The Building Performance Institute now offers a building science principles certification and reference guide.

"The building fcience principles certificate is a first step into the world of home performance," said Larry Zarker, institute CEO. "It's for those in the residential building trades and anyone interested in a career in sustainability, who need to know how homes work but don't need the hands-on technical skills required of BPI-certified professionals."

Institute officials said they have received a lot of interest from manufacturers, inspectors, dealers and distributors about the program.

"We are very excited to see BPI launch the BSP certificate," said Bill Spohn, chief executive of TruTech Tools Ltd. "It will be a major asset for the management and sales teams of successful dealers/distributors who need to grasp crucial home performance principles. When they feel confident about their knowledge of home performance, they're better able to communicate the benefits of whole-house solutions to customers."

Vince DiFrancesco, CEO of Everblue, agreed.

"Not everyone in this industry needs to be an energy auditor, but everyone should have the foundation of knowledge that the Building Science Principles certificate verifies," he said. "For students interested in a career in sustainability or green buildings, this certificate is a must have."

Details are available at http://www.bpi.org/professionals_certificate.aspx.