“Reaching this milestone signifies the strong demand for nationally recognized professional credentials in the home performance and broader remodeling workforce,” said David Hepinstall, chairman of BPI. “Across the energy-efficiency retrofit industry, energy auditors, HVAC technicians, insulation installers, remodelers, general contractors, and many others in residential construction are responding to the need for top-quality standards to guide their work in energy retrofits.”

The growth in certifications has been fastest in Western states, led by California, which achieved 2,000 certifications the week of July 27, up 241 percent since that time last year.

The breakdown of active certifications by profession is:

• Building analyst professional – 62 percent;

• Envelope professional – 21 percent;

• Heating professional – 4 percent;

• Multifamily building operator professional – 4 percent;

• Residential building envelope whole house air leakage control installer – 3 percent;

• Other – 6 percent.

In the past 18 months, contracting companies earning BPI Accredited Contractor status has more than doubled to 700 companies.

BPI is also currently pursuing accreditation to ISO 17024 through its formal application to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This stringent review and audit by ANSI will entail a complete assessment of the BPI personnel certification process, measuring it against international standards for organizations that provide personnel certifications.

For more information on BPI, visit www.bpi.org.