A half-day training on building science, and its practical application in new and existing home construction projects.

Friday, November 7, 2025 (8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.)
Training Room, Royal River Heat Pumps, 262 US Route 1, Freeport, ME
In-person attendance limited to 36 people. Virtual attendance option available.


About the program:

A well-built home doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of understanding how heat, air, and moisture move through a building and how those forces affect comfort, durability, and health. This interactive course introduces the core principles of building science, giving builders, homeowners, designers, and energy professionals the tools to make better decisions from foundation to finish.

Attendees will learn how the four control layers—bulk water, air, thermal, and vapor—work together to protect a home and keep it performing well over time. The course also explores how Maine’s energy code (MUBEC / IECC 2021) influences construction practices, and how HVAC design and operation directly affect indoor air quality (IAQ).

Understanding these principles helps builders avoid costly callbacks and moisture problems, homeowners maintain a comfortable, efficient, and healthy living environment, and code officials and tradespeople align on best practices that improve long-term building performance.

By the end, participants will see how treating the house as a system—where every component interacts—leads to better outcomes for everyone who lives in, works on, or regulates today’s homes.

What you’ll learn:

  • What “building science” means—and why every home depends on it.
  • How the four control layers protect against moisture, drafts, and heat loss.
  • How to meet energy code requirements without compromising durability or comfort.
  • Strategies for ensuring healthy indoor air quality
  • How understanding the house as a system benefits builders, homeowners, and occupants alike.

Who Should Attend:  

  • Home Builders and Remodelers – looking to meet codes, prevent failures, and boost customer satisfaction.
  • HVAC and Trade Professionals – who impact comfort, efficiency, and IAQ every day.
  • Architects, Designers, and Energy Auditors – aiming to integrate building science into design and performance goals.
  • Code Officials and Home Inspectors – who want to understand the science behind energy and ventilation codes and standards.
  • Homeowners and Property Managers – interested in maintaining healthy, durable, and efficient homes.
  • Students, Apprentices, or New Entrants to the construction field – building a foundation in how and why homes work.


Fees:

$55* for Maine Indoor Air Quality Council Members (in-person or on-line)
$85* for nonmembers (in-person or on-line)
*Maine resident? Access your 50% scholarship through the Alfond Workforce Compact. Details on program registration page.

About the Trainers:

Dan Kolbert is a building contractor in Portland. He is also a co-author of Pretty Good House: A Guide to Creating Better Homes, and has facilitated a building science discussion group since 2009. 

Colin McCullough is the owner of All-Around Home Performance, specializing in home energy audits, comprehensive air sealing, and home performance testing. Colin worked as a home energy auditor for years in the MassSave program and for Efficiency Maine as a quality assurance inspector, he is also a building science trainer/proctor for Build Green Maine. He is currently renovating his 1915 home in Farmingdale to be a high-efficiency, net-zero house.

Continuing Education Credits

This table will be updated as approvals arrive.

Type of CreditBuild Better
Live Attendance @ CMCC
Build Better
Zoom Attendance
Foundation/Basement Construction
Badge Course
Building Shell
Badge Course
Mechanical Systems
Badge Course
USGBC7.0 hours
Self-Report with Certificate of Attendance
7.0 hours
Self-Report with Certificate of Attendance

Self-Report with Certificate of
Attendance

Self-Report with Certificate of Attendance

Self-Report with Certificate of Attendance
Engineers7.0 hours
Self-Report with Certificate of Attendance
7.0 hours
Self-Report with Certificate of Attendance

Self-Report with Certificate of Attendance

Self-Report with Certificate of Attendance

Self-Report with Certificate of Attendance
AIAApproved for 7 HSWApproved for 7 HSWTo Be SubmittedTo Be SubmittedTo Be Submitted
Real Estate ProfessionalsApproved for 7 credits
Program# CN276C063LE
Not AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot Available
BPIApproved for 7 credits
Program #22012
Approved for 7 credits
Program #22011
To Be SubmittedTo Be SubmittedTo Be Submitted
Code EnforcementApproved for 3 Residential Energy and 3 Residential Ventilation creditsApproved for 3 Residential Energy and 3 Residential Ventilation creditsTo Be Submitted
To Be Submitted
To Be Submitted
RadonApproved for 4 creditsApproved for 4 creditsTo Be SubmittedTo Be SubmittedTo Be Submitted


Program Schedule

7:45 a.m.

Registration, Continental Breakfast, On-Line Portal Opens

8:30 a.m.

Welcome, Introduction, Program Overview

8:45 – 10:15 a.m.

The 4 building science control layers and how and where they apply in construction

  1. Bulk Water/Weather (foundation, walls, roof, flashing, overhangs)

2. Air (comfort, conditioned air loss, vapor transport, exterior/interior/and in the middle, blower door tests

3. Thermal (insulation, doors & windows)

4. Vapor (drivers, barriers)

10:15 a.m.

Break

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

HVAC & Dehumidification

  1. Heating & Cooling (equipment options, sizing, fuel choice)
  2. Ventilation (codes, balanced vs. supply/demand, ERV/HRV, spot ventilation)
  3. Hot Water (load, storage, distribution)
  4. Dehumidification (why, how, equipment)

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Building Science & Indoor Air Quality

  1. Balancing energy & IAQ
  2. Pollutants
  3. Moisture
  4. Ventilation

12:00 – 12:15

Resources

  1. Maine Organizations and Trainings
  2. Free Tools (RedCalc; Rescheck; Dewpoint Calculators; Other)
  3. Ask Us Anything