AFC First's Green Energy Training Academy Home Performance 101 Online Course Recognized for Building Performance Institute (BPI) Continuing Education Credits

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Dec. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Home Performance 101, an innovative online contractor training course provided by The Green Energy Training Academy, powered by AFC First, has been recognized for Continuing Education Credits by the Building Performance Institute (BPI).  Home Performance 101 was initially developed as part of the award-winning Keystone HELP® contractor training and certification process under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Treasury and Department of Environmental Protection.  Already one of AFC First's most popular classroom courses, the convenient online version of Home Performance 101 is designed as an introductory overview which educates contractors and other energy efficiency professionals about energy use in the home, the "house as a system" approach to energy conservation and energy efficiency, market forces affecting homeowners, basic building science, state and federal incentives and how to integrate the "house as a system" approach into their business model.

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BPI is the nationally recognized credentialing body for accreditation of contracting companies and individuals involved in home performance energy efficiency contracting.  Strict technical standards mean that BPI certified professionals are in demand – from homeowners, state and utility energy efficiency incentive programs and weatherization assistance programs. Over 130 such programs nationwide specify BPI credentials as a program requirement.  BPI-Certified contractors can enroll in Home Performance 101 and earn valuable continuing education credits (CEUs) toward their next certification renewal, which is required every three years. 

The course, with an affordable tuition of $99, is also an excellent introductory resource for contractors and individuals not currently BPI-Certified.  Contractors engaged in heating and cooling, insulation, renewable energy and other related improvements are seeing greater consumer demand for increased comfort and energy efficiency that is best presented using a more comprehensive "whole house" approach (Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®), rather than a focus on just equipment or single measures. The course is ideal for contractors, business owners, sales people, technicians, auditors, realtors, homeowners and people interested in getting involved in this growing "green" business.

To learn more about the Green Energy Training Academy and Home Performance 101, visit www.greenenergytrainingacademy.com. 

About Green Energy Training Academy

The Green Energy Training Academy™ serves contractors and individuals who are currently involved in or who hope to become involved with residential energy efficiency improvements.   Green Energy Training Academy™ courses highlight primarily marketing, sales, financial and other "soft" skills that contractors and their employees need to run successful consumer-focused businesses in this expanding market. Courses offered are both online and on-demand. The Green Energy Training Academy™ is brought to you by AFC First Financial Corporation, America's first private, non-utility sponsor of the U.S. Department of Energy's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, and a national leader in residential energy efficiency financing and programs and Direct Learning Systems, an accredited national provider of distance learning courses.

SOURCE AFC First Financial Corporation