BEMIDJI, Minn. (September 1, 2009) — The U.S. Department of Energy recommends home energy audits as the first step in assessing how much energy a home consumes and evaluating changes to make a home more energy efficient. As people seek new ways to reduce home energy costs and save money each month, the need for licensed residential energy auditors is expected to increase.

To support this growing need for auditors, the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation will sponsor a five-day residential energy auditor training program in partnership with Northwest Technical College, Minneapolis-based Dunwoody College of Technology, the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 21 and running through Friday, Sept. 25, the course will provide basic training in assessing a home’s potential for improved energy efficiency and comfort. The program is suited for people who are performing or are interested in utility-sponsored residential energy conservation audits and working with the low-income weatherization program. It also provides the technical skills for building contractors to add a residential energy efficiency line of business.

Registration for the course, which runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, is $775, which includes a certificate of examination of the State of Minnesota’s minimum qualifications for residential energy auditors. Registration will be handled through Dunwoody College; for information, visit http://www.dunwoody.edu/custom/energyaudit.html.

Individuals who wish to be added to the center’s mailing list or have questions regarding the course should contact the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900; toll free, (888) 738-3224; or via e-mail, cri@bemidjistate.edu.

ON THE WEB
• Center for Research and Innovation: http://www.cri-bsu.org
• Direct link to energy auditor training info: http://www.cri-bsu.org/Residential_Energy_Auditor_Training.cfm
• Course information at Dunwoody College: http://www.dunwoody.edu/custom/energyaudit.html