WERS Updates
WERS Consultant Designation Created
A new designation has been created that better serves those who want a deeper understanding of water ratings, but don’t necessarily want to become an in-the-field verifier or rater. A WERS Consultant would attend a course that has much of the same information as the WERS Verifier course, but would not include the field training or exam. The curriculum reduction means that the entire WERS Consultant course would only take 2 days to complete.
“We think this is an ideal opportunity for builders, architects and designers to learn more about a performance-based water efficiency program that can be very beneficial to their business,” said Mike Collignon, Chair of the WERS Development Group. “In addition to information about the WERS Tool, students will also be exposed to a wealth of technical material and information on relevant industry standards.”
The WERS Consultant designation would require CEUs in order to retain the moniker, but those requirements will be nominal and many will be low-to-no cost. “We’re responding to a market need with this new designation,” Collignon continued. “We’re not trying to overburden people with CEU requirements. Instead, the CEUs simply ensure that the Consultants stay current with us as we continue to learn about the many nuances across this great country. It also keeps an open dialogue with the WERS community, which is something we really value.”
The first opportunity to take this course will be later this month at the Santa Fe Community College in Santa Fe, NM. The nature of the WERS Consultant course also makes it easier to offer online, and those details are currently being addressed by the WERS Development Group.
On October 25-27, 2017, the Santa Fe Community College will host the 3rd WERS Verifier course. Class will start at 9am each day, and conclude at 5pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday is exam day.
This will also be the first opportunity for people to take the WERS Consultant course. That course will run concurrently with the Verifier course on Wednesday and the first half of Thursday. The written exam will take place on the 2nd half of Thursday.
For more information and to register, please visit www.energysmartacademy.com/water.html.
WERS Educational Session – November 2017
Here is the list of upcoming WERS conference sessions:
- Florida Section of AWWA’s 2017 Fall Conference – November 29, 2017 at 10:45am – Orlando, FL
As I Am…
Adam Walker
Recently, we sat down with a green building professional to gain a personal insight into their motivations, inspirations and experiences. This issue, we feature Adam Walker, HERS Rater and WERS Verifier with Walker Energy Services LLC.
The Torch: What motivated you to enter the sustainability field?
Adam Walker: I wanted to work in something I was passionate about. I caught some breaks, got in at the right time and here I am.
TT: Describe your first green project. Did you encounter any hurdles on that first project? (If yes, how did you overcome them?)
AW: My first green project was one that I inherited from someone who had moved on to a different field. Picking it up mid-point made it that much more challenging as I had to catch up quite a bit. My biggest hurdle was that I didn’t have a ‘process’ at the time. I am sure it didn’t go as smoothly as the client wanted it to go.
TT: What building product or technique do you think will be the next “game changer”?
AW: ERVs/HRVs. It is a product that has been around for a while, but most builders don’t want to absorb the increased cost. As we build our homes tighter and tighter, it becomes that much more important to have good ventilation. Good ventilation is a concept that most prospective home buyers don’t understand either. It is important we educate the public so they can be the driver in moving builders in that direction.
TT: Who inspires you the most?
AW: My family inspires/motivates me the most.
TT: If you had it to do over again, what profession would you choose?
AW: Meteorologist. I am a weather geek.
TT: What do you enjoy the most when you’re not at work?
AW: Family time.
TT: What’s the most important piece of advice you’d like to pass along to others?
AW: Follow your passion.
Industry News
Green Designation Courses for Realtors
Illinois Home Performance is sponsoring two separate 2-day courses designed for agents to learn about energy efficiency and sustainability in real estate. Once Realtors earn the National Association of Realtor’s Green Designation, they’ll get access to customizable, members-only marketing tools to help build their business and gain a competitive edge.
Here is the information on each course:
When: Oct. 30-31, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 6655 Main Street, Classroom A, Downers Grove, IL 60516
Cost: $100 for Mainstreet Organization of Realtors members; $120 for non-members
Register: Click here
Or, for those who don’t want to attend this course on Halloween:
When: Nov. 28-29, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 430 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: $149 for Chicago Association of Realtors members; $169 for non-members
Register: Click here
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