Green Energy Training Services (GETS) is an energy efficiency technical training program. It prepares dislocated construction workers and adults with barriers to employment for entry-level jobs in energy efficiency and the Building Performance industry.
Note: This page contains in-depth details of the GETS program. If you are interested in applying for GETS, click here. For more information about a career in building performance or energy efficiency, click here.
By the end of GETS, trainees can:
- Use and understand energy-related words and concepts
- Identify and record opportunities to improve building energy efficiency and conservation
- Use energy efficiency assessment tools
- Assist in weatherizing homes and small buildings
- Conduct a walk-through home performance assessment
- Complete an assessment report
- Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and customers
Graduates are prepared to enter the following green jobs:
- Entry-level Air Sealer and Insulation Installer
- Entry-level HVAC repairer/installer
- Entry-level Energy Auditor
- Weatherization Specialist
- Entry-level Construction Laborer
- Energy Specialist
GETS Curriculum Outline
The GETS curriculum has been reviewed and accredited by the Building Performance Institute for the following professional certifications:
- Building Analyst
- Envelope Professional
- Residential Building Envelope Whole House Air Leakage Control Installer (RBE-WH-ALC)
- Residential Building Envelope Whole House Air Leakage Control Crew Chief (RBE-WH-ALC-CC)
GETS covers a wide range of theoretical and practical energy efficiency topics, but the focus is on testing residential homes and on common retrofitting practices. The theoretical section covers building science, thermodynamics, on-the-job safety, report presentation techniques and customer service. The practical section covers performance testing, remediation techniques, duct testing, insulation installation, depressurization testing, envelope sealing and more.
Curriculum overview:
Building Science Fundamentals
- History of Building Science
- Eco-literacy
- Thermodynamics Introduction
- Residential Construction Review
- Locating opportunities for Energy Improvements
- Identifying Performance Issues
Contractor/Client Interface
- The Client
- Testing someone's home
- The data collection report
- Analyzing the data
- Presenting the information
Performance Testing Introduction
- Infiltration
- Duct leakage
- Combustion safety
Remediation Methods and Techniques
- Envelope
- Crawl spaces
- Walls
- Attics
- Duct Systems
- Lighting
- Water Conservation
- Weatherizing
- Baseload Reduction
Rising Sun's commitment to its students does not end when the course is completed. In addition to training, we provide case management and ongoing job placement assistance to GETS participants. We also host monthly alumni meetings, which allow our participants the opportunity to reconnect and to continue developing their job search and employment readiness skills.
Employers as stakeholders in GETS
To assist with job placement and to align the GETS curriculum with industry needs, Rising Sun has created the GETS Employer Council. The GETS Employer Council is composed of representatives from home performance businesses, general contractors, trade associations, partner organizations, government representatives (city, county, state and federal), and others. Participation in the GETS Employer Council empowers employers to shape the GETS curriculum, to network, and to learn from each other about industry trends. Feedback from employers ensures that GETS graduates have the necessary skills to meet the professional standards of today's industry.
Earn your BPI Building Analyst Certification
Through Rising Sun Energy Center
Rising Sun Energy Center is an approved BPI Testing Center. Through our Advanced Green Energy Training Services (GETS) program, we offer a comprehensive training curriculum that makes residential Building Performance theory, concepts, and auditing and retrofitting techniques easy to learn and understand. Our experienced instructor provides quality classroom and hands-on training, and offers individualized attention and support to each student as preparation for the BPI written and field exams. This course is offered to GETS graduates, and to anyone with experience working in construction, Building Performance, HVAC, or related fields. For more information, click here.
Sign up for our upcoming Advanced GETS course to earn your BPI Building Analyst certification.
Course Schedule: May 6-June 7, 2013
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-8:00pm
Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm
Course Location: 2033 Center St.
Berkeley, CA 94704
Course Fee: $1600
(Scholarships and tuition rebates available for those who qualify)
Participants are expected to attend all class days. Saturday classes will take place in field locations to be determined. Course participants are expected to assist with identification of test houses. Course fee includes use of all required tools and equipment, books, and testing fees.
To register, contact George Kopf, Training and Employment Manager, at 510-665-1501 x17 or kopf@risingsunenergy.org
Expanding GETS
Rising Sun Energy Center is a BPI training affiliate interested in expanding the reach of the GETS program. Existing organizations can either partner with Rising Sun to implement a GETS training course or license the GETS curriculum and implement it on their own. To learn more about licensing GETS, click here.
CONTACT RISING SUN
GETS Participants enhancing their construction knowledge.
A GETS trainee working in the RichmondBUILD training space.