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2026 Builders Boot Camp

Builders' Boot Camp logo

Date:
Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Sept. 10
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (1-hour lunch included)

$879 Per Attendee

Optional Wednesday Evening Reception (5-7 p.m.)
Appetizers & networking with other attendees and trainers
Reception sponsored by Panasonic

Location:
CHP Energy Solutions Training Center
550 Industrial Drive NE
Christiansburg, VA 24073

About Builders’ Boot Camp

CHP Energy Solutions Builders’ Boot Camp is an intensive, interactive, and collaborative learning workshop experience for building science and construction industry professionals. Taking place at the CHP Energy Solutions Training Center in Christiansburg, Virginia, the camp is designed to equip participants with the most current building science and construction industry information and skills needed to maintain an edge in the business and provide the highest quality services to their clients. Attendees will receive 14 BPI CEUs.

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Session Descriptions & Details

Session: TEC Tools and Innovative Diagnostics

Do you feel like you could do more with your blower door? This session will help you ensure that first you are performing and utilizing the basic blower door functions properly and will quickly advance you into additional advanced testing for maximizing and/ or utilizing your blower door for other pressure testing – like kitchen exhaust fans! Ducts! Oh My!

Speaker:

Jake McAlpine is the Training & Technical Support Manager for The Energy Conservatory (TEC). He has 12 years of experience in the Weatherization Assistance Program. He first worked as an energy auditor and program manager for a weatherization agency in the Minneapolis area. He then moved to the Minnesota Department of Commerce where he worked in training and technical assistance and later as the program supervisor. Jake has a Bachelor of Science degree in Residential Building Science & Technology from the University of Minnesota.

Session: HVAC Performance Verification for Weatherization Programs

Weatherization programs are investing significant funds in heat pumps and air conditioning systems, but how do we verify these systems are delivering comfort, efficiency, and performance? This hands-on Boot Camp session introduces weatherization professionals to HVAC Performance Verification Testing using measureQuick®, Bluetooth diagnostic tools, and the new Non-Invasive System Testing (NIST) methodology.

Through live demonstrations and hands-on activities, attendees will learn how to collect diagnostic measurements, evaluate system performance, verify airflow and refrigerant charge indicators, and document HVAC performance for quality control and weatherization compliance—without connecting gauges or requiring EPA 608 certification.

Speakers:

Anthony Cox is the Building Science Manager and Lead Trainer at Community Housing Partners, Energy Solutions division, with over 30 years of experience in Weatherization. Since 1999, he has played a vital role in developing and delivering training programs internationally for the home performance industry. Anthony is the creator of widely recognized training tools like House of Pressure® and H.A.M. House®, designed to illustrate building science principles effectively. Holding a business management degree and licenses in Master HVAC and Residential Building Analysis in Virginia, Anthony is also certified by the Building Performance Institute. Anthony is actively involved in national committees, contributing to the development of industry standards.

Eric Remines is the Building Science Trainer and Project Manager, provides classroom and field training to industry professionals, support for the weatherization network, quality assurance assessments for state programs, and proctors BPI Exams. Eric joined CHP in the summer of 2023. He has over 15 years of combined experience with contracting and maintenance including HVACs, spas/pools, boilers, compressors, and deionized water. Eric holds multiple Building Performance Institute certifications.

Session: Insulating Walls with Dense Packing Techniques

Dense pack cellulose is a retrofit insulation material proven to reduce air leakage and improve the thermal performance of buildings across the country.

  • Benefits of dense pack cellulose and comparison with other insulation materials
  • Basic and applied building science principles
  • Air sealing with dense pack cellulose
  • Machine selection, pressure testing and using the test box to dial in settings
  • Equipment and hose setup, maintenance and use
  • Tool selection, practical tips and methods to improve efficiency and production
  • Targeted dense pack techniques in buildings (walls, floors, slopes, knee walls, cantilevers, band joists, strapped ceilings, large cavities, etc.)

This half day training will incorporate both hands-on and classroom training that is designed to improve your dense pack technique and work efficiency. It will be helpful for both newer and experienced crew members.

Speakers:

Bill Hulstrunk has over 30 years of experience in weatherization and energy efficiency. He has trained and provided technical assistance to installers and WAP agencies across the country in dense pack cellulose and high-performance buildings.

Jared Holland is a Building Science Trainer and Project Manager, provides classroom and field training to industry professionals, support for the weatherization network, quality assurance assessments for state programs, and proctors BPI Exams. Prior to joining CHP in Spring of 2023, he owned and operated his own general construction business for over 20 years in Florida. He holds multiple BPI certifications.

Session: Multifamily Ventilation Masterclass – New Build & Retrofit Installation Tips

Installing vent fans and energy recovery ventilators (ERV’s) in multi-family dwellings is complicated by shared structural elements and code regulations. Major obstacles include shared ductwork and cross-contamination risks, fire-rated floor/wall penetrations, limited ceiling cavity space, and finding exterior wall or roof terminations that do not cause exhaust to circulate back into another window. This advanced masterclass trains installers in high-performance ventilation for multi-family units. Master product selection, precise system layout, duct-sealing, pressure balancing, and commissioning. Learn installation tips and industry best practices to prevent cross-contamination, reduce noise, and ensure regulatory compliance in remodels and new construction.

Speakers:

Jeff Bierl, Panasonic Field Technical Support Engineer, is a building industry professional with 40 years of combined experience across construction, homebuilding operations, energy performance, and technical support. His career began with 7 years as a tradesman, during which he developed a strong hands-on foundation in fieldwork, craftsmanship, installation practices, and the practical realities of residential construction. He then spent 17 years in homebuilding as a superintendent, service manager, and special operations leader, managing jobsite execution, resolving customer and warranty concerns, coordinating trade partners, and supporting quality outcomes from construction through post-closing service.

Jeff worked as a Home Energy Rater for 9 years, applying building science principles to evaluate home performance, energy efficiency, ventilation, comfort, and compliance with code requirements. He has also spent 7 years as a field technical support engineer, using his field-based construction knowledge and energy expertise to troubleshoot product applications, support customers and sales teams, advise on installation best practices, and help resolve complex performance issues. This blend of trade experience, builder-side leadership, energy rating knowledge, and technical support gives Jeff a practical, well-rounded perspective on how homes are designed, built, tested, serviced, and improved.

Paul Cook, Panasonic Northeast Regional Area Sales Manager, has 30+ years of experience in plumbing and heating wholesale distribution and 5+ years specializing in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Responsible for driving sales growth and market adoption across PA, NJ, DE, MD, and VA for Panasonic ventilation and ERV solutions in residential and commercial applications. Expertise in delivering product and application training to sales teams, installers, architects, and engineers; supporting specification and system design for ventilation and energy recovery solutions; and expanding Panasonic’s presence across plumbing, HVAC, and electrical distribution channels. Recognized for deep industry expertise, strong channel relationships, and the ability to translate technical IAQ solutions into clear value for contractors and design professionals.

Energy Solutions

CHP Energy Solutions promotes healthier, safer, more energy efficient built environments by providing energy audits, inspections, energy performance upgrades, and building science education.

Contact Energy Solutions