Trainers at Performance Systems Academy
"Chris was very helpful throughout this training course! He effectively conveyed his ideas with examples and was very willing to answer my questions." - Eric Cody
Chris Balbach
Chris is an expert in using energy modeling software as a design improvement tool, with proficiency in over 20 energy modeling tools for developing integrated energy designs. Before coming to Performance Systems, Chris designed large mechanical systems for institutional buildings, including public school buildings throughout New York and New Jersey. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and a LEED Accredited Professional.
Shirley Jean Bergman
Shirley Jean has over 10 years of experience in manufacturing and process engineering, and is a certified BPI Multifamily Building Analyst. After experiencing the power of modeling and simulation in such diverse applications as ceramic extrusion (Corning Incorporated) and automated materials handling systems (The Boeing Company), she was intrigued by the idea of bringing these advanced engineering simulation tools to the built environment. She is an active member of ASHRAE, serving as a chapter officer since 2003 and most recently completing a term as Twin Tiers Chapter President for 2007/08.
Emelie Cuppernell
Emelie has a background in physics, specifically wind turbines for residential use. She has worked for Performance Systems for over 4 years, doing everything from Insulation Crew, to Single and Multifamily Audits, Energy Star Ratings, TREAT Software Support, TREAT Training, working for the Engineering group on New Construction Projects, and conducting a 2-summer long research project on cooling systems in MA which included a comprehensive inspection of 80 homes with data logger monitoring. Emelie has 4 BPI certifications, is a certified RESNET trainer, and holds the EPA Universal Certification for Refrigerant Handling. She is also a NAHB green verifier and has worked on LEED new construction buildings.
Jerone Gagliano
Jerone is a materials science and mechanical engineer who shifted his career from testing materials to designing and implementing systems that conserve energy and use renewable resources. He has been involved with energy conservation in buildings from tracking savings and costs over 50 green affordable housing developments to inspecting and making recommendations for over 1,500 units of existing multifamily housing to blowing cellulose into residential houses. Previously, he managed research on fracture analysis for the testing of wood adhesives and was the primary materials engineer for collaborative projects between an Italian and American wood composites company. He has also taught at a vocational school in Nicaragua.
Patrick Griffin
Patrick’s experience as a builder/remodeler and technical theater professional gives him a unique skill set as a building science instructor. He is a certified BPI Building Analyst and Building Envelope Professional, with over 20 years of experience as a remodeling contractor on both the West and East coasts. He is passionate about educating others on sustainable building practices and energy efficiency in the home performance industry.
Bob Kahabka
Bob has over 20 years in residential building program design and training, including 13 years as a Technical Representative with the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). He is an approved NEHERS training instructor and PSD's trainer for a National Home Performance with Energy Star Program and Energy Star Rater Training Initiative. He is also an approved continuing education instructor for building codes and realtor's accreditation with the NYS Dept of State. He is one of the founders of the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and was co-author of the original testing and certification guidelines for BPI. Bob was also the co-author and designer of Targeted Investment Protocol System (TIPS) — currently utilized on every 1 - 4 family dwelling weatherized by NYS DHCR. Bob has extensive experience in curriculum design, and in the development of several state Home Performance initiatives.
Howard Katzman
Howard is a certified Building Analyst and HERS Rater with over 30 years of experience in the construction industry at large. Howard has taught numerous courses in all aspects of high performance construction and has developed curriculum and program standards for the weatherization and home performance industries. Howard helped to develop and then manage the EarthCraft Renovation and Southface Home Performance with Energy Star programs. He consults on home performance for homeowners and contractors and ran his own renovation firm for 20 years. Howard serves on the BPI board.
Ethan MacCormick
Ethan has a distinctive background as both a builder and software developer, who has transitioned into supporting both field and development activities for Performance Systems. He is a certified HERS Rater, an approved HERS trainer and a BPI-certified Building Analyst and Building Envelope Professional. He co-authored the 2005/2007 rewrite of the Northeast HERS Alliance Energy Rating Manual. Before that, he built custom homes in New England. Ethan also serves on a number of boards and committees for the ratings industry, both regionally and nationally.
Conrad Metcalfe
Conrad is a certified Building Analyst with 15 years of success in a wide variety of industries. He has extensive curriculum development experience as well as creation and management of classroom, computer-based training, and asynchronous distance learning programs. He has created multi-level certification programs for a major manufacturer. In conjunction with a major healthcare company, he rolled-out a comprehensive distance learning program for physicians nationwide. He recently managed the development of curriculum for the California Energy Commission-funded "energy audit protocol" development project. He also developed his own off-grid solar and wind-powered systems before joining PSD in 2003 to support the development of the Building Performance Systems Advantage (BPSA) curriculum.