over the course of a year, only as much energy that could be produced by on-site renewable energy sources. Participants in this class will learn design principles, equipment options, emerging technologies, material selections, and construction practices that can be integrated into their building process. Case studies will be used throughout to demonstrate builders’ successes with ZER homes. Strong emphasis is placed on ways to make the final product affordable for homebuyers. To this end, a wide range of alternatives that can be applied to specific climate zones and housing types will be demonstrated so that builders and designers can choose solutions that meet their market needs.

By the end of the course, you will possess the necessary expertise to confidently build zero energy ready homes. You will gain a decision matrix on how and when to integrate new high-performance solutions into your build. Join us and be at the forefront of sustainable construction, creating homes that prioritize energy efficiency, long-term cost savings, durability, and comfort.

Through a unique blend of hands-on lab exercises and classroom learning, you will gain practical expertise in every aspect of zero energy ready home construction. Dive deep into the key components that make up a zero-energy ready home, including advanced wall systems, high-performance mechanical systems, renewable energy integration, and more. Using the principles of building science, you will learn how to review and select materials and techniques to find the most cost-effective approach to zero energy construction for your clients in your climate.

Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to engage in practical exercises and case studies focused on zero energy ready home construction. This hands-on approach will strengthen your skills in assessing energy consumption, optimizing building plans, and troubleshooting potential challenges.

Learning Objectives:
• Learn the trends and building science principles that are driving the U.S. housing market toward zero energy homes.
• Be able to identify and understand the specific requirements to qualify a Zero Energy Ready Home (ZER) under the DOE program.
• Identify buildings materials, systems and processes that can be used to meet the ZER requirements in a cost-effective way.
• Learn about incentives, marketing and sales messages that can help promote ZER homes for builders.

CEUs:
AIA: 7 LU|HSW
RESNET: 8 PD Credits
ICC: .6 hours

Building to the ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification Program

This course is focused on building to meet the new ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification Program requirements, which offers an additional level of recognition for homes and apartments. The course will identify how to go above and beyond the core ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program requirements and incorporate advanced electric technologies that will help to build a clean energy future.

Throughout the course participants will learn how to optimize the energy reductions offered by practical and cost-effective building enclosure alternatives with appropriate electrically powered space conditioning and hot water heating technologies to ensure both energy and emission savings for new home buyers. This will include a thorough discussion of identifying and selecting properly sized heat pumps, water heating alternatives, electric vehicle provisions and electric cooktop and oven options.

During classroom and hands-on exercises, case studies and equipment demonstrations, participants will be empowered to confidently specify appropriate building materials and matching mechanical systems to build homes that meet all of the technical and administrative requirements of EPA’s ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification program. 

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Identify the administrative and technical requirements for achieving the ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification program.
• Evaluate and select practical and cost-effective building enclosure systems appropriate for their climate zone and type of construction.
• Understand how to specify and select the critical electro-mechanical component requirements such as properly sized heat pumps, water heaters and electric vehicle capabilities.
• Confidently integrate the NextGen requirements into their design and building process to ensure selected projects can achieve the certification label.
• Confidently promote the clean energy benefits of NextGen labeled homes to prospective clients.

CEUs:
AIA: 6 LU|HSW
RESNET: 6 PD Credits
ICC: .6 hours

Colorado Builders who are enrolled in Xcel Energy's ENERGY STAR New Homes program and actively build in Xcel Energy service territory are eligible for an 80% scholarship!

For more details, contact RSR at 844.802.4443 or erik.straite@residentialscience.com or Rob Buchanan at Xcel Energy Robert.P.Buchanan@xcelenergy.com.