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 - PE, CEM, CVMP, BEMP, LEED AP
Chris Balbach is an expert in using energy modeling and analysis software to analyze the investment potential of existing buildings, with a focus on energy efficiency, building durability and occupant health and safety. Chris is proficient with over 20 different energy modeling tools, and works closely with our internal software development team to incorporate improvements to PSD's modeling tools. His experience in developing integrated energy designs and depth of knowledge in energy analysis supports the technical underpinnings of PSD's software tools, and he is a key participant in our software compliance testing.
Chris provides detailed training on energy modeling tools, including TREAT, eQuest, and using energy modeling tools for improvement-driven modeling. His unique approach to analyzing investment uncertainty within the energy simulation process provides Performance Systems Academy with techniques for training energy modelers that when combined with M&V (measurement and verification) efforts can lead to market transformation in energy efficiency. Chris has achieved Level 3 CMVP trainer credentials through Efficiency Valuation Organization (EVO).
Ethan MacCormick
Ethan has a distinctive background as both a builder and software developer. As Vice President of Services to Energy Businesses, he delivers quality software, training and efficiency solutions to home performace contractors and energy raters. He is a certified HERS Rater, a RESNET trainer and a BPI-certified Building Analyst, Building Envelope and Heating Professional and a field proctor for BPI. An expert energy modeler, he contributed to the development of TREAT and is a primary trainer in the software. Ethan is a founding Director of the Northeast HERS Alliance and sits on the RESNET Quality Assurance and Ethics Committee.
Emelie Cuppernell
Emelie has leveraged her background in physics to become an expert building scientist. Her foundation in field-based activities has honed her skills in building analysis and software modeling. She conducted a two-year long research project on cooling systems in Massachusetts that included a comprehensive inspection of 80 homes with data monitoring. Emelie has four BPI certifications, is a RESNET certified Rater, Trainer and Quality Assurance Designee. She manages the HERS Provider division of Performance Systems, overseeing quality assurance for more than 70 raters.
Jerone Gagliano - PE, CEM, LEED AP
Jerone is an expert in the retrofit energy analysis of multifamily buildings. He has extensive building performance experience including home performance energy audits and contracting and ASHRAE compliant energy audits on commercial and multifamily buildings. He is a frequent presenter at national conferences, including GreenBuild, ACI, and ACEEE, and has served on technical panels such as DOE’s national evaluation of WAP, and the DOE Clean Energy Roadshow. In addition to delivering auditor accreditation and energy modeling software trainings, Jerone provided technical consulting services on a 3-year long cost-benefit evaluation of green multifamily housing. As a strong proponent of utilizing cost-effective techniques for energy audits, he considers building retrofits as a financial and societal investment from start to finish. Jerone is a licensed Professional Engineer, a LEED Accredited Professional, and serves as chair of the Multifamily Homes Group for Efficiency First.
Alex Lovallo
Alex Lovallo is adept in the retrofit energy analysis of multifamily buildings, and has performed multifamily energy audits on many units, including high-rise, mid-rise and low-rise apartment buildings, and scattered site townhouse complexes. He draws from his rich experience in building science and energy modeling to support and enhance the trainings he delivers. In his spare time, Alex leads community and youth groups through the design and creation processes of functional horticultural based artwork.
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.