Category Archives: Education

01Nov/24

BPI Training & Testing at NORA

Carbon Reduction, Coures, Education, Equipment, NORA, technology

NORA is pleased to announce that its Technical Training Center in Plainview, NY has been authorized to conduct Building Performance Institute’s BPI testing for Building Science Principles, Building Analyst Technician and Building Analyst Professional certifications.

BPI is a nationally recognized standards and certification entity for home performance contractors. BPI focuses on a “house as a system approach,” as it emphasizes the interdependence of buildings and their systems and how they relate to energy consumption. As a result, providing pathways for energy conservation measures.

Individuals that have been trained, tested, and certified to BPI’s nationally recognized standards use the house-as-a-system approach to improve the performance of existing homes – an approach proven to reduce homeowner annual utility bills by as much as 20% or more.

According to NORA’s Director of Education, Bob O’Brien, “BPI certifications are widely valued in the building energy space. Qualified examiners are in great demand by homeowners and state and utility efficiency incentive programs as we embrace a holistic whole-building approach to efficiency, reductions in fuel use and carbon reduction.”

To help prepare candidates for the BPI testing, NORA is also offering comprehensive training classes based upon BPI criteria at the Plainview location. 

NORA’s BPI approved testing center is one of only three on Long Island, NY, which covers four counties and a population of more than 8 million. 

NORA BPI training and resting will be offered in several cycles during the year. 

Click here for more>

01Aug/24

Recent AIP Instructors Recognized

Biofuels, Education, NORA, technology, , , , ,
NORA is pleased to recognize the trainers who completed the second NORA Accredited Instructor Program (AIP), Nick Povio, Binsky Home Heating; John Ringel, Energy Kinetics; Marc Gilbert, Central Main Community College, Michael Elmer, PPATEC; Ed Wagner, J&K Sales; Joel Nawkson, FSI Oil & Propane; Raymond Conte, NH School of Mechanical Trades and Taylor Donlon,, Donlon Brothers at NORA’s Research & Education center in Plainview, NY, under the tutelage of professional education trainer Brenda Huber.

The NORA Accredited Instructor program was developed to ensure service professionals trained in NORA schools, unions, and by companies in the liquid heating fuels industry have been provided with an education that positions them, their customers, and their companies for success.

The service professionals in the liquid heating fuels industry are the first and most important contacts with customers. They are responsible not only for ensuring the heating system is operating at maximum efficiency, safety and reliability, but also with how customers perceive their liquid fuel heating, their adoption of renewable fuels and how comfortable they are with staying with their liquid fuel heating system. 

The program began with a prepared presentation by each of the participants. These were critiqued by the instructor as well as others in the class to establish a baseline. From there, the instructor took the participants through the teaching process to elevate their lessons from simply conveying facts to creating a meaningful total-learning experience for the students. The NORA Accredited Instructor program’s emphasis is to present the curriculum in such a way that students “own” the information and not just hear it. 

L to R: Ed Wagner, J&K Sales; Michael Elmer, PPATEC; Chris Grenier, J&K Sales; Joel Nawkson, FSI Oil & Propane; Bob O’Brien, NORA; Brenda Huber, Instructor; Nick Povio, Binsky Home Services, Taylor Donlon, Donlon Brothers; Marc Gilbert, Central Main Community College and John Ringel, Energy Kinetics, Inc.
More about NORA’s Accredited Instructor Program

Hear what they have to say about NORA’s AIP

01Aug/24

NORA to Contribute to Exploring Biodiesel Seminar

Biofuels, Carbon Reduction, Education, Equipment, NORA, Research, technology, , , , ,

XBX|Exploring Biodiesel series of seminars will continue August 21 at the New England Aquarium, Boston, MA.

This session, Navigating the Future, will center around the core questions that middle distillate supply chain participants must address to ensure a successful transition to low-carbon renewable biofuels, including:

  • Is the production of bio-based diesel fuels scalable to meet demand in existing and emerging markets while still being economically viable?
  • Is our infrastructure robust and reliable?
  • Are we effectively communicating our decarbonization story to the public?
  • What is the cost of inaction?

NORA, whose mission is to remove carbon emissions from home heating, will be represented on two panel discussions.

Nora’s president, Michael Devine, will be part of a panel discussion titled “Operational Integration, Getting Ready to Roll” about preparing customer-facing representatives to effectively communicate the benefits of low-carbon liquid fuels to end users and what, if any, operational transitions might be needed.

Dr. Jenny Frank, NORA Research Associate, will contribute to the panel discussion “Monetizing the Transition” which will examine the financial aspects of adopting advanced renewable fuels.

Registration and more detailed information for August 21 in Boston can be found here.

Additionally, XBX|Navigating the Future will host another seminar on October 15 in Lancaster, PA.

More about XBX at exploringbiofuels.com

29Jul/24

NORA 2024 Technology Workshop

Biofuels, Carbon Reduction, Education, Equipment, NORA, Research, technology

NORA’s Workshop will highlight the research work being done by NORA as well as an international perspective through the participation of Eurofuel.

Established in 2000, NORA mission focuses on Energy Efficiency, Environmental Responsibility, Safety, Research & Development and Professional Education, with particular emphasis on transitioning liquid heating fuels and appliances to a low-carbon source of heat and hot water.

The key purpose of this workshop is to develop a shared vision of the focus of NORA’s activities for the coming year.

The 2024 Technology Workshop will offer presentations and attendee participation in a workshop setting in the following areas:

  • Priorities of the Liquid Heating Fuels industry in Europe
  • Building Codes Updates
  • DOE Efficiency Standards
  • Biodiesel: Field & Lab Results and Standards Updates
  • Renewable Diesel/HVO: Its application in heating, NORA Testing, European Experience and a Proposed Fuel Test
  • Net-Zero Carbon Buildings
  • NORA R&D Priorities

Dr. Thomas Butcher, NORA’s Director of Research offered this about the upcoming workshop, “With NORA’s mandate to advance efficiency and environmental responsibility, this workshop provides the opportunity to collaborate with the industry’s leaders and European partners to create a pathway for continued carbon reduction and more efficient building heating. Working with the Southern New England Energy Conference (SNEEC) will provide a stimulating environment for our workshop, and we encourage all SNEEC attendees and other interested parties to attend.”

Registration for the NORA Technical Workshop is included in the Southern New England Energy Conference registration.

29Feb/24

Newest Accredited Trainers

Education

NORA is pleased to recognize the trainers who completed the second NORA Accredited Instructor Program (AIP). Jeff Rozga and Alan Wornham, RW Beckett Corp; Michael Warn, Carlin Combustion; and Charlie Burnham, MTEC (MEMA Technical Education Center) at NORA’s Research & Education center in Plainview, NY on February 1, under the tutelage of professional education trainer Brenda Huber.

The NORA Accredited Instructor program was developed to ensure service professionals trained in NORA schools, unions, and by companies in the liquid heating fuels industry have been provided with an education that positions them, their customers, and their companies for success.

According to AIP graduate, Michael Warn, “I worked in the field for 40 years but had no professional training on presenting and instead, taught based on my experiences. I felt like I was missing an unknown, integral piece to instructing. I felt that the NORA Accredited Instructor course was extremely beneficial, the three-day workshop is worthwhile and anyone with a passion for teaching should take advantage of it.” 

The service professionals in the liquid heating fuels industry are the first and most important contacts with customers. They are responsible not only for ensuring the heating system is operating at maximum efficiency, safety and reliability, but also with how customers perceive their liquid fuel heating, their adoption of renewable fuels and how comfortable they are with staying with their liquid fuel heating system. 

The program began with a prepared presentation by each of the participants. These were critiqued by the instructor as well as others in the class to establish a baseline. From there, the instructor took the participants through the teaching process to elevate their lessons from simply conveying facts to creating a meaningful total-learning experience for the students. The NORA Accredited Instructor program’s emphasis is to present the curriculum in such a way that students “own” the information and not just hear it. 

Bob O’Brien, NORA Director of Education, summed up the NORA’s AIP with, “NORA would like to thank the newly accredited instructors and their employers for recognizing the value in improving their classroom skills. Training the next generation of technicians is crucial to the future of the industry, particularly as the transition to renewable fuels accelerates.”

If you are a learning institution or trainer and are interested participating in NORA’s Accredited Instructor program, please contact NORA’s Director of Education, Bob O’Brien at [email protected] or click the link below.

Interested in future AIP Workshops?

L to R: Michael Devine, NORA President; Charlie Burnham; Alan Wornham; Brenda Huber; Bob O’Brien; Jeff Rozga & Michael Warn

27Nov/23

NORA Looks at Indoor Air Quality

Biofuels, Carbon Reduction, Education, Equipment, Research
Join our contact list for more from NORA

A Look into Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality has become a newsworthy topic as certain pollutions have been identified as health hazards by, among others, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It has been suggested that combustion powered home heating appliances are some of the sources of these indoor pollutants. As combustion powered heaters make up almost 75% of all heating appliances, NORA deemed an investigation was in order.

Of particular interest is particulate matter (PM), which is known to have both human health and negative environmental impact. NORA, at its Liquid Heating Fuels Research Center in Plainview, NY, took a deep look into PM in home living spaces to determine whether liquid fuel combustion devices negatively impacted indoor air quality.

Fortunately, a low-cost and effective method of measuring PM has recently entered the marketplace. Named PurpleAir sensors, these devices measure PM, PM2.5 and PM10 (the subscripts denote the particle sizes in micrometers [µm]) in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), which indicates the actual amount of particulates found in the air. Using dual laser-based particle counters, they can measure particles larger than 0.3 microns with counting efficiency, reported by the manufacturer to be 50% at 0.3 microns and 98% at > 0.5 microns.

The PurpleAir map shows installed units around the world and their PM measurements. Map.purpleair.com

Test Sites

The PurpleAir units can be installed to perform stand-alone, storing its readings offline, or connected to the internet to display the PM2.5 concentrations at its location on a worldwide map of an increasingly expanding network. For the NORA study, only offline measurements were used in houses with primarily a liquid-fuel-fired heating appliance. Eight homes—five in NY, two in MA and one in NJ—were chosen for this study. Seven of the eight were selected because they contained a liquid-fuel-fired heating system. The other was chosen to record data in the den area (kitchen and living room with a fireplace) during a time when the homeowner planned to cook and light a fire in a wood stove. A set of PurpleAir sensors was provided for each home. Typically, at least one indoor and one outdoor sensor was installed in each site. Four of the sites were fitted with a flue gas measurement sensor to indicate when the heating system was running.

Liquid fuel-fired boiler and furnace installations typically include barometric dampers, which are draft-operated “doors” that open to allow room air into the flue pipe to prevent high draft levels. High draft levels can change burner air fuel ratio and, in an extreme case, can destabilize a flame. Modern burners for liquid fuels have higher static pressure fans and are less influenced by these draft changes, but barometric dampers are commonly found in many installations. Barometric dampers may be a potential source of indoor air pollution as flue gas could spill into the room during startups. While this does not usually happen with modern equipment, the Purple Air sensors were placed as close as possible to the site barometric dampers to record possible spillage.

Correlation of PM Spikes
For some of the sites, the boiler room was found to have periodic spikes in PM2.5, but when paired with the “on” measurements of the flue gas sensor, it was shown that the heating system operation did not correlate to these spikes. One example is shown in Figure1, where you can see a plot of the PM2.5 concentrations (left y-axis) and the flue gas temperature (right y-axis) and the time (x-axis) over 24 hours. During this period, there was a major peak (close to 450 µg/m3 in PM2.5) concentration observed in the boiler room where the PurpleAir sensor was located approximately six feet from the boiler flue pipe. Upon consultation with the homeowner, it was found that he had performed soldering of metal pipes without ventilation in the boiler room. The flue gas temperature readings show the boiler was not operating nor did it operate during a period of approximately four hours before and approximately 12 hours after the soldering took place.

It was also found in the data from other sites that cooking and fireplace use had a major impact in indoor PM2.5 concentrations. Additionally, outdoor grilling also caused rises in indoor PM2.5 concentrations when doors and windows were left open to allow particulate matter to enter the home.

particulate matter and flue gas temp chart 1-gigapixel-low_res-scale-4_00x

Figure 1: Boiler room PM2.5 and flue gas temperature data in a 24-hour period where a high rise in PM is observed. Note: the spikes in PM do not happen when the boiler is in operation.

Correlation of PM Spikes
For some of the sites, the boiler room was found to have periodic spikes in PM2.5, but when paired with the “on” measurements of the flue gas sensor, it was shown that the heating system operation did not correlate to these spikes. One example is shown in Figure1, where you can see a plot of the PM2.5 concentrations (left y-axis) and the flue gas temperature (right y-axis) and the time (x-axis) over 24 hours. During this period, there was a major peak (close to 450 µg/m3 in PM2.5) concentration observed in the boiler room where the PurpleAir sensor was located approximately six feet from the boiler flue pipe. Upon consultation with the homeowner, it was found that he had performed soldering of metal pipes without ventilation in the boiler room. The flue gas temperature readings show the boiler was not operating nor did it operate during a period of approximately four hours before and approximately 12 hours after the soldering took place.

It was also found in the data from other sites that cooking and fireplace use had a major impact in indoor PM2.5 concentrations. Additionally, outdoor grilling also caused rises in indoor PM2.5 concentrations when doors and windows were left open to allow particulate matter to enter the home.

particulate matte site 2-gigapixel-low_res-scale-4_00x

Figure 2: PM2.5 data from all measurement locations during the entire data collection period for Site 2, Note the repeated spikes in PM from fireplace (green line) and kitchen (blue line) use compared to the near-zero readings from the boiler operation (brown line).

Conclusion
These results are important as they indicate combustion in properly operating liquid heating appliances does not impact indoor air quality. To improve the health and safety of home dwellers, other household activities, such as cooking, fireplaces and outdoor grilling should be carefully examined.

25Jul/23

In the Loop with NORA

Biofuels, Carbon Reduction, Education, NORA, Online Courses, Research

with NORA Podcast

New podcast series looks at how the liquid fuel heating industry lowers carbon emissions from homes along with an emphasis
on heating system efficiencies and technical education.

In this episode of In the Loop, we hear from three industry leaders at the 2023 Eastern Energy Expo about  the transition to low carbon liquid heating fuels. 

Up first,  we chat with Rick Bologna, VP of Westmore Fuel, to understand why dealers need to add biofuels to their product lineup now, as fuel and equipment advancements are making the transition to higher blend fuels more attainable. 

Next,  we talk with Cate Duffey, President of DE Duffey & Sons, and hear her perspective on incorporating higher blend fuels into a 125-year old company.

Finally, we speak to Dave Westerfield with Jennings Oil to learn how his company has progressed by including higher blends in their business operations. 

In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, vis

To hear Episode 1 and future episodes, go to www.IntheLoopwithNORA.org or visit NORA.web.org.

In the Loop with NORA is also currently available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.

20Jun/23

First Accredited Trainer Class

Education

NORA is pleased to recognize the trainers to complete the inaugural NORA Accredited Instructor program. Joseph Maroney, RW Beckett Corp; Christopher Bolobanic, Electrical Training Center; Wayne Lawrence, Petro Home Services; Ronald Mannino, Technical Heating and Robert O’Brien, Oil & Energy Service Professionals all completed the course at NORA’s Research & Education center in Plainview, NY on June 8th under the tutelage of professional education trainer Brenda Huber.

Michael Devine, NORA President stated, “I am extremely proud of the commitment of these educators who completed this three-day workshop with the goal of improving their training skills. They prepared lessons, studied best-training techniques and then were evaluated by their instructor and their peers. I have no doubt when they return to the classroom their students will benefit, as will our industry.”

The NORA Accredited Instructor program was developed to ensure technicians trained in NORA schools, unions, and by companies in the liquid heating fuels industry have been provided with an education that positions them, their customers, and their companies for success. The service professionals in the liquid heating fuels industry are the first and most important contacts with customers. They are responsible not only for ensuring the heating system is operating at maximum efficiency, safety and reliability, but also with how customers perceive their liquid fuel heating, their adoption of renewable fuels and how comfortable they are with staying with their liquid fuel heating system.

The class began with a prepared presentation by each of the participants.These were critiqued by the instructor as well as others in the class to establish a baseline. From there, the instructor took the participants through the teaching process to elevate their lessons from simply conveying facts to creating a meaningful total-learning experience for the students. The NORA Accredited Instructor program’s emphasis is to present the curriculum in such a way that students “own” the information and not just hear it. Ms. Huber, the instructor for the course commented, “I was impressed with the trainers’ willingness to hear critiques from their peers and make improvements to their teaching.”

Devine also noted, “Our industry is concerned with shortages of qualified service technicians. The best way to have qualified personnel is to hire good people and train them. These newly accredited trainers made a commitment to improving their own teaching skills. NORA thanks them for their dedication.”

These first five Accredited instructors will be posted on NORA’s website, as will all additional trainers who complete the course.

If you are a learning institution or trainer and are interested participating in NORA’s Accredited Instructor program, please contact NORA’s Director of Education, Bob O’Brien at [email protected].  

Left to Right: Christopher Bolobanic, Wayne Lawrence, Joseph Maroney, Michael Devine, Brenda Huber, Robert O’Brien and Ronald Mannino

10May/23

NORA at Eastern Energy Expo

Biofuels, Carbon Reduction, Coures, Education, Equipment, NORA, Projects, Research, technology

NORA will have a strong educational and technical presence at the upcoming Eastern Energy Expo in Atlantic City, NJ.

Three important NORA Business Track sessions begin with In the Loop–New Business & Education Opportunities on Tuesday, May 23 at 8:15am in Room 419 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. This session features NORA’s President, Michael Devine and Director of Education, Bob O’Brien along with the introduction of NORA’s most recent team addition, Dr. Jenny Frank.

Immediately following will be Technical Innovations to Make the Transition to Low-Carbon Fuels Seamless and Effective presented by NORA’s Technical Director, Dr. Thomas Butcher.

On Wednesday, May 24 at 8am (breakfast provided by NORA and Clean Fuels America) in Room 412, NORA is hosting the Featured Session, The Industry’s Response to Carbon Reduction where you will hear a panel offering the most current information on the research, field work, personal experiences and future technologies to show how becoming a low carbon fuel marketer is well within the grasp of a liquid fuel heating retailer. The panel features Michael Devine and Dr. Thomas Butcher, NORA; Kevin Beckett, R.W. Beckett Corp.; Rich Lyons, Carlin Combustion Technologies; Jackie Hart, Hart Home Comfort; Jason Lawrence, Chevron/REG and moderator Don Farrell, Indoor Comfort Marketing.

As one of the 220 exhibitors at the Eastern Energy Expo Trade Show, NORA will be showing live-fire demonstrations of biodiesel and renewable diesel in its outdoor exhibit OD2.

NORA’s recently released podcast series, In the Loop with NORA will be on-hand at the expo to talk with a variety of industry experts about how the liquid fuels heating industry is removing carbon emissions from home heating.

The Eastern Energy Expo is the largest energy and indoor comfort event in the Northeast. You can find more about the NORA sessions, the entire Eastern Energy Expo program, the trade show and registration at the Eastern Energy Expo website.

03Apr/23

Stay “In the LOOP”

Biofuels, Carbon Reduction, Education, NORA, Online Courses, Research

with New NORA Podcast

New podcast series looks at how the liquid fuel heating industry lowers carbon emissions from homes along with an emphasis
on heating system efficiencies and technical education.

NORA has released the first episode of its new podcast series In the Loop with NORA.

Episode 1 looks at how quickly and effectively low-carbon liquid fuels can be integral in reducing a homes carbon output to below zero. Hear how Dr. Thomas Butcher, NORA Technical Director, has converted his typical Long Island, NY house into a Net Zero Carbon Home by partnering Bioheat® fuel with solar panels. 

According to Dr. Butcher. “It shows that the liquid fuel industry has a pathway to achieve net-zero emissions very quickly. There is a strong value in reducing carbon emissions now…and we can do it.”

NORA’s President, Michael Devine offered his vision for the new series. “Future episodes of In the Loop with NORA will take a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education. NORA and the entire liquid heating fuels industry have been on an accelerated path to eliminating carbon from home heating. In The Loop with NORA gives NORA the opportunity to share all this good technical & training information in an easy to digest and entertaining conversational format. With availability at NORAweb.org, along with major podcast platforms, In the Loop with NORA can be listened to almost anywhere.“

To hear Episode 1 and future episodes, go to www.IntheLoopwithNORA.org or visit NORA.web.org.

In the Loop with NORA is also currently available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.