The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) is announcing the process of making changes to its certification and accreditation models that will facilitate its expansion into new markets throughout the country and enhance service in existing markets. BPI currently certifies professionals involved in whole building performance upgrades and accredits firms who commit to quality assurance in the delivery of their services. BPI’s presence in local markets is developed through affiliate relationships with organizations who agree to help BPI deliver its written and practical examinations or verify that accredited firms are delivering the levels of quality assurance that their customers expect. The procedure for making changes will be guided by an open, transparent, consensus based process involving the participation of industry professionals from all interested stakeholder groups.
BPI wants its vested stakeholders as well as those looking to offer BPI services in the future to understand exactly how the changes will be developed, discussed and then implemented. BPI plans to minimize disruption to all existing client operations by providing ample time discussion of the changes, for the subsequent phase-in of the changes and for actual conformance with new requirements. BPI plans to be as fair and as flexible as possible during the transition to make the process flow as smoothly as possible. In order to validate the changes and gain marketplace acceptance, BPI will depend on its network of stakeholders to provide valuable input on the changes. This expansion is a long-term commitment and will take years to fully implement nationally. BPI encourages regular stakeholder input so that the organization will be successful and truly benefit the building performance industry by addressing a variety of marketplace needs.
In developing revisions to the models for certification and accreditation, BPI has received valuable input from a broad cross-section of the building industry and through the BPI-Stakeholder Alliance and the BPI-Technical Committee. As part of the national expansion effort, BPI will be holding regular, ongoing, stakeholder and technical committee meetings following an open, transparent, consensus-based development process. In support of the development BPI encourages your participation in the BPI-Stakeholder Alliance, the BPI-Technical Committee or both groups.
The BPI-Stakeholder Alliance is a volunteer group of individuals with an interest in facilitating BPI’s national expansion and supporting any of BPI services, including certification, accreditation, quality assurance or affiliate delivery. Members of this group are encouraged to participate in periodic BPI activities and provide feedback from time to time on issues relating to BPI’s national expansion. Stakeholders will not have any formalized responsibilities or commitments, but BPI would ask that alliance members spread the word about BPI services available to your colleagues and contribute time to the development as your schedule allows.
The BPI-Technical Committee is a volunteer group for those who are subject matter experts in building science, building trades, certification, accreditation, quality assurance, affiliate development, training, education, technical research and other relevant areas. Those willing to participate should plan on meeting at least twice per year, typically for two to three days at a time. Participation on this committee does not mean you must make every meeting, any contribution of time and effort will be appreciated. All committee participants are asked to contribute to the group discussions. Particularly, on technical matters which will be used in the development process for the certification exams. The next BPI-Technical Committee meeting is scheduled for September, 12-13, 2005 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Those who wish to participate in stakeholder alliance, technical committee meetings or both should send an email to info@bpi.org with the subject line: PARTICIPATE IN STAKEHOLDER ALLIANCE, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE or BOTH as appropriate. Even if you have recently participated in a BPI event, please respond to this request, as we want to verify your contact information for future correspondence. Please be sure to provide BPI with accurate contact information including your name, company, mailing address, telephone, fax and email address. For those joining the technical committee, please include a short summary describing your area of expertise. Respondents for the technical committee meeting will receive a follow-up invitation package for the September meeting.
Financial support for BPI’s national expansion efforts has been provided through a grant administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with cooperative funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) also provides financial support to BPI’s national expansion efforts.
For more information:
Building Performance Institute, Inc.
10 Hermes Rd. Suite 200
Malta, NY 12020
Melissa Halstead
518-899-2727
