Join Emu's 2023 Winter Crew.

Click below to explore the On-demand Curriculum and the Live Q&A schedule (Thursdays 4-5pm Mountain Time, for 6 weeks starting Jan 12th, 2023 )

Registration Deadline is January 6th

Sign up now for instant On-Demand access. Weekly Q&A with Trainer starts Thu, Jan 12th.

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Who should take this training?

Not just the cool kids. This course is for design/build & construction professionals who are concerned about moisture control, air sealing, thermal bridging, healthy indoor air, durability, resiliency, and affordability of high-performance.

"The best of both worlds."

Flexible, self-paced, on-demand CPHT course with live, weekly online Q&A sessions with the trainer.

Know more. Build better.

Understand building science and how it applies to your everyday work. Whether you are seeking Passive House certification or not, you can't un-learn the knowledge you gain in this class.

  • Limit liability & increase credibility

  • Avoid hidden mold & condensation

  • Exceed IECC air leakage requirements

  • Learn best practices & building science

Your online CPHT Course registration includes:

  • Emu’s CPHT Textbook

    All Emu CPHT students receive a printed version of the coursework, which is allowed for use in the open-book CPHT exam. We like to call it the "Bible" of Passive building.

  • 18 Hours of recordings

    Our comprehensive CPHT course dives deep into Passive House standards, giving you the knowledge and skills you need to become a Certified Passive House Tradesperson.

  • Weekly Q&As with a Passive House Expert

    Emu offers 6 weeks of live, 1 hour long Q&As with our lead trainers. You can meet fellow students and geek out with our trainers in real time.

Become a PHI Certified Passive House Tradesperson (CPHT)

96% of students in this course pass the Exam!

Upon passing the CPHT Exam, you will be listed in the PHI Database of Certified builders and contractors for 5 years. You may then renew your accreditation through photo documentation of you applying your learning to project sites, or through Continuing Education credits. Emu offers CE credits through mini courses and our Colorado Passive House Expo.

What will you learn in this course?

All. The. Things.

  • The Value of Passive House

    What is the Passive House standard, and why is it more like a building code than just a green building certification? Why will your clients thank you for knowing this standard?

  • High-Performance Envelopes

    What makes a building envelope preform, and how do you mitigate thermal bridges and other potential weaknesses early in the process?

  • Systems and Services

    How does the systems design integrate with a high-performing building, and what exactly are the indoor air quality requirements that make Passive so healthy?

Want to see the full curriculum outline?

We developed this curriculum specifically for North America, based on international best-practices.

Meet your lead trainer

...and our Chief Building Science Geek

Lead Trainer

Enrico Bonilauri

A native of Cavriago, Italy, Enrico is an established expert in the international Passive construction standard. He is well respected for being able to see complicated, cutting-edge data through the lens of practical on-site implementation. He has extensive work experience in Australia, Europe, and North America, with a specialty in building envelope design and analysis. His detailed computer simulations for thermal, hygrometric and economic analyses, are informed by the thousands of hours he has spent on varied construction sites. He is the author of the Emu North American CPHT training textbook, and the lead Trainer for Emu’s CPHT courses since 2017.

Crew Trainer

Ben Leer

Prior to becoming a full-time Emu Trainer and Building Science Geek, Ben has had a diverse career focused on sustainability and the urban environment. He graduated with a MS in Sustainable Architecture from the City University of New York and has since consulted on numerous projects, ranging from ecological infrastructure to Passive House design. Ben specializes in high performance daylighting systems and has given numerous talks and workshops on the topic. He has taught collegiate building science courses at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the City College of New York, and has been a Trainer for The Passive House Network’s Certified Passive House Designer and Tradesperson Courses. He has a passion for creating environmentally friendly buildings, and is deeply committed to the Passive House movement.

Student Testimonials

What our former students say…

"I received the best educational experience from Emu Systems! Got my Passive House Certification through their program/class. Be sure to take this class, you won't regret it!"

Jared Phifer, Revolve Design Build

"I've been a green builder for 16 years, and I came in here and it was like trying to drink from a fire hose."

Dave Edwards, My Earthbound

“Every builder should take this class. Period.”

Jed Wolfram, Bozeman Sustainabuild

“Valuable, Challenging, Invigorating! I thought the online format worked well. I've been through other training platforms that were not nearly as interactive as the lessons and weekly check-ins. The quizzes were engaging as well as the chat feature w/n the lessons was great. Enrico was really prompt with responding on those.”

Anonymous, from Course Evaluation

“This was an outstanding training. The knowledge of the Emu team was complimented by the skills & experience of the other attendees. My brain hurt sometimes digesting the content – but that’s a good thing. Pay yourself and sign up for this training.”

Jay Murdoch, Owens Corning

“Thoroughly enjoyed the course; Enrico and Mariana really know their stuff and convey it clearly. So glad I could geek out with the Emu MOB!”

Anonymous from 2020 Autumn Crew

Interested in signing up two or more people?

Two or more Emus are better than one!

Are you looking for group pricing on training for your company? If you are interested in signing up more than one person we have a special page for that, because it is such a good idea! Click here for more info:

Now is the time.

“If you don’t do it this year, you’ll be one year older when you do.” - Warren Miller

FAQs

  • What is Passive House?

    Passive House is an international construction standard maintained and continuously developed by the International Passive House Institute (PHI). Residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings constructed to these guidelines are characterized by significantly increased comfort and health for the occupants, extremely low energy consumption, durable construction quality, and knowledgeable project teams at the forefront of the construction industry.

  • When will I get access to the online materials?

    As soon as you buy the course! Once you complete your registration you'll receive an email with a link to get started. You can start immediately!

  • When will I receive my textbook in the mail?

    We wish we could make this magically arrive at your door in an instant but alas it takes a bit longer. First you'll need to register, then you'll need to fill out the shipping form you'll find in your student dashboard. Once we have all that we will do our best to get you your book before the start of the first Live Q&A.

  • Will I automatically be a CPHT when I finish this course?

    You will be so close! But not quite. However you will have the best possible advantage going into the PHI CPHT exam. Once you pass that you will get to "officially" start bragging about all your new special letters. You can find many exam options on Emu's course page here: https://emu.systems/training/cpht/phi-exam/

  • What are the terms for refunds/cancellations

    We have varying terms for online versus in-person training, even though both are purchased through our online platform. We also have special circumstances we must adhere to for Exams. Please read our Refund Policy for more information, and let us know if you have any questions.

  • How do you treat my data?

    We are a small business with no desire to infringe upon your privacy. We do not sell lists, nor do we buy them. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information, or just reach out to our team.

  • Do Emus have a Terms of Use policy?

    Yes indeed! You can find the Emu Terms of Use right here: Terms

  • Can I share my login with a colleague or friend?

    No. Our curriculum is licensed for single-use, and we monitor login activity for potential violations of the copyright over our intellectual property. That being said, we do have group pricing and licensing available at extremely competitive rates, and we would be happy to discuss your particular needs. Please email [email protected].

  • Do you offer group pricing or in-house training?

    Yes! If you would like to find out about group rates or licensing the curriculum for your in-house company training, please reach out to us here: Group Inquiry

Speak with an Emu!

Do you have more questions about this course or what’s up with this whole Emu obsession?