Connecting Knowledge to Action
Better buildings begin with people who understand how they work. Viridiant’s offerings reflect just that!
We pair practical, hands-on instruction with deep building-science expertise, and in the second half of 2025, we delivered a wide range of training and events for builders, code officials, residents, homeowners, and community partners across Virginia.
Together, these sessions demonstrate the broad technical knowledge our team brings to the field and the many ways we help professionals, residents, and communities design, maintain, and operate better-performing homes.
Here’s a look at several recent training and education sessions hosted by Viridiant.
Performance Pathways
We assisted Virginia code officials in getting ready to inspect homes that follow non-prescriptive compliance paths, such as the Total Building Performance pathway and the Energy Rating Index.
This course offers clear, practical guidance on how Virginia’s new home builders can meet the state’s residential energy code in the most cost-effective way. We had a lively discussion on topics such as:
- Document submittal protocols
- Mandatory requirements not available for trade-offs
- Software tools – and the need to check the accuracy of input data
- Certification requirements for individuals
- Inspection protocols
- The cost/benefit of various efficiency strategies and thresholds
Participants increased their appreciation for the differences between prescriptive and performance code compliance pathways, and attendees agreed that builders and inspectors will need additional preparation and training for these options to be successfully implemented.
Because this session was tailored to the needs of the group, it also demonstrated an important service Viridiant provides: the ability to design specialized technical training for partners seeking deep, focused expertise on specific building science topics.
EarthCraft Builder Training
In September, we brought together builders, developers, and construction professionals seeking deeper knowledge of both building science fundamentals and the EarthCraft program’s specific requirements. This program, facilitated with Southface Institute, remains a cornerstone of high-performance builder education in Virginia. The training combined technical rigor with practical application, including:
- Understanding heat, air, and moisture interactions
- Real-world examples of common envelope and mechanical failures
- Mechanical system and ventilation fundamentals
- Indoor air quality considerations
- Detailed review of EarthCraft worksheets, technical guidelines, checklists, and program pathways
The structure of the course helped participants build fluency in building science and gain clarity on EarthCraft’s expectations so they can successfully deliver high-performing homes.
Community Energy Services
These programs continue to be some of the most accessible and well-received offerings from Viridiant, helping homeowners, residents, and community members understand how building science shows up in everyday living.
This season’s workshops on home maintenance and efficiency — delivered in partnership with CEP Solar, Better Housing Coalition (BHC), and The Community Builders (TCB Inc.) — shared practical guidance on achieving comfort and improved health in the home. Participants learned about:
- Combustion safety, ventilation, and indoor air quality
- Air sealing and insulation fundamentals
- Common attic, crawlspace, and duct issues found in Virginia homes
- How to interpret blower door tests, infrared images, and other diagnostics
- Low-cost improvements that make the biggest difference in comfort and efficiency
Our Top Ten Tips helped attendees prioritize high-impact actions like attic insulation and sealed attic access points, proper filter replacement, and moisture source issues, through easy-to-understand information.
The combination of technical content with real photos and field examples offered participants a clear picture of how small improvements and maintenance habits can meaningfully influence energy costs.
Statewide Leadership
We frequently contribute to statewide dialogues on resilience and climate impacts. At the Virginia Conservation Network’s Annual Meeting & Partner Retreat, we joined the state’s Chief Resilience Officer and national partners this fall to discuss:
- Flooding and heat challenges already affecting communities
- Rooftop and community solar
- Weatherization and energy-efficiency solutions
- Residential EV charging readiness
- Technology and community-based strategies for resilience
With more than 170 attendees, the event highlighted the vital link between housing performance, climate adaptation, and community health, which is an area where Viridiant brings decades of practical insight.
What These Trainings Show About Viridiant
Whether supporting code officials, builders, homeowners, residents, or statewide partners, Viridiant brings practical building-science knowledge to every audience we serve.
Our team’s ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable guidance is what helps:
- professionals design better buildings,
- residents maintain healthier and more efficient homes, and
- communities plan for long-term sustainability.
This expertise has long been central to our mission, and we will continue to deliver and expand our offerings as a cornerstone of how we advance high-performance, healthier, more efficient housing across the region.
If your organization is interested in custom training or technical support, we’d be glad to help. Reach out to explore how Viridiant can support your professional team or community.