New Online Training Course Helps Construction Professionals Evaluate Whole-Home Energy Usage

WASHINGTON (December 7, 2011) — A new online training course from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is available to help construction professionals understand how a whole-home energy package, fueled with propane, compares favorably with standard homes and can qualify for national, state, or local tax incentives for energy improvements.

The course, "An Energy and Environmental Analysis of Propane Energy Pod Homes," is available on www.propanetrainingacademy.com and is approved by the National Association of Home Builders and the American Institute of Architects.

The Propane Energy Pod is a research-based solution for home construction that addresses five areas of energy use in a home — space heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and fireplaces — as part of a whole-home energy package. The model represents significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions when compared with homes with standard appliances and mechanical systems.

"Using research-driven information, this course prepares construction professionals to help homeowners make educated decisions about whole-home energy costs," PERC President and CEO Roy Willis said. "The course reviews data using the Home Energy Rating System, known as HERS, and a new study by Newport Partners. The information encourages construction professionals to take a comprehensive look at various energy sources and learn how they can help homeowners save money when the sources are bundled together."

In addition to introducing construction professionals to the Propane Energy Pod concept, the course outlines carbon emissions data and tax incentives associated with Propane Energy Pod homes.