
REGION – On Dec. 16, nine area carpenters completed training to earn the Sustainable Energy Outreach Network’s (SEON) Level I High Performance Builder certification. The newly certified builders represent three Windham County companies: Bull Creek Builders, GPI Construction, and Mindel and Morse Builders, all members of SEON.
To achieve certification, participants successfully completed two courses: “Basics of High Performance Building,” and, most recently, the hands-on course “Water, Air, and Thermal Continuous Control Layers.” With this most recent cohort, a total of 27 carpenters and builders have now earned SEON’s Level I certification.
The knowledge and skills gained through these courses are foundational for addressing building challenges in Vermont’s cold and wet climate. Most building failures can be traced to a lack of understanding – or improper application – of building science principles. As instructors often note, “It’s the attention to detail that distinguishes a durable, energy-efficient home.”
For homeowners planning to build or renovate, selecting a builder with a trained workforce is critical. These skill sets are essential for proper compliance with Vermont’s energy code, and for creating long-lasting, high-performance homes.
The Sustainable Energy Outreach Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit training organization that delivers in-person courses throughout Vermont. To learn more and view the 2026 training schedule, visit www.buildingscience.org.