IBS Advisors
HomeCourse CalendarEducationCurriculumConsultingProviderIBS Advisors BlogBrett’s LibraryContact
Course Calendar
Integrated Building Science, Design and Best Construction Practices
Hear the Latest Podcast Interview!
USGBC - Authorized Education Delivery Partner
Newsletter Sign Up
Upcoming Events
Private Trainings
Class Dates
November 15-16 | (Mon-Tue)
Chicago, IL - Train the Trainer
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
Public Trainings
Class Dates
LEED for Homes Green Rater Training
ACI Home Performance Conference 2010
April 19-20 | (Mon - Tue)
Austin, TX - Renaissance Austin Hotel
RESNET 2010 Conference
February 22 | (Mon) - HERS Raters & HVAC
February 23 | (Tue) - How to Write a Scope of Work, Ethics, Quality Assurance
November 10-11 | (Tue - Wed)
LEED for Homes Green Rater workshop
October 26 | (Mon)
Build San Antonio Green Workshop
 
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
Train the Trainer
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Train the Trainer Training Dates
20% Discount for conference attendees.
February 25-26 | (Sat - Sun)
Austin, TX - RESNET Conference
This two day course covers the teaching process, cognitive load management, building expertise, and giving presentations.

Our instructor has been providing vocational instruction since 2000 in the residential construction industry with a focus on green building and verifications. The course is based upon experience and research that has been proven to work. The attendees are taught these principles and are then given the opportunity to practice them with a short presentation that they prepare and deliver on the second afternoon. They will receive and give feedback on the presentations.

The least expensive way to become a great Trainer is to be trained by a great Trainer!
This course covers:
  • Psychological processes of learning
  • The Learning Cycle
  • 3 Views of Learning
  • Different Types of Training
  • Culture of Learning
  • Metacognition
  • Integrated Training
  • Picking the Training Force
  • The Instructor
  • Difficulties with Untrained Instructors
  • Factors that Increase Training Cost
  • 4 Architectures of Learning
  • Effective Order of Instruction
  • 8 Principles of Instruction
  • Classification
  • The Lesson
  • 4 Stages of Instruction
  • Handling the Lesson
  • Technical Lessons
  • Production Lessons
  • Failure
  • Principles of Working Memory management
  • Building Expertise
  • Presentations
Cost: $1,000.00
Lunches are NOT included.
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
HERS Field Inspector
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
HERS Field Inspector Training Dates
July 15-19 | (Mon - Fri)
San Marcos, TX - Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center
1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX 78666
512-392-6450
Nestled right off I-35 in San Marcos at exit 201, 27 miles from the Austin airport and 40 miles from the San Antonio airport.
October 14-18 | (Mon - Fri)
San Antonio, TX - TBD
This course prepares candidates to take the RESNET National Core Competency Exam for Field Inspectors and covers subjects ranging from building science basics to residential performance testing. We use innovative training delivery to enhance the learning experience of our students, resulting in a higher than average pass rate on the National Field Inspector Exam. This course is delivered during the 1st week of our Basic Rater course and is 5 days long (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm), culminating in taking the National Exam.
Cost: $1,000.00
Includes textbook and RESNET testing fees. Lunches are NOT included.
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
RESNET Green Rater
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
RESNET Green Rater Training Dates
June 27-28 | (Wed - Thur)
San Antonio, TX - IBS Advisors Training Center
8135 Bracken Creek, San Antonio, TX 78266
210-448-1106
This two day course was developed by RESNET and is only delivered through RESNET-accredited Green Rater Training Providers. Designed for HERS Raters, it provides an additional certification for them but is also a useful introduction to green building for builders, architects, home inspectors, and government officials.

This course is recognized as meeting one of the pre-requisites for the US Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes™ Green Rater course and is taught by a LEED for Homes Green Rater.
12 hours RESNET Professional Development
Cost:
$495.00
This course covers:
  • Building Science Basics
  • Durability Planning
  • Site Planning
  • Water Use
  • Energy
  • Materials & Resources
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Green Building Programs
  • Legal Concerns
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
Builders Challenge
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Builders Challenge Training Dates
TBA

The Department of Energy developed the Builders Challenge program after years of research and field experience with the Building America program. The Builders Challenge program is designed for production and custom builders who want to go beyond ENERGY STAR and still provide a label and certification for the homes they build that separate them from the competition.
Cost: $150.00
This one day workshop covers:
  • Relationship to Codes
  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Project Documentation
  • Moisture Management
  • Material Efficient Framing
  • Construction Waste Management
  • Air Barriers and Insulation
  • Windows
  • High Performance HVAC
  • Ventilation
  • Infiltration Testing
  • Duct Testing
  • Combustion Safety
  • Indoor Air Quality
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
HERS Basic Rater
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
HERS Basic Rater Training Dates
July 15-19 & 22-26 | (Mon - Fri)
San Marcos, TX - Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center
1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX 78666
512-392-6450
Nestled right off I-35 in San Marcos at exit 201, 27 miles from the Austin airport and 40 miles from the San Antonio airport.
Oct 14-18 & 21-25 | (Mon - Fri)
San Antonio, TX - TBD

This course will prepare candidates to take the RESNET National Core Competency Exam and covers subject matter ranging from building science to business operations. We use innovative training techniques to create the highest level of knowledge transfer for our students, resulting in a much higher than average pass rate on the National Exam. The course is delivered during 10 days over a two-week period of time (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm each week) and includes both lecture and field instruction. A background in construction, engineering or inspections is highly recommended.
Cost: $2,295.00
Includes textbook, RESNET testing fees, and ENERGY STAR V3 Rater Training.
Lunches are NOT included.
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
ENERGY STAR for Raters
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
ENERGY STAR for Raters Training Dates
July 25-26 | (Thur - Fri)
San Marcos, TX - Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center
1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX 78666
512-392-6450
Nestled right off I-35 in San Marcos at exit 201, 27 miles from the Austin airport and 40 miles from the San Antonio airport.
October 24-25 | (Thur - Fri)
San Antonio, TX - TBD
The ENERGY STAR program was created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a means to combat climate change through increases in energy efficiency. Since 1995, homes have been labeled as an ENERGY STAR product, using the RESNET Home Energy Rating System standards and RESNET certified Home Energy Raters as the verifiers. With three paths to certification, the ENERGY STAR program has proven to be viable for production builders, custom builders and affordable housing providers.

All Raters that intend to work with ENERGY STAR builders must attend a course given by a RESNET-accredited Training Provider that covers the program changes. IBS Advisors is pleased to announce that we now offer this course for 18 hours of Rater Professional Development.

IBS Advisors has a long history of successfully training Raters for the marketplace, with 97% of our students passing the Rater test this year. We bring the same level of experience and expertise to this program course which has a written exam provided by the EPA. If you really want to know what changes have been made to your role, and how you must implement those changes, and how it will affect your profitability, you should attend this course.
Cost: $395.00
Includes handouts. Lunches are NOT provided.
Location:
San Antonio, TX - IBS Advisors Training Center
8135 Bracken Creek, San Antonio, TX 78266
210-448-1106
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
Understanding HVAC Load Calculations, System Selection & Design Procedures
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Understanding HVAC Load Calculations Training Dates
The 8 hour presentation will show the data and input required to perform an accurate ACCA Manual J load calculation. The student will learn how to read the output reports from Manual J and what information to look for. The student will also learn how to use the Manual J reports to perform the Manual S process to select the right size equipment, what is involved in performing a Manual D calculation and the interaction between the three ACCA Manuals.
At the end of this course, you will understand:
  • Mechanics of Manual J
  • Manual S process
  • Manual D procedures
  • The interaction of the three

Cost: $195.00
Lunches are NOT included.
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
Advanced Energy Modeling Clinic
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Advanced Energy Modeling Clinic Dates
November 30 - December 2 | (Wed - Fri)
San Antonio, TX - IBS Advisors Training Center
8135 Bracken Creek, San Antonio, TX 78266
210-448-1106
This course combines lecture with hands-on learning to provide the student with a rich experience performing analysis using case studies. Our professional instructors have experience performing modeling for code compliance, HVAC equipment sizing and selection, HERS ratings, energy audits, and design support.
Cost: $495.00
In this 3 day course, you will learn:
  • The principles governing heat flow
  • How code compliance is determined using U-factors
  • How Manual J load calculations are determined
  • How to use advanced energy modeling tools to inform design decisions
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
Advanced Pressure Diagnostics Clinic
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Advanced Pressure Diagnostics Clinic Dates
March 29-30 | (Thur - Fri)
Corpus Christi, TX - Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center
10201 South Padre Island Drive, 3rd Floor, Corpus Christi, Texas 78418
This course combines classroom with field work to provide the student with a rich learning environment as they gain experience conducting these tests under real-world conditions. Our professional instructors have experience performing these tests for code compliance, HERS ratings, energy audits, and forensic investigations.
Cost: $395.00
In this 3 day course, you will learn:
  • The causes of pressure changes within homes
  • The relationship between pressure, volume and temperature
  • How HVAC design affects pressure and volume
  • The equations used to calculate airflow
  • The metrics used to measure and estimate airflow
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
HOMES 252: LEED for Homes Overview
Time: 8:30 am - 5 pm
HOMES 252: LEED for Homes Overview Dates
August 2 | (Thur)
San Antonio, TX - IBS Advisors Training Center
8135 Bracken Creek, San Antonio, TX 78266
210-448-1106
September 20 | (Thur)
Provided By IBS Advisors, LLC, a USGBC® Authorized Education Delivery Partner™
A LEED®-certified home is built according to the LEED for Homes green building certification program. LEED for Homes is a consensus-based, third party-verified rating system promoting the design and construction of sustainable, high-performance homes.

This 1-day, facilitator led workshop provides a basic understanding of the LEED for Homes rating system.

In this workshop, you will learn the intents and requirements of prerequisites and key credits within the LEED for Homes rating system. You will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stake holders and prepare for key considerations in the LEED for Homes certification process.

No on-site registrations are accepted for this workshop. You must register 2 weeks in advance of the workshop date. Please arrive 30 minutes before the workshop begins.

Learning Objectives
  • Identify the types of projects which are eligible.
  • Recognize the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the LEED certification process.
  • Recognize goals, intents, and requirements of prerequisites and key credits, and strategies to meet them.
  • Identify synergies between LEED credits.
  • Plan for key considerations and requirements for the LEED certification process.

Credential Maintenance Units
  • GBCI CE Hours (LEED for Homes Specific) 7
  • AIA/CES (LU) 7 HSW/SD
  • BOMI (CPD) 7
  • CoreNet (CPD) 7
  • CSI (CEU) 0.725
  • NARI (Green CEUs) 0.7
Cost: $260.00
Lunches are NOT provided.
USGBC Education From The Creators of LEED
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
HOMES 301: Implementation of LEED for Homes
Time: 8:30 am - 5 pm
HOMES 301: Implementation of LEED for Homes Dates
Provided By IBS Advisors, LLC, a USGBC® Authorized Education Delivery Partner™
In today’s business, LEED is the language of green. Learn how to apply the LEED for Homes rating system by walking through the phases and key decision points of a typical project. Engage with experienced USGBC Faculty™ and other participants to work hands-on with LEED implementation strategies and rating system tools.

Learning Objectives
  • Communicate the unique aspects of LEED for Homes
  • Apply the LEED for Homes assessment and verification tools
  • Communicate the roles and responsibilities of various players in the LEED for Homes process
  • Identify key green decisions throughout the process of earning LEED for Homes certification

Credential Maintenance Units
  • CEUs
  • GBCI, 7
  • AIA, 7 LUs
  • CoreNet, 7 CPDs
  • BOMI, 7 CPDs
  • CSI, 0.7 CEUs
Cost: $305.00
Lunches are NOT provided.
USGBC Education From The Creators of LEED
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
HOMES 401: Green Rater Training
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
HOMES 401: Green Rater Training Dates
August 22-23 | (Wed - Thur)
San Antonio, TX - IBS Advisors Training Center
8135 Bracken Creek, San Antonio, TX 78266
210-448-1106
Provided By IBS Advisors, LLC, a USGBC® Authorized Education Delivery Partner™
Green Raters play a critical, required verification role in the LEED for Homes process. All LEED for Homes registered projects must be verified by a LEED for Homes Green Rater certificate holder or a LEED for Homes Green Rater in training being mentored. The demand for qualified Green Raters is growing with the demand for verified sustainable home construction. For complete information on the LEED for Homes Green Rater Certificate, visit www.usgbc.org/greenrater.

Green Raters have the following responsibilities:
  • Provide on-site verification services on a LEED for Homes registered project
  • Assemble the Project Submittal Package and submit it for certification review

This 2-day, facilitator-led course provides master level training for verification of LEED for Homes projects. The training consists of two stages and is only available to qualified applicants. Applicants must meet initial qualifications and complete a two-part training. Part 1 of the training consists of five self-guided online training modules that introduce you to the roles and responsibilities of a LEED for Homes Green Rater and must be completed prior to attending the live workshop (Part 2 of the training). Part 1 is included in this registration cost and process. You will be e-mailed access information to Part 1 following your course registration. Please ensure greenrater@usgbc.org is an approved sender to your inbox.

PLEASE NOTE: No on-site registrations are accepted for this course. You must register in advance of the live workshop date. Please arrive 30 minutes before the workshop begins.

Learning Objectives
  • Identify responsibilities of a LEED for Homes Green Rater in each phase of a project
  • Manage and conduct verification activities
  • Effectively use the project checklist file
  • Communication effectively with project teams and LEED for Homes Providers
  • Apply the sampling protocol on applicable projects
  • Prepare accurate and complete certification submittal packages

Credential Maintenance Units
  • GBCI CE Hours 14
  • GBCI CE Hours (LEED Homes Specific) 14
  • AIA/CES (LU) 14 HSW/SD
  • BOMI (CPD) 14
  • CoreNet (CPD) 14
  • CSI (CEU) 1.6
Cost: $800.00
Lunches not provided.
Register 2 weeks in advance

Once you’ve completed the initial training phase and passed the exam, all LEED for Homes Green Raters are required to have a business relationship with a LEED for Homes Provider before beginning their mentorship and rating any projects.

You will have 2 years from the time you pass the exam to complete the mentorship with a current LEED for Homes Green Rater and Provider Quality Assurance Designee (QAD).

The mentorship includes:
  • Participation in 2 preliminary ratings
  • 2 pre-drywall and 2 final verification visits
  • 2 LEED for Homes Project Submittal Packages
  • Submission of mentorship documentation to GBCI for review
USGBC Education From The Creators of LEED
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
Business Practices for Raters & Auditors
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Business Practices for Raters & Auditors Dates
September 15-16 | (Thur - Fri)
San Antonio, TX - IBS Advisors Training Center
8135 Bracken Creek, San Antonio, TX 78266
210-448-1106
This course combines lecture with hands-on learning to provide the student with an interactive experience as they develop their business practices. Our professional instructors are serial entrepreneurs with a wealth of practical knowledge in the business practices required to be a successful entrepreneur in the energy rating and auditing field.
Cost: $495.00
In this 2 day course, you will learn how to:
  • Do strategic planning
  • Craft your business plan
  • Structure hiring employees
  • Target your clientele
  • Improve your profitability
  • Create your operations manual
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
ENERGY STAR v3 for Builders & HVAC
Time: 8:30 am - 5 pm
ENERGY STAR v3 for Builders & HVAC Class Dates
June 18 (Mon)
Corpus Christi, TX - Private Training
June 19 (Tue)
Laredo, TX - Private Training
June 20 (Wed)
Mercedes, TX - Private Training
This six-hour course on ENERGY STAR v3 for Builders & HVAC covers the fundamentals of building science, code requirements, high performance home details and the HVAC best practices that are required to make the home function as an integrated system. The concepts behind Manual J, Manual D, and Manual S are covered from a practical standpoint of keeping the customer comfortable while meeting the requirements of the latest energy codes and high performance programs such as ENERGY STAR®.
Cost: $125.00
  • Current Regulatory Trends
  • High Performance Home Defined
  • Fundamentals of Building Science
  • Codes & Climate Zones
  • Code Minimums & Best Practices
  • Conditioned Crawlspaces
  • Cathedralized Attics
  • ENERGY STAR®
  • Manual RS
  • Manual J
  • Manual S
  • Manual D
  • The House as a System
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
LEED 101: Green Building Basics and LEED
Time: 9 am - 1 pm
LEED 101: Green Building Basics and LEED Class Dates
August 1 (Wed)
San Antonio, TX - IBS Advisors Training Center
8135 Bracken Creek, San Antonio, TX 78266
210-448-1106
September 6 (Thur)
San Antonio, TX - IBS Advisors Training Center
8135 Bracken Creek, San Antonio, TX 78266
210-448-1106
Provided By IBS Advisors, LLC, a USGBC® Authorized Education Delivery Partner™
For those new to green building, this workshop offers an introduction to USGBC, green building principles and the fundamentals of the LEED Rating System. It includes topics on climate change and building impacts; motivators for green building; and conventional versus integrative approaches- and the associated benefits- to building design, construction and operations. This is the first step in building your knowledge of USGBC, LEED and green building practices and is a recommended prerequisite for any 200- or 300-level LEED educational program.

Credential Maintenance Units
  • CEUs 3.5 AIA/CES (HSW LUs)
  • 0.35 CSI (CEUs)
  • 3 CoreNet (CPDs)
  • 3 BOMI (CPDs)
Cost: $195.00
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
5 Day High Intensive Rater Training (HIRT)
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
5 Day High Intensive Rater Training (HIRT) Dates
January 28-February 1 | (Mon - Fri)
San Antonio, TX - Crockett Hotel
320 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205
210-225-6500
October 14-18 | (Mon - Fri)
San Antonio - TBD
Can’t spend 2 weeks in a HERS Rater course? Have construction or inspection experience and need to get certified as a HERS Rater?

This 5 day course is designed for you. Intense classroom sessions, coupled with an equal amount of field training and drills, designed to get you certified in one week. Designed and taught by Brett Dillon, this class is not for everyone: only those who have experience in residential construction should attempt it!

IBS Advisors currently has a 100% pass rate this year on the HERS Rater exam because we don’t teach to the test- we teach TO THE JOB!
Cost: $2,295.00
Includes textbook and RESNET testing fees.
Lunches are NOT included.
If you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment with your credit card through PayPal. Once you click on the "Sign Up" button for the class you would like to register for, you will be redirected to PayPal. There you will click the "continue" link on the line above the credit card logos to make a payment.
July 15-19 & 22-26 | (Mon - Fri)
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
HERS Basic Rater Training Dates
San Marcos, TX - Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center
1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX 78666
512-392-6450
Nestled right off I-35 in San Marcos at exit 201, 27 miles from the Austin airport and 40 miles from the San Antonio airport.
Cost: $2,295.00
More Info
July 15-19 | (Mon - Fri)
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
HERS Field Inspector Training Dates
San Marcos, TX - Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center
1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX 78666
512-392-6450
Nestled right off I-35 in San Marcos at exit 201, 27 miles from the Austin airport and 40 miles from the San Antonio airport.
Cost: $1,000.00
More Info
July 25-26 | (Thur - Fri)
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
ENERGY STAR for Raters Training Dates
San Marcos, TX - Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center
1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX 78666
512-392-6450
Nestled right off I-35 in San Marcos at exit 201, 27 miles from the Austin airport and 40 miles from the San Antonio airport.
Cost: $395.00
More Info
October 14-18 & 21-25 | (Mon - Fri)
Time: 8:30 am - 5 pm
HERS Basic Rater Training Dates
San Antonio - TBD
Cost: $2,295.00
More Info
October 14-18 | (Mon - Fri)
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
HERS Field Inspector Training Dates
San Antonio, TX - TBD
Cost: $1,000.00
More Info
October 24-25 | (Thur - Fri)
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
ENERGY STAR for Raters Training Dates
San Antonio, TX - TBD
Cost: $395.00
More Info