Corporate Training By Zack Academy - Green Physical Needs Assessment (GPNA)

Why Should You Take This This Green Physical Needs Assessment (GPNA) training course?

The Green Physical Needs Assessment (GPNA) training is a two day course that will train participants to conduct assessments using the new HUD GPNA tool. The Green Physical Needs Assessment (GPNA) tool was developed by HUD to assist Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to assess the life cycle needs of public housing units and buildings. The Green Physical Needs Assessment (GPNA) training course is designed to educate PHAs and home inspectors on using the GPNA tool to measure the impact of funding and develop management practices to implement capital towards the most effective energy efficiency solutions. Completion of this training is highly recommended for home inspectors, and upon completing our training course you will receive instructions on how to obtain a list of the HUD Facilities in your area.

What is the new Green Physical Needs Assessment (GPNA) Rule?

Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) receive over $2 billion each year to develop and modernize public housing. But until this point, there was no way to measure the effectiveness of these funds, especially with energy efficiency. Because of this, HUD has released a Green Physical Needs Assessment (GPNA) tool to assess the life cycle needs of public housing units and buildings. This tool will enable HUD and PHAs to measure the impact of funding and develop management practices to implement capital towards the most effective energy efficiency solutions.

Can I use my own staff to do the GPNA or must I contract it out? If I can do it myself, what are the qualifications for the person performing the GPNA?

Yes, you can use your own staff if they collectively meet the qualifications as defined in the rule, including having at least one team member with 5 years experience performing physical property inspections and cost estimating; demonstrated knowledge of applicable building standards and codes; demonstrated knowledge of energy efficiency practices; and a working knowledge of commonly used computer technology (MS Excel, Office, etc.). PHAs do need to be aware that if they are planning to use this PNA to support future transactions such as financing, the terms of that transaction may require a third party to perform the PNA. Some PHAs may also find it more objective to obtain a third party opinion as to the condition of its property.

What are the HUD Obligations?

• PNA Submissions to HUD must be done through the new PNA tool
• PHAs will have one year to submit PNAs and energy audits using the new tool
• Previous HUD requirements exempted small PHAs. All PHAs must now use the new tool
• HUD data must be fully reviewed, edited, and accurate down to the building and unit level detail (before the assessment can be started)
• The new HUD PNA tool requires using an approved cost index

What You'll Learn By taking This Green Physical Needs Assessment (GPNA) training:

• Our two day GPNA training prepares participants to conduct assessments using the new Green PNA tool.
• The course covers all the requirements needed in order to conduct a proper GPNA, including: Identifying and prioritizing work to be performed using Capital Funds, making long-term strategic decisions regarding housing portfolios, and evaluating decisions on the developmental level.
• Trainees will learn how to use the GPNA tool to prepare for an assessment, conduct a PNA, review and revise their data. Inspectors who take this course will be able to identify the four main Needs Components which include replacement needs, sustainability needs, marketability/livability needs, and accessibility needs.
• How and where to market GPNA Inspection services.