Training Opportunities

On this page, you'll find training offerings on the following topics:

Residential Energy Code Compliance

Training on the 2018 Washington State Energy Code-Residential (WSEC-R) is provided by the WSU Energy Program in partnership with BetterBuiltNW and Earth Advantage. These trainings are designed for building department staff, builders, sub-contractors, architects, and other building industry professionals who need to understand the 2018 WSEC-R. Trainings are available in live webinar, on-demand and video formats; availability of continuing education units (CEUs) is noted where applicable. Visit our Energy Code page for resources on permit application documents, tools, and compliance certificates.

2018 WSEC-R: Code Compliance Overview

Access this free training to gain an overview of significant changes and requirements in the 2018 WSEC-R. Hear from WSU Energy Program building science experts as they provide insights on energy code point package scenarios and a tour of compliance forms and resources to use when permitting single-family and multifamily new construction, additions and remodels. Training options include:

Background materials:

Visit the Energy Code homepage for information on permit application documents, tools and compliance certificates

Code Compliance Calculator

The Code Compliance Calculator (C3) is designed to document the qualification of building designs for the 2018 and 2015 WSEC-R. This tool, important user information, and training resources are provided on the Energy Code homepage.

Multifamily Resources

The following recorded trainings offer guidance about multifamily components of the 2018 WSEC-R.

Video training:

  • Recording of Opportunities for R2 Low-Rise Multifamily: Introducing a New ABAA Certification webinar on December 10, 2021: watch now (3 hr). Mike Lubliner discussed 2018 WSEC-R compliance requirements and provided insights that apply when designing multifamily new construction, additions and remodels. Laverne Dalgleish, Executive Director of the Air Barrier Association of America, and Dan Auer, Project Manager at the King County Housing Authority, discussed a new Air Leakage Control Technician Training Course that will be offered by ABAA in January 2022 for those involved with performing air leakage testing of low-rise R2 MF buildings.
  • Recording of 2018 WSEC-R Multifamily Updates presentation to Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County in July 2020: watch now (1 hr 11 min)
  • Recording of Multifamily Build Tight, Ventilate Right presentation to Seattle Building Enclosure Council in Oct. 2020: watch now (1.5 hr)

Duct Testing & Design

Duct Testing

The 2018 WSEC-R requires duct testing if HVAC ducts are located outside the conditioned space. This training is designed for industry professionals involved in duct installation and code officials directly affected by this code requirement. HVAC technicians who participate in this training can take the virtual training using the link provided in the document below. Once they pass this exam, they will receive a certificate documenting completion of the minimum requirement to test ducts for WSEC compliance. Please email this certificate and the requested information in the instructions to energycode@energy.wsu.edu. We will add you to the database and respond with your identification number.

This training does not certify individuals to the ICC/RESNET/ANSI Standard 380 or the Standard 310 heat pump commissioning that is required for the ENERGY STAR program.

  • On-demand course:
    • Available anytime. A certificate is provided only when logged in to the training site; it is not provided if “Try it for Free” is selected. Instructions and course link are available here.

Heating & Air Conditioning System Inside Options

Join our partners at BetterBuiltNW to learn about options for locating heating and air conditioning systems inside the conditioned space per 2018 WSEC-R. 

  • Video training:
    • Abbreviated video, no CEUs provided: watch now (14 min)
  • Background materials:
    • See training offered for Building with Ducts in Conditioned Spaces

Building with Ducts in Conditioned Spaces

Join our partners at BetterBuiltNW and Earth Advantage for this no-cost, two-hour online training designed to help NW builders, architects, designers and HVAC contractors learn how to design and build with ducts located inside a home's conditioned envelope. Participants will analyze and be able to apply six different strategies for building with ducts inside.

  • On-demand course:
    • Available online anytime. 2 CEUs provided with ICC, AIA LU/HSW, BPI and OR CCB. Register now
  • Background materials:

Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality

Build Tight & Ventilate Right

Join BetterBuiltNW and Earth Advantage to learn about air leakage and ventilation options to meet and exceed the 2018 WSEC-R and the 2018 WA International Mechanical Code. In this no-cost, 1.5-hour online training, they cover why it is important to provide whole house ventilation in homes permitted under the energy code and then dig into common strategies for getting each component right, including strategies for achieving tighter buildings. They then review the most common ventilation strategies and provide tips to make it work effectively.

Balanced Ventilation with ERVs & HRVs

Join our partners at BetterBuiltNW and Earth Advantage to learn about balanced ventilation and ERV/HRV options to meet and exceed the 2018 WSEC-R. Many home builders and designers seeking airtight performance with balanced ventilation use a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV). In this no-cost, 1.5-hour online training, they cover several balanced ventilation systems and approaches to consider, and help builders and trades decide which provides the best solution for their projects and customers.

Air Sealing & Building Envelope

Build Tight & Ventilate Right Options

Join BetterBuiltNW and Earth Advantage to learn about air leakage and ventilation options to meet and exceed the 2018 WSEC-R and 2018 WA International Mechanical Code. In this no-cost, 1.5-hour online training, they cover why it is important to provide whole house ventilation in homes permitted under the WSEC and then dig into common strategies for getting each component right, including strategies for achieving tighter buildings. They then review the most common ventilation strategies and provide tips to make it work effectively.

Efficient Building Envelope Options

Join our partners at BetterBuiltNW to learn the critical components of an advanced wall assembly (reducing thermal bridging and improving building tightness) to meet and exceed the 2018 WSEC-R.

  • Video training:
    • Abbreviated video, no CEUs provided: watch now (1 hr)

Energy-Efficient Building Best Practices

Top 10 Best Practices for Today’s Homebuilder

Join our partners at BetterBuiltNW and Earth Advantage for this no-cost, 3-hour online training and learn the best techniques used today to build energy-efficient homes. Participants will gain practical insights from the job site that every builder must know to keep pace with building code changes and ahead of homebuyer expectations. This training breaks down 10 building approaches (Design, Super Air Sealing, High-R Walls, High-R Ceilings, Windows, Ducts & Distribution, Fresh Air Ventilation, Appliances & Lighting, Mechanical Systems, Solar PV) into a spectrum of "Good, Better & Best" practices for quality home construction. This training presents an overview of the WSEC-R and identifies areas where the code aligns with this Good, Better or Best spectrum (see the content outline with code info).

  • On-demand course:
    • Available anytime. 3 CEUs provided with ICC, AIA LU/HSW, BPI and OR CCB. Select the WA version of the training to access WSEC-R info. Register now

Home Energy Raters (HERS)

The WSU Energy Program provides online and in-person trainings to help people become certified home energy raters and then to expand their careers with additional certifications. Our certified instructors shares their expertise and broad experience to provide raters with a solid background in understanding building science and the latest technologies used to improve and measure a home’s energy efficiency.

RESNET® HERS Training

For anyone interested in learning how to become a RESNET home energy rater certified to provide an official energy efficiency score and national certifications, this virtual training is the first step. The training covers how to inspect and evaluate a home’s energy features, prepare home energy rating models, and make recommendations for improvements that save the homeowner energy and money. HERS, a nationally recognized rating certification program, is a prerequisite for the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR®, Indoor airPLUS®, and other certification programs.

Please check back regularly for additional training opportunities.