Training Catalog
Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP)
Overview
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Join the Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) program and learn cutting edge building best practices from our expert instructor, Stephen Aiguier of Green Hammer, as he guides participants through the entire spectrum of high performance building and shares practical insights on the following:
- Building science fundamentals & moisture management
- High performance wall & roof assemblies
- HVAC product selection & integrated system design
- Water conservation techniques
- Indoor air quality, green material considerations & health impacts
- Local green/energy efficiency building programs & incentives
SHP is a comprehensive, interactive, experience-driven education program for residential and multifamily building and design professionals looking to take their work to the next level of quality. Each of the six monthly modules can be taken individually and each module provides participants with an opportunity to gain valuable insights and eliminate common barriers to high performance building via:
- Lecture, discussion, hands-on exercises, & short assignments
- Guest speakers that share past projects, experience, & expertise on issues that are critical to successful sustainable building
- Two tours of under-construction or recently-completed certified homes with builders & raters on-site to explain approaches, reveal benefits, & answer questions
- A final project that progresses throughout the course and puts principles into practice by guiding participants in designing their own high performance building or research project
A certification exam at the end of the course allows participants to earn the designation of an accredited Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP). Earth Advantage also provides marketing support to help graduates gain visibility as informed green professionals.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Overcome common barriers & misconceptions of high performance building
- Analyze the costs & benefits of incorporating sustainable building measures
- Take advantage of financial incentives and technical assistance offered by governments, utilities and non-profit organizations
- Identify the full breadth of best practices from site layout to flooring selection
- Enhance your knowledge of building science & how a home functions as a system
- Establish a sustainable design goal by incorporating energy, water, & resource efficiency while maintaining a safe, comfortable, healthy building
- Gain a builder/designer-centric approach to achieving the following certification standards: Passive House, Zero Energy, Earth Advantage®, LEED®, EPSTM, ENERGY STAR, Living Building Challenge, & more.
The SHP accreditation program was first offered in 2008 and has since has been offered over 20 times across Oregon, all the while maintaining a longstanding reputation for depth, applied learning, and outstanding quality. SHP is complementary to other industry credentials, like LEED AP, LEED GA, SBA, CPHC, BPI, HERS, and all the others. Sustainable Homes Professionals are architects, planners, builders, remodelers, engineers, consultants, real estate professionals, educators, and building operators who value quality craftsmanship, whole system thinking, and sustainable practices.
Schedule & Course Fee
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Course Modules |
Fall 2019
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| Module 1: Green Building Intro & Integrated Design | November 15 &16, 2019 | ||
| Module 2: Building Science Fundamentals | December 6 & 7, 2019 | ||
| Module 3: High Performance Building Envelopes | January 10 & 11, 2020 | ||
| Module 4: Mechanical Systems and Performance Testing | February 7 & 8, 2020 | ||
| Module 5: Health, Materials, and Water | March 6 & 7, 2020 | ||
| Module 6: Final Presentations and Certification Exam | April 3 & 4, 2020 |
- All classes will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Individual modules can be taken in random order over various sessions to achieve SHP accreditation
- Portland classes will take place at Earth Advantage, 623 SW Oak St., Suite 300, Portland, OR 97205
- View the detailed SHP Course Outline
ENTIRE COURSE REGISTRATION
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Earth Advantage Builders, EA Remodelers & EA Professionals (AGAs, EA Brokers, Green Building Trainees):
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$1375
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Energy Trust Trade Allies, MWESB Contractors, HBA Members, PHnw Members & SBAs:
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$1475
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General Admission:
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$1600
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- EARLY BIRD, GROUP, & ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS may apply. Use "Upcoming Sessions" drop down menu at the top of this page to see what's available for each individual location.
- TRADE ALLY REIMBURSEMENTS: Are you a Trade Ally of Energy Trust? You may be eligible for reimbursement, please email existinghomesdevelopmentfund@energytrust.org to request pre-approval.
INDIVIDUAL MODULE REGISTRATION
| Individual Module: | $275 |
| Two Modules: | $550 |
| Three Modules | $825 |
Benefits
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- 10 site visit tours to certified homes and 5 guest speaker presentations (see photos)
- Guest access to the EA Home Certification online points worksheet for final project review & submission
- Professional differentiation that comes with accredited SHP designation and use of logo
- Receive customer leads through Earth Advantage's directory of accredited professionals.
- Valuable networking opportunities with green building experts and fellow accredited SHPs that will help you develop a strong referral network
- Marketing strategies & support to strengthen the business case for green building
- SHP Manual, Resource Guide and the following course textbooks:
- Residential Energy by John Krigger and Chris Dorsi
- Builder’s Guide to Mixed-Humid Climates by Joseph Lstiburek
- Discounts on future Earth Advantage courses and events
Continuing Education
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- BPI: 42 total units for all 6 modules; 7 per module
- AIA: 84 total LU/HSW credit hours for all 6 modules; 14 per module
- CCB: 84 credit hours
- OCHI: 84 credit hours
- OR Real Estate Agency: 84 total credit hours for all 6 modules; 14 per module
- Earth Advantage® Broker: 84 total credit hours; 14 per module
- Accredited Green Appraiser (AGA): 84 total credit hours; 14 per module
Reviews
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SHP Graduating Class | Spring 2013 | Portland, OR
Course Evaluations
See the SHP Course Evaluations Summary »
SHP Participant Companies
See the full list of companies that have attended SHP »
SHP Fall 2018 participants included:
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Akos Construction
Birdsmouth Construction Cellar Ridge CleaResult Community Energy Project |
enerstructa llc Green Hammer Greenblueprints In-House Architecture Independence Gardens LLC |
Noyes Development
Oregon Finish Carpentry, Inc. PDX Hive
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Testimonials
"I considered myself knowledgeable about green building, but thought I'd benefit from a refresher. This class went way beyond my expectations by providing loads of useful information that was new to me, and by challenging my assumptions. I feel much better informed and will be able to offer my clients more comprehensive architectural services as a result. The course was well worth the investment of time and energy, and I highly recommend it to anyone within the building industry. We must lead, not follow. "
— Keyan Mizani, Architect, SHP | eMZed Architecture LLC
“Since receiving my SHP certificate in the fall, I have been able to up-sell two different projects on energy/efficiency upgrades, expand a smaller kitchen/bath remodel job into a much larger whole-house approach that addresses a long-term vision of efficient living, and am currently proposing another whole-house retrofit. I attribute much of these additional sales to the knowledge gained during the SHP course. I have greater confidence and knowledge when discussing energy efficiency, advanced building concepts, solar/alt-energy options and future planning, and, generally, green building as a whole.”
— Ryan Weeden, Builder, Owner, SHP | Four Square Design Build LLC
"Participating in the SHP course has helped me understand my projects better and has given me specific tools to guide them to success. I can now make confident recommendations to clients based on science and the wealth of experience conveyed during the course through case studies, site visits, and lectures. On top of that, this course has been fascinating and fun!"
-Jessica Canales, Project Manager, SHP | Birdsmouth Construction
"All of the site visits were extremely useful in connecting the concepts discussed in class to real-world examples. It was great to see such a variety of projects ranging from EA Certification, Passive House, LEED for Homes, LEED Multifamily, Living Building Challenge, Energy Star, NEEA Next Step, and the modular manufactured homes. The course topics that were most useful to me were air sealing, ventilation, mechanical sizing, and on site water purification. The EA SHP course greatly broadened my understanding of high-performance energy and the need for sustainability. From the broad concepts to the nuts-n-bolts, Stephen explained it all. Ryan organized a productive and engaging course. I can't wait to apply all that I've learned!"
— Buck Bailey, Architect, SHP | GreenPocket
"I too would like to express my appreciation to and for all of you. I appreciate the diversity of our group, the knowledge and differing disciplines. While the material is a major factor (the focus of the course), what’s certain is that the people are what made up the course and provided the synergy and stimulation for me to begin thinking differently. Thank you all for your contributions to my personal and professional development. Additionally, my hat is off to Ryan, for your patience and gracious assistance… and to Stephen, for your wealth of ever-present knowledge, exquisite coaching and inspiration!"
— Bill Norman, Appraiser, AGA, SHP | Norman Appraisal Company
"Building performance and sustainability is a fast expanding topic that is gaining huge momentum in todays building industry. This SHP course provides an excellent insight into the full spectrum of high performance building topics."
— Rick Bostrom, Green Product Manufacturer, SHP | Tremco Barrier Solutions
"The course challenged me to think and re-assess approaches. Some were confirmed, some new options were offered, and most importantly current information about techniques that have failed to achieve the desired results."
— Dennis Kitch, Builder, SHP
"The SHP course will increase your knowledge of building science, emerging technologies and advanced building practices that help us become stronger advocates for energy efficient buildings."
— Neil Grigsby, Residential Sector Initiative Manager, SHP | Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)
"This course was tremendous in understanding of the history of the developments that have occurred over the last century and how that informs us about residential construction industry today and the how to solve issues with existing facilities. Understanding about the overall systems and the importance of the integration of the team to effectively solve issues."
— Daniel Lajoie, Architect, SHP | departure: architecture planning interiors llc
"A combination of relatedness, practicality, humor, experience and knowledge. Lucky to have the opportunity to learn from Stephen."
— David Burdick, Engineer, SHP | Earth Harmony Habitats
"The SHP course has been the most valuable and interesting training course I have taken since graduating. I believe that it is one of the most valuable tools I posess for helping me achieve my career goals."
— Colin Mooney, SHP