Why Whole House Energy Retrofits Matter in British Columbia's Home Performance Contractor Network
If you’re a contractor or energy advisor working in BC’s retrofit space, you’ve likely heard the buzz: the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) has expanded. Two new membership pathways are now live: one for General Retrofit contractors (GRs) and one for Energy Advisors (EAs).
That’s a big deal.
Why?
The Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) is an upskilling initiative for home performance professionals in British Columbia (BC). Contractors and Energy Advisors complete specified business accreditation and training qualifications to join a database of qualified professionals.
Members are eligible for training reimbursement up to $1,200 per eligible individual (until May 2026, while funding lasts). Plus, members are displayed in a homeowner search tool on the HPCN and CleanBC websites.
That means if you’re not on the list, you’re missing out. Not just on visibility and trust — but on work.
So what does it take to get on the list so your clients can take advantage of the various rebates? You must complete all required steps and training to ensure you are eligible for the program.
Let’s talk training qualifications for the Home Performance Contractor Network membership. Specifically: why whole house energy retrofit training is a smart and strategic investment you can make in your business right now, whether you’re a General Retrofit contractor or an Energy Advisor working in BC.
HPCN membership signals to homeowners that you meet high standards for quality and compliance. They can expect professional service, expertise, and peace of mind when working with you.
First: What is the HPCN and how are contractors listed?
The Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) is a vetted, industry-developed list of qualified retrofit contractors and energy advisors, a database to provide a trusted resource to find professionals who meet specific standards and undergo ongoing quality review. HPCN is part of a coordinated push to improve the quality and consistency of energy retrofits in BC so homeowners can save energy costs and be sure their homes are comfortable, safe, and healthy.
HPCN contractors are expected to maintain professional conduct, including adherence to ethical business practices, proper licensing, insurance, and ongoing quality assurance. With this comes the responsibility to uphold high standards and ensure continuous qualifications. The work provided by HPCN contractors must always meet specific quality and compliance requirements.
Behind the network is the Home Performance Stakeholder Council. The Home Performance Stakeholder Council (HPSC) plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the network, conducting ongoing review and quality assurance checks to ensure all HPCN members remain in good standing. This means homeowners can confidently hire a contractor from the public search tool, knowing they are choosing a professional who has committed to high standards and meets all the limited criteria set by the program.
If you’re a contractor interested in becoming a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member, here’s how to get access. The links below go over who is eligible, what’s required for membership, how to keep good standing, and how contractors listed can offer their clients access rebates.
Check out the path for General Retrofit contractors.
Check out the path for Energy Advisors.
Whether you’re an energy advisor looking to sharpen your skills, or a retrofit contractor ready to stand out from the crowd, HPCN membership means credibility, visibility, and opportunity.
But it’s not automatic. You’ve got to put in the work, and that includes training.
If you’re interested in becoming part of this trusted network, you can join the HPCN and access valuable resources. AND: get your training reimbursed!
Why Whole House Retrofits Require Whole House Thinking
Here’s the reality: you can’t change one part of a house without affecting the others. Want to tighten up air leaks? You’d better know how that impacts ventilation. Swapping out windows? That’s not just a finish upgrade — it changes thermal bridging, air sealing, and condensation risk.
That’s where whole house thinking comes in — and where retrofit-specific building science training becomes non-negotiable.
Without the right knowledge, even well-intentioned upgrades can lead to:
- Moisture buildup and mold Poor indoor air quality
- Overheating or under-heating
- System imbalance (think: new HRV in a leaky house = wasted effort)
- Improper insulation installation, which can cause energy loss and comfort issues
A deep retrofit done without deep understanding can actually make things worse. With the right training, though? You avoid those unintended consequences and give your clients homes that are healthier, more efficient, more durable — and more comfortable.
Why Whole House Energy Retrofit (WHER)?
The Whole House Energy Retrofit course by Blue House Energy, in partnership with Built Green Canada, was designed for exactly this moment — to meet the demand for deeper, smarter retrofits in BC, and to prepare contractors and energy advisors to do them right.
The main part of the course focusses on typical housing types and situations. But that doesn’t cover every type of housing, and you can’t apply a one-size-fits-all to solutions in a province that contains all of Canada’s climate zones. The issues facing a gut-rehab of a heritage bungalow in Victoria are nowhere close to the retrofit requirements of a house in Fort Nelson. Miles apart. Literally and figuratively.
WHER is one of two recognized options for fulfilling the advanced training requirement for General Renovation Contractors under the HPCN. In addition, some contractors must hold a specified trade designation to participate in the HPCN. WHER is also an optional course for Energy Advisors (but it was built by someone who started out as an EA).
Here’s why WHER makes sense for busy pros:
✅ On-demand + self-paced: No webinars to book off. You learn when it works for you.
✅ ~30 hours of real retrofit science: Not theory, not fluff. Just what you need to do better work.
✅ Flexible, adult learning instructional design: expand your knowledge, confirm what you know. Review or deep dive of any topic - up to you.
✅ Designed for existing homes: Heritage, log, rubble, PWFs? We’ve got you.
✅ Interactive learning: Worksheets, challenges, an expert-moderated forum, curated resource library, and an AI study bot.
✅ Open-book exam: 150 questions. 70% pass. Reimbursable for HPCN members.
How It Compares: WHER vs. CHBA-BC’s Building Science for New Homes
If you're a General Renovation Contractor pursuing HPCN membership, you’ve got two approved options for your advanced training:
Training That Meets You Where You Are
At Blue House Energy, we know what it’s like to work on the tools. Most contractors and renovators are micro-businesses, with fewer than 4 employees. That means time off for training is money lost.
If you (or your crew) aren’t on the tools, how can you get your hours in or keep your clients happy?
Our course is built for your reality.
We’ve been online since 2012. Since then, more than 10,000 people, everyone from new kids out of highschool to seasoned tradespeople to designers to new energy advisors, have chosen our self-paced online training.
We’re serious about building science — and seriously enjoyable learning.
Accessing Incentives: Unlocking Financial Benefits for Contractors
In British Columbia’s fast-evolving retrofit industry, accessing incentives is a game-changer if you're looking to grow your business and deliver more value to homeowners. The Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) is at the heart of this opportunity, connecting you to a range of financial incentives for their clients, including heat pump rebates and other rebate programs designed to support energy-efficient home upgrades.
To unlock these incentives, you must first become a registered member of the HPCN. For some sectors – HVAC, Insulation, and Window and Doors - membership isn’t just a badge of credibility—it’s a requirement for accessing many of the rebate programs offered by partners like BC Hydro, Fortis BC, CleanBC, and Pacific Northern Gas. To qualify, you need to meet specific training qualifications, hold valid general liability insurance, and have the appropriate trade designation. These standards ensure that contractors listed in the HPCN directory meet the minimum requirements for quality and professionalism.
The process is straightforward: contractors interested in joining can visit the HPCN website to explore available rebate programs and understand eligibility criteria.
For contractors, being part of the HPCN opens the door to more than just rebates. Members gain access to exclusive resources and industry updates that help them stay ahead of best practices and new technologies. The organization also provides important information and feedback, helping contractors continually improve their services and maintain high standards of quality.
In today’s competitive market, joining the HPCN and leveraging available incentives is essential for contractors who want to stand out, access rebates, and deliver top-tier service. Staying informed about the latest programs and maintaining good standing within the HPCN ensures you’re always ready to meet your clients’ home upgrade needs—and grow your business in the process.
Try Before You Buy: Free Trial Available
Not sure about self-paced learning? (We’re biased — but you might be surprised.)
👉 Check out our 3-day free trial No credit card. No obligation. Just a peek inside the platform to see how it fits your style.
Ready to Get What You Need to Get Listed?
Whether you’re starting your HPCN journey or finishing your checklist, the Whole House Energy Retrofit course is your shortcut to advanced training — without cutting corners.
