RESTalk: Recent Episodes
Bill Spohn
RESTalk, produced by RESNET.us is the best way to stay up-to-date on everything going on in the world of Home Energy Ratings (HERS), including initiatives, standards, marketing, and more.
Hosted by building performance veteran Bill Spohn, the show features interviews with the RESNET team and prominent guests from throughout the rating and home building industries, discussing a wide range of topics, current events and new technologies.
QUOTES from the episode:
"We're not just checking boxes. We're helping builders build better homes." – Matthew Cooper
"The conversation needs to shift from price per square foot to value per square foot." – Steve Byers
"Professionalism, curiosity, and partnership are what make great HERS Raters."
"Five million homes is impressive, but it's the quality behind those ratings that really matters."
Five million HERS-rated homes is more than a milestone. It represents decades of collaboration between builders, HERS Raters, Rating Providers, manufacturers, and RESNET® to improve the quality, comfort, efficiency, and durability of America's homes. Bill Spohn is joined by Marra Ingram of PEG, whose routine field inspection became the official five millionth HERS® Rating, along with PEG COO Matthew Cooper and EnergyLogic CEO Steve Byers to reflect on what this achievement says about the industry's past and future.
The discussion explores how dramatically the HERS Rating process has evolved. Early raters performed only final inspections with relatively simple software, while today's professionals navigate increasingly sophisticated building assemblies, energy codes, digital tools, and quality assurance requirements. Matthew and Steve describe how Rating Providers have grown alongside the industry, managing hundreds of thousands of homes while developing advanced scheduling, automation, and data systems to keep pace with modern construction.
The conversation also highlights the human side of building science. Marra shares how her Air Force construction background prepared her for a career built on technical expertise, professionalism, and builder relationships. Together, the guests discuss why successful HERS Raters are trusted partners rather than inspectors, how the industry can attract the next generation of talent, and why helping consumers understand the value of high-performance homes may be the next great challenge after reaching five million ratings.
LinkedIn Profiles for our guests:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebyers/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-cooper-peg/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chamarra-i-b14275196/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"Water efficiency is moving from a nice feature to a development necessity."
"HERSH2O® helps turn water conservation into something builders can measure, verify, and communicate."
"Water is a precious resource—and unlike energy, we cannot simply produce more of it."
Water efficiency is becoming an increasingly important part of homebuilding, particularly in regions facing drought, rising tap fees, and development restrictions. In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn speaks with Ryan Meres and Jacob Atalla about the continued evolution of HERSH2O® and the expansion of the standard to include multifamily housing.
Ryan explains how HERSH2O® evaluates both indoor and outdoor water use, including fixtures, appliances, irrigation, landscaping, and emerging strategies such as graywater recycling. He also discusses how the rating works alongside a traditional RESNET® HERS® rating and supports qualification for the EPA WaterSense label.
Jacob shares the builder's perspective, explaining how water availability can affect land acquisition, permitting, infrastructure costs, and customer value. Together, the guests make the case that water efficiency is no longer merely an environmental consideration—it is becoming an important operational, financial, and market issue for builders and raters.
Jacob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobatalla/
Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-meres-58977110/
The US EPA WaterSense study we mentioned: Assessing Water Use WaterSense Labeled Homes Quantifying Savings https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-08/ws-Journal-AWWA-2022-Assessing-WaterUse-WaterSense%E2%80%90Labeled-Homes-Quantifying-Savings.pdf
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
QUOTES from the episode:
"The people closest to the work often have the clearest view of what needs to change."
"Codes do not become practical until field experience finds its way into the conversation."
"Better data leads to better codes, and HERS® Raters are sitting on some of the most useful data in the industry."
"The future of energy codes will be shaped not only in committee rooms, but also in crawlspaces, attics, and blower door tests."
In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes Nathan Kahre of the National Association of Home Builders, Alex Smith of the International Code Council, and Kris Stenger of ICC for a practical discussion on the 2027 IECC, the emerging 2030 framework, and how energy codes move from model language to real-world adoption. Together, they explain how the IECC is developed, how consensus committees and public comments shape the process, and why input from HERS® Raters, builders, subcontractors, code officials, and consumers matters.
The conversation highlights several important 2027 IECC updates, including clearer blower-door testing provisions, expanded recognition of ANSI/RESNET®/ICC 380, tighter ERI targets, performance-path changes, improved fenestration values, expanded energy credits, and a new energy audit requirement for large additions. The guests also discuss how state and local adoption varies widely, from formal code councils and rulemaking processes to state-specific pathways like Texas HB 1736.
Most importantly, Nathan, Alex, and Kris encourage HERS® Raters to get involved. Whether through local home builder associations, RESNET® program engagement, ICC interested-party lists, or future participation in the 2030 IECC subgroup, raters can bring field data, practical experience, and clarity to a process that increasingly depends on verified performance.
Kris's contact info: kstenger@iccsafe.org
Alex's contact info: alsmith@iccsafe.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsmithenergy/
Nathan's contact info: nkahre@nahb.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-kahre-94a779108/
ICC Committees: https://www.iccsafe.org/committees/energy-iecc/
https://www.iccsafe.org/membership/councils-committees/icc-committee-application/
The code adoption kit we discussed:
https://www.nahb.org/advocacy/top-priorities/building-codes/code-adoption-kits/2024-International-Energy-Conservation-Code
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
QUOTES from the episode:
"Utilities are no longer just incentive providers. They are becoming design partners."
"High performance is not a luxury in affordable housing. It is a necessity for predictable living costs."
"If you want this to scale, it starts with early coordination and shared goals."
In this episode of RESTalk, we head to Tempe, Arizona, where extreme heat, rising energy costs, and housing needs are converging, and where a standout project is redefining what ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction can look like in a hot, dry climate. Bill is joined by Rebecca Smout of Salt River Project (SRP), Joe Keeper of Copa Health, and Jacob Alvarez of Desert Skies Energy to unpack the story behind La Victoria Commons, an ENERGY STAR–certified multifamily development designed with both performance and people in mind.
At the center of the conversation is a powerful idea: utilities are no longer just incentive providers; they are becoming design partners. Through early collaboration, flexible program design, and deep involvement from HERS® raters, this project demonstrates how technical rigor and cost awareness can coexist. The team walks through how early modeling, integrated design, and verification helped align multiple programs and certifications while still delivering a practical, buildable project.
But the real impact shows up at the resident level. As Joe explains, high-performance construction is not just about energy savings; it is about creating predictable, manageable utility costs for families in affordable housing. Combined with transit access, EV infrastructure, and community services, La Victoria Commons becomes more than a development. It becomes a replicable blueprint for housing equity and market transformation in some of the most demanding climates in the country.
Rebecca's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-smout-31a08644/
SRP: https://www.srpnet.com/
Jacob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-alvarez125/ Desert Skies: https://desertskiesenergy.com/
Joe's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-keeper-183aa13ab/ https://copahealth.org/
LaVictoria Commons in the news: https://www.tempe.gov/Home/Components/News/News/18749/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
QUOTES from the episode: "You can't fix what you didn't catch early. Thoroughness upfront saves everything downstream."
"It's a young industry. That's what makes it exciting, we're still shaping what it becomes."
"If you don't have a reason for being in this work, it's going to be hard to stay in it."
In this episode of RESTalk, Bill sits down with 2026 Emerging Leader Fellows Courtney Holland and Hayden Cantoni fresh off their experience at the RESNET® Conference. Both guests share how they found their way into the HERS® and building performance industry, often unexpectedly, and what has kept them engaged ever since. From fieldwork to modeling, their stories highlight a career path that blends purpose, technical skill, and variety.
Courtney and Hayden reflect on what accelerates learning in the field, the importance of mentorship, and the real-world challenges of tasks such as ventilation verification and HVAC grading. They also offer honest insights into early mistakes, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections, documentation, and speaking up when something is off. Their perspectives reveal a maturing industry that still has room to improve in training pathways and awareness.
Looking ahead, both see a future where HERS® ratings become standard practice in homebuilding, not a premium add-on. They make a compelling case for why new talent is critical to that future, bringing fresh ideas and energy to a still-evolving field. Whether motivated by sustainability, health, or hands-on work, their message is clear: this is an industry worth paying attention to.
Hayden's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydencantoni/ Courtney's bio: https://southern-energy.com/celebrating-women-in-construction/#courtney-foulis
RESNET's® announcement: 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellow: https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-announces-the-2026-emerging-leader-fellows/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage with you. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
QUOTES from the episode:
"You absolutely belong here. There are many paths into this industry, and there's room for everyone to thrive." - Cindy Zeis
"Patience, facts, and science always win the day." - Sharla Riead
"The future of women in building science is unlimited." - Nancy St. Hilaire
In this milestone 150th episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn marks Women's History Month by highlighting the voices of women from across the RESNET® community. Through a series of short conversations, industry leaders share how they entered the world of building science, the mentors who influenced their careers, and how the industry has evolved over time.
Their stories reveal that there is no single path into the home performance and HERS® ecosystem. Some entered through construction, the mechanical trades, and hands-on field work, while others came through sustainability planning, academic programs, or early energy-auditing efforts dating back to energy crises of past decades. What they share is a passion for solving complex problems in buildings and translating technical building science into practical solutions that improve comfort, efficiency, durability, and affordability.
The conversation also explores the experience of working in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Guests reflect on early moments of needing to prove their credibility, walking onto job sites where they were the only woman in the room, and overcoming stereotypes about fieldwork. At the same time, they highlight the strong mentorship, collaboration, and respect that characterize the RESNET® network. Many have seen meaningful progress over the years, with more women becoming HERS raters, modelers, quality assurance professionals, and industry leaders.
Looking ahead, the guests point to one of the biggest remaining barriers: visibility. Many people simply do not realize that building science exists as a career path. Their advice to the next generation is to stay curious, seek hands-on experience, build strong communication skills, and ground their work in solid science and ethics. As building performance becomes increasingly interdisciplinary, blending field diagnostics, data, standards, and software, the opportunities for women to influence and lead the industry are expanding rapidly.
Their closing reflections capture the spirit of the episode: the future of women in building science is impactful, influential, and ultimately unlimited.
Guests this episode: Cindy Zeis, Technical Director with PSD https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyzeis/
Julie Christesen, Chief Administrative Officer/Building Scientist with ES Green & Co. https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-conn-christesen/
Nancy St. Hilaire, Co-owner of Builder i Group https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-st-hilaire-59161121/
Laurel Elam, Sr. Director Business and Standards Development for RESNET https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-elam-5404817/
Sharla Riead, Lead Instructor at the Energy Smart Institute https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharla-riead/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
QUOTES from the episode:
"The RESNET® Conference is where experience meets fresh perspective, and that's where the real progress happens."
"This isn't just another conference. It's about shaping the next era of the HERS© industry."
"If you want to understand where the industry is headed, this is where the conversations are happening."
In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn sits down with Noah Kibbe from RESNET® to preview the 2026 RESNET® Conference coming to San Antonio's Riverwalk. Noah shares what goes into planning the event, from selecting the location and shaping the agenda to locking in what might be one of the most memorable receptions in conference history. Yes, at the Alamo. The conversation gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how the conference is intentionally designed to balance technical depth, networking, and community.
Noah walks through the structure of the conference, including general sessions, expanded 90-minute breakout sessions, and clearly defined tracks like energy codes, building science, carbon reporting, RESNET® Quality Assurance, and RESNET® 101 for newcomers. The discussion highlights why RESNET® extended session lengths this year, putting more emphasis on Q&A, panel-style discussions, and practical takeaways that attendees can actually use when they return home.
The episode also covers sponsorship opportunities, pre-conference training options, the Whova app for planning and networking, and new additions like session recordings available after the event. Noah closes by framing the conference theme, "The Next Era of the HERS® Industry," and sharing details about RESNET®'s Habitat for Humanity build day, reinforcing that this event is not just about education, but also impact and giving back.
Conference link: https://www.resnet.us/2026-conference/
Sponsor Application: https://www.resnet.us/2026-resnet-conference-sponsor-application/
Learn more on the Habitat for Humanity Build day: email: Valerie@RESNET.us
Noah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahkibbe/
WHOVA event scheudle: https://whova.com/embedded/event/lC-B89PmXiRbKBwCelSSr2arOUnE88wFAawUiW8ufLc%3D/?refer=undefined&day=1
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
QUOTES from the episode:
"What raters do makes the difference. Supporting them protects the credibility of the entire ecosystem."
"Energy and water performance are not abstract. They are measurable, verifiable, and they matter to families."
"My role is to protect what works, listen carefully, and help RESNET adapt without losing what makes it special."
In the first RESTalk episode of 2026, Bill Spohn welcomes Shelby Gatlin, the new Executive Director of RESNET©, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, credibility, and the future of home energy ratings. Shelby shares her professional path from conservation-focused work and regulatory advocacy into the residential energy efficiency space, including years spent navigating operational growth and industry change.
Shelby explains why RESNET©'s voluntary standards, third-party verification, and ecosystem of trust matter now more than ever, especially as affordability, comfort, and long-term household costs take center stage. She emphasizes that energy and water performance are not abstract concepts, but measurable outcomes that directly impact homeowners. Throughout the discussion, Shelby underscores the critical role of raters and providers in protecting the integrity and credibility of RESNET© programs.
Looking ahead, Shelby outlines her leadership approach: build on what already works, listen closely to stakeholders, modernize systems where clarity and transparency are needed, and preserve what makes RESNET© unique. She also shares her excitement for her first RESNET© conference as Executive Director and her commitment to empathy, collaboration, and trust across the industry.
Shleby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-gatlin-59100926/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
In this special "Best of RESTALK 2025" episode, host Bill Spohn looks back at the ideas and conversations that defined the year across the RESNET® ecosystem. Rather than a simple highlight reel, this episode weaves four major themes that kept surfacing—from sweeping QA modernization efforts to the market forces accelerating HERS adoption to the emerging leaders reshaping the industry to the on-the-ground projects proving that high performance and affordability can coexist.
Across conversations with QA directors, software leaders, conference fellows, builders, lenders, and RESNET® founder Steve Baden, 2025 revealed an industry that's both maturing and reinventing itself. The year's strongest clips capture this mix of evolution and momentum: real-time QA replacing annual reports, financing that rewards low-carbon construction, programs nurturing new talent, and innovative housing models—from 3D-printed concrete to all-electric Habitat townhomes—delivering measurable results for families.
Whether you're a rater, builder, program manager, lender, policymaker, or simply someone who cares about the future of housing, this episode connects the dots on where RESNET® is headed—and why the next few years will be pivotal for quality, credibility, and impact.
Major Themes Covered 1. QA as the Backbone: Apps, Automation & Trust Episodes: EP137, EP140, EP144, EP146 How RESNET® is modernizing QA with real-time data, tech upgrades, stronger staffing, and clearer processes—protecting the credibility of HERS® as volumes scale.
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Market Signals, Money & Scaling HERS® Episodes: EP136, EP138, EP142, EP145, EP146 Why HERS® grows fastest where incentives and financing tools align—and how products like C-PACE and tax credits are turning performance into business value.
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The People Pipeline: Conferences, Emerging Leaders & New Roles Episodes: EP136, EP137, EP138, EP146 The next generation of raters, analysts, and QA specialists entering the field, and how programs like Emerging Leaders keep the talent pipeline strong.
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High-Performance, Affordable & Innovative Housing in Practice Episodes: EP139, EP141, EP143, EP145, EP146 Real projects—3D-printed homes, ERV best practices, net-zero-ready Habitat homes—showing that innovation and affordability can move together.
Featured Guests (Across 2025 Episodes) * Scott Doyle – Managing Director of QA, RESNET® * Laurel Elam – Senior Director, RESNET® * Steve Baden – Executive Director & RESNET® Founder * Tricia Baker – Senior VP of Strategy & Impact, PACE Equity * Carl Pier – In-house Engineer & HERS® Modeler, PACE Equity * Emerging Leaders & Fellows – RESNET® ELC participants * Raters, Builders & Habitat Teams from EP139, EP143, and others
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
For more info on this topic, contact RESNET® at INFO@RESNET.US
QUOTES FROM STEVE:
"The challenge isn't how far we can push efficiency—but how affordable we can make it."
"Give builders a clear target and the market will respond."
"It's been a hell of a ride—thanks for the memories. Now it's your turn to take it to the next level."
Steve Baden tells the story of RESNET®'s early days—from Alaska's energy-code back-and-forth to a market-based framework that encouraged builders with targets rather than rules. That experiment birthed home energy ratings, a national standard, and eventually RESNET® itself—formed with the Mortgage Bankers Association and state energy offices to create a uniform "MPG for homes." The payoff: 4.8 million HERS®-rated homes to date and 420k+ in the last year, with large production builders using the RESNET® HERS® score to compete on quality in down markets.
Baden credits stepwise, consensus standards (HERS → ANSI©/RESNET® 301), rigorous QA, and healthy software competition for scaling with credibility. He highlights investments in the registry, virtual QA, and an "emerging leaders" pipeline to keep talent and ideas flowing. Looking ahead, he frames RESNET®'s million-ratings-per-year goal by 2028 against today's affordability crunch: performance gains must be paired with cost sensitivity, or we lock people out of housing.
As Baden steps into a new chapter, he leaves a simple message behind: value the people, keep the partnerships strong, and keep RESNET moving forward.
Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-baden-54080212/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
QUOTES:
"We created the CIRRUS Low Carbon program to speak to developers' pocketbooks — build a better building, and you get a better rate." — Tricia Baker
"Early design is peace of mind — it saves you a buck or two and a lot of headaches later." — Karl Peer
In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn is joined by Tricia Baker, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Impact at PACE Equity, and Karl Peer, an in-house engineer with deep experience in HERS ratings and energy modeling. Together, they unpack the power of C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing — a state-enabled program that helps developers and building owners access long-term, low-cost private capital for sustainable building upgrades and construction.
Tricia introduces CIRRUS Low Carbon, a unique PACE Equity program that rewards better-performing buildings with lower interest rates. Buildings that meet a HERS score of 55 or better automatically qualify for discounted financing, offering developers meaningful savings — often 50 basis points lower than standard rates. She emphasizes how this program directly links building performance to financial incentive, creating a clear economic reason to pursue higher-efficiency, lower-carbon projects.
Karl brings the technical depth, explaining how in-house engineering and RESNET© collaboration ensure rigorous validation. He describes case studies ranging from multifamily buildings in California to resilient coastal redevelopment in Florida, where C-PACE funding supported both energy efficiency and storm-hardening measures. Together, Tricia and Karl illustrate how early engagement in the design process yields the best outcomes — "early design is peace of mind," Karl says — showing how this innovative financing mechanism can drive sustainable change while improving property value and financial performance.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-kuse-marketing/
For our guests https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-peer-54878b86/
Pace-Equity Main: https://www.pace-equity.com/
Cirrus C-Pace: https://www.pace-equity.com/lowcarbon/
Case studies: https://www.pace-equity.com/case-studies/
CONTACT: https://www.pace-equity.com/schedule-a-meeting/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
EP144 From Checklists to Real-Time Data:
The QA Evolution at RESNET🄬 With Scott Doyle and Laurel Elam
(September 2025)
“If you’re a professional and the rules of your profession change, you can’t afford not to keep up.”
— Scott Doyle
In this episode of the RESTalk podcast, host Bill Spohn sits down with two long-time leaders at RESNET🄬: Laurel Elam, Senior Director of Business and Standards Development, and Scott Doyle, Managing Director of Quality Assurance. Together, they unpack the evolution of quality assurance within RESNET🄬, culminating in the upcoming implementation of Addendum 75 to Chapter 9 of the RESNET🄬Standards.
Laurel provides historical context, reflecting on the organization’s steady improvements over the last decade and the dream of real-time QA tracking. Scott details how the QA team has expanded, the launch of the RESNET QA🄬 app, and how mandatory adoption beginning January 1, 2026, will transform consistency, feedback, and training across the provider network. Both emphasize how real-time, searchable data not only ensures compliance but also strengthens the feedback loop for raters and providers.
The conversation closes with an invitation to the RESNET🄬webinar on September 24th (link below), where the QA team will review the details of Addendum 75 and other changes to appeals and disciplinary processes. Laurel also reminds listeners about the extended deadline for conference session nominations, underscoring RESNET’s ongoing commitment to engaging its community and ensuring high-quality standards across the industry.
Be sure to register for the webinar:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3079588482659695965
This webinar will focus on the upcoming RESNET HERS🄬 Chapter 9 Standard updates, which will take effect January 1, 2026. (https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/FS-Addendum-75-Chapter-9-Update.pdf)
The webinar will highlight the key changes, including substantial updates to remote field QA requirements, the requirement to do all QA reviews via the RESNET QA® app or API, and provide clarification on how the revised standard will impact verifiers, QADs, and Providers. The session will also offer guidance to help stakeholders successfully incorporate these changes.
The session will also offer guidance to help stakeholders successfully incorporate these changes.
Shortly after September 24, you can view a recording of the webinar on the RESNET YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@ResnetUs
The deadline for submitting sessions for the 2026 RESNET® Conference has been extended to September 26, 2025! Conference website is here: https://www.resnet.us/2026-conference/
The theme of the conference is The Next Era of the HERS® Industry. RESNET is accepting nominations for 90-minute presentations in a variety of tracks, including Energy Codes, Tapping the Existing Homes Market, and Maximizing the Value of Energy-Efficient Homes. Submit nominations here!
LinkedIn:
Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-doyle-84750823
Laurel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-elam-5404817/
OTHER EPISODE QUOTES:
“This has been a long-time dream—real-time tracking of quality assurance to improve consistency and feedback.” — Laurel Elam
“The checklist was great, but now it’s in an app form.” — Laurel Elam
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“When you're in construction, you're just building sticks and bricks—until you understand how a house actually performs.”
– Kevin Smith
In this episode of RESTalk, Bill sits down with Kevin L. Smith, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, to explore a groundbreaking project: the Bennett Point Phase 1 homes, which earned both ENERGY STAR and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certifications. Kevin shares how his team collaborated with Energize Delaware and New Ecology to build high-performance, all-electric townhomes aimed at long-term affordability and health for first-time homebuyers.
From redesigning floor plans to accommodate advanced HVAC systems to navigating volunteer labor and contractor training, Kevin explains the behind-the-scenes coordination needed to hit ultra-low RESNET® HERS® scores of 33–35—among the best in Delaware without solar. The conversation wraps with reflections on lessons learned, surprises in the process, and guidance for other Habitat affiliates looking to level up their housing mission.
Other quotes from our conversation:
“We want homeowners to walk into their house confident they can maintain it, save money, and breathe easier—literally and financially.”
“A tight house with smart systems isn't just efficient. It's transformational.”
Kevin’s Bio: https://www.habitatncc.org/hfhncc-staff/kevin-l-smith/
His LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-l-smith-18360314/
New Ecology: https://www.newecology.org/
Other content on this project:
https://www.facebook.com/HabitatNCC/posts/join-us-for-the-bennett-point-home-dedicationhabitat-for-humanity-of-new-castle-/1061661725998026/ https://www.habitatncc.org/news/2025/03/video-moving-in-homes-at-habitats-bennett-point-ready-for-occupancy/ https://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/2019/12/03/new-habitat-development-key-revitalizing-eastside/2588463001/
Listen to RESTalk Episode 139 where we meet with Jason Barlow President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona to talk about: Concrete Innovations: The Story of Arizona’s First 3D-Printed Home: https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep139-concrete-innovations-the-story-of-arizonas-first-3d-printed-home-with-jason-barlow
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“RESNET members are now touching about a third of all new single-family homes. That’s a big number — and it’s only growing.”
-Ryan Meres
In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes back Ryan Meres, Programs Director at RESNET®, to explore the key insights from the 2025 HERS® Rated Homes Data Trends Report. This sixth annual edition reveals both expected and surprising patterns in how homebuilders, energy raters, and policymakers are driving efficiency across the U.S. housing market. With over 436,000 homes HERS rated in the past year, the report reflects RESNET®’s growing impact — now touching a third of all new single-family homes and a rising share of multifamily projects.
Ryan breaks down regional standouts: Massachusetts leads with 88% of new homes HERS rated due to its Green Communities program, while Texas tops the volume charts with 113,000 ratings. Notably, California showed the most improvement in HERS scores since 2013, driven in part by its solar mandate. Meanwhile, the report tracks construction practices, including the dominance of slab-on-grade foundations and the increasing prevalence of ductwork in conditioned spaces.
Other notable topics include the growing adoption of heat pumps (especially in the Southeast), a dramatic increase in homes achieving
"As homes get tighter, ventilation isn't optional—it's essential."
— Patrick Nielsen
In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn sits down with Patrick Nielsen, Global Technical Products Manager at Broan-NuTone, to discuss the evolving world of home ventilation. With over two decades of experience, Patrick walks us through the major drivers shaping residential ventilation practices today—from tighter building envelopes to the growing emphasis on indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Patrick explains the importance of dwelling unit ventilation (DUV), spot vs. whole-house strategies, and the increasing role of energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) as builders and raters seek practical ways to meet stringent codes and achieve better HERS scores. He also touches on upcoming developments like capture efficiency standards for range hoods, automated balancing features in modern ERVs, and the implications of makeup air requirements. Whether you’re a builder, rater, or HVAC pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights for navigating the ventilation challenges in today’s high-performance homes.
Patrick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-nielsen-48b93a3/
Broan’s website: https://broan-nutone.com/en-us Broan Specficier tools (A variety of code-compliant specification tools for project applications.): https://broan-nutone.com/en-us/home/specifier-tools
The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI): www.hvi.org
Links to ASHRAE 62.1 and 62.2 standards: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/standards-62-1-62-2
One of many sites to find building codes by state: https://ibhs.org/public-policy/building-codes-by-state/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"You can’t manage what you can’t measure."
— Peter Drucker
In this insightful episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes Scott Doyle, RESNET’s Managing Director of Quality Assurance (QA), for a comprehensive update on what’s ahead in the world of RESNET QA®. Scott unpacks the most significant changes hitting the registry, Chapter 9 standards, and the QA app—all designed to modernize, streamline, and strengthen the QA process.
The conversation delves into how these updates will affect HERS® raters and providers, with a major focus on the ENERGY STAR QA/QC program. Scott outlines the move toward increased documentation, real-time oversight, and the eventual integration of automation and AI into RESNET’s workflow. With the industry’s expectations for speed and accuracy climbing, these changes aim to ensure trust, defensibility, and better service. He also gives a call to action: start adapting now by reviewing ENERGY STAR Field Checklist Revision 14.
Whether you’re a provider, QAD, or rater, this episode equips you with both the “why” and the “what’s next” behind the QA evolution—and how to stay ahead of the curve.
Note: This episode was recorded on May 1, prior to the recent speculation that the Trump administration is planning to eliminate the EPA and ENERGY STAR. RESNET has been active in advocating for the preservation of the 45L tax credit and ENERGY STAR Homes and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-doyle-84750823/
Link to RESTalk Episode 134: Boosting Efficiency: How RESNET’s QA App Is Transforming the Industry https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/33586437
Energy Star National Field Rater Checklist, Rev 14: https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/National%20Rater%20Field%20Checklist_Rev%2014.pdf
RESNET QA Compliance Specialist Job Postings: https://www.resnet.us/articles/job-posting-resnet-qa-compliance-specialists-regional-positions/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way."
— Tom Freston
In this episode of the RESTalk podcast, Bill Spohn sits down with Jason Barlow, former President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, to discuss a groundbreaking achievement in homebuilding—the first 3D-printed concrete home in Arizona. Jason shares how this innovative project, born from a collaboration with ASU graduates and a German scaffolding company, PERI, pushed the boundaries of affordable housing construction. From overcoming extreme heat challenges to designing a home with unique structural and artistic elements, Jason details the incredible journey of bringing this home to life.
The conversation dives into the long-term implications of 3D printing in construction, its potential for large-scale housing developments, and the lessons learned from Habitat’s pioneering efforts. Jason also touches on Habitat’s broader mission, its work in providing energy-efficient and affordable housing, and how listeners can engage with their local Habitat affiliates. This episode is a fascinating look at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and community impact.
Here is the LinkedIn profile for our podcast guest
Jason Barlow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasbarlow/
Additional information as well on the 3D home.
https://habitatcaz.org/habitats-first-3d-printed-home-in-the-u-s/
Habitat Resnet Presentation 2025.pdf
Habitat for Humanity's first 3D-printed home in Arizona
Why not us? Habitat's 3D-Printed home in Tempe, Arizona (3 min)
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."
– John F. Kennedy
In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes the 2025 Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) fellows—Jennifer Goldberg, Dorian Gothard, and Alex Haworth—for an insightful discussion on their career journeys, experiences at the RESNET conference, and their visions for the future of energy efficiency and building science.
Each fellow shares how they entered the industry, what drew them to the ELC program, and how they apply their knowledge professionally and personally. The conversation covers key takeaways from the RESNET conference, including the industry’s ambitious goal of 1 million HERS ratings by 2028, the importance of HVAC grading, and the role of building science in improving homes and communities.
Throughout the episode, the fellows highlight the value of collaboration, education, and continuous learning, inspiring those new to the industry and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re a rater, builder, or someone passionate about energy efficiency, this episode provides valuable insights into the next generation of industry leaders shaping the future.
Here are the LinkedIn profiles for our podcast guests:
Alex Haworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-haworth-aa1b90227/
Jennifer Goldberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-goldberg-4688b6107/
Dorian Gothard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-gothard/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Excellence is never an accident. It results from high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities."
– Aristotle (adapted interpretation)
In this insightful episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn interviews three key members of RESNET's team.: Ryan Moore, Jordi Kimbrough in Quality Assurance, and Michael Matthews in Programs. Each brings a unique background and perspective to their roles, strengthening RESNET’s mission to ensure high-quality standards in energy-efficient home ratings.
Ryan Moore, the Quality Assurance Investigations Program Manager, shares his journey from a varied background in environmental studies, construction, and tourism to his pivotal role at RESNET. Ryan emphasizes the importance of a level playing field in the rating industry, using investigations to ensure compliance and education among stakeholders.
Jordi Kimbrough, Quality Assurance Project Manager, reflects on her serendipitous entry into the rating world and her focus on making providers' challenging roles more manageable. She highlights her goals of streamlining processes, providing training, and gathering feedback to reduce ambiguity and enhance the industry's efficiency.
Michael Matthews, Programs Engagement Specialist, rounds out the conversation with his passion for connecting people and advancing energy efficiency. From his early days in weatherization to his current role, Michael facilitates stakeholder conversations, promotes better building practices, and supports t’s RESNET’s ambitious goals.
The episode concludes with discussing the value of teamwork, service, and a shared commitment to sustainability, underscoring the human connection behind RESNET's impactful work.
Here is the contact info for our guests:
Jordi Kimbrough: Jordi@resnet.us
Michael Matthews Michael@resnet.us, https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-matthews-a8931928/
Ryan Moore: Ryanmoore@resnet.us, https://www.linkedin.com/in/rymoore/
Here is a link to the complaint resolution process:
https://www.hersindex.com/about-resnet/complaint-resolution-process/
and the Complaint form https://www.hersindex.com/file-complaint-resolution/
Job Posting for Regional Positions for QA specialists: (Posted 12-4-24)
https://www.resnet.us/articles/job-posting-resnet-qa-compliance-specialists-regional-positions/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Networking is not about just connecting people.
It’s about connecting people with ideas and opportunities
-Michele Jennae
In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn chats with Clara Hedrick, Lead Events Coordinator for RESNET®, to discuss the upcoming 2025 RESNET® Conference. Clara shares the event details, which is set to take place from January 26-29, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona. Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions, dynamic networking opportunities, and exciting receptions hosted by sponsors like NAIMA and Knauf. Clara highlights the innovative offerings this year, including a live demonstration of the new RESNET® insulation grading standard and Knauf’s VR training system.
Clara also delves into the conference's tracks, which cover a broad range of topics such as building science, workforce development, and energy codes. Special events like the offsite Fulton Homes tour and training opportunities add further value to the conference. Looking ahead, Clara announces future RESNET® conference locations: San Antonio, TX in 2026 and Savannah, Georgia, in 2027, both offering unique settings for continued learning and connection.
Bill wraps up by encouraging listeners to explore the conference page at resnet.us/2025 for more details and download the WHOVA app to easily access schedules, session info, and networking opportunities.
Here’s the link to the conference website:
https://whova.com/web/1qIMgnn8Jh5Y4xsupaZaVuFO57dR7GOfzNfNibqilSE%3D/
To reach the conference team, you can email them at: conference@resnet.us
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Welcome to a special episode of RESTalk: "Best of RESTalk 2024"! This year has been transformative for RESNET® and the residential energy efficiency industry. From setting bold goals to launching innovative tools and forming impactful collaborations, 2024 has redefined what's possible in energy efficiency and sustainability. In this episode, we revisit the year's most insightful and impactful moments, featuring highlights from the conversations that shaped the industry.
Join us as we dive into the ambitious goal of achieving 1 million RESNET® HERS ratings annually, explore the evolution of new QA tools, and unpack the growing Build-to-Rent housing trend. We’ll also reflect on RESNET®’s strides in water and carbon efficiency programs and the game-changing advocacy efforts that have amplified energy efficiency policies nationwide.
Below is a table of all the topics in this episode with links to the full podcasts.
Reflection on 2024: As we recap the highlights, we celebrate the progress and resilience of the RESNET® community in driving energy efficiency and sustainability. This episode highlights the industry's achievements and innovation, from RESNET®’s ambitious goals and policy wins to groundbreaking tools like the QA app and evolving market trends like Build-to-Rent housing.
Looking Ahead: 2025 promises to bring even more exciting initiatives, broader adoption of RESNET® programs, and a collective journey toward achieving 1 million HERS ratings annually. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with RESNET® through upcoming events like the RESNET® 2025 Conference and continued advocacy efforts.
Call to Action: If this episode inspired you, revisit the full conversations for deeper insights and ideas. We thank our listeners, guests, and stakeholders for their contributions to an impactful year. Here’s to even greater achievements in 2025!
Topic & Episode
Topic
Full Episode link
Part A GOALS & MACRO TRENDS
124
Ambitious goals 2028
www.bit.ly/RT-124
124
Stretch goals
www.bit.ly/RT-124
128
Defining BTR & HERS Ratings
www.bit.ly/RT-128
Part B SOFTWARE & DATA
125
Development of the QA app
www.bit.ly/RT-125
134
Purpose and goals for QA App
www.bit.ly/RT-134
131
Highlights from the Trends report
www.bit.ly/RT-131
132
QA is the backbone
www.bit.ly/RT-132
Part C PEOPLE
126
Perspectives on Women in the HERS industry
www.bit.ly/RT-126
127
Robert's advocacy experience
www.bit.ly/RT-127
127
Carl on how advocacy days are structured
www.bit.ly/RT-127
129
Paulette explains her role in outreach
www.bit.ly/RT-129
133
Evolution of IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist
www.bit.ly/RT-133
130
Preview of the 2025 RESNET Conference
www.bit.ly/RT-130
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.
– Benjamin Franklin
In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn speaks with three guests to discuss the RESNET® QA app, an innovative tool designed to streamline the quality assurance process for home energy ratings. Bill is joined by Billy Giblin, RESNET®’s quality assurance field specialist, Kelvin Abong and Kiro Bondarev from The Fourth Dimension (4D), RESNET®'s technology partner. Together, they explore the app’s journey from ideation to execution, its role in harmonizing quality assurance efforts, and the benefits it brings to users.
Billy provides insight into the app's development, explaining how it shifts the industry from inconsistent spreadsheet-based reviews to a more transparent, data-driven approach. Kelvin discusses 4D's collaborative efforts to design a user-friendly app and highlights future improvements based on user feedback. Kiro offers technical details describing the app's ability to integrate with external QA tools via an API, ensuring flexibility for providers.
The conversation touches on the importance of industry adoption, the app’s intuitive design, and its positive impact. The episode includes exciting news about upcoming features, including cloud syncing and expanded integration with Energy Star.
Here is a link to RESTalk EP125, where we first introduced the QA App on this podcast
https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep125-qa-in-your-pocket-how-a-mobile-app-is-empowering-resnet-hers-ratings-with-cassandra-wright-leo-jansen-and-billy-giblin
A press release on the RESNET® QA App, including links to download the app:
https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-launches-new-qa-app-for-resnet-rating-providers-and-qads/
More details on the RESNET® QA App:
https://www.resnet.us/about/qa/resnet-qa-app/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.
Anton Chekhov
In this episode of the RESTalk podcast, host Bill Spohn talks with Mark Johnson from the International Code Council (ICC) and Steve Baden from RESNET® about a new collaboration to enhance energy code compliance. They discuss the growing complexities of energy codes, particularly the challenge of ensuring compliance amid increasing technical and regulatory demands. To address this, ICC and RESNET® are introducing a program to involve HERS raters as third-party verifiers, providing quality assurance and supporting local code officials, especially where resources are limited.
The conversation delves into the origins and development of this program, which has been over a decade in the making. Steve and Mark describe their journey, starting with joint training initiatives and establishing standards such as the Energy Rating Index (ERI). The latest effort includes certification of RESNET® HERS® raters to act as recognized compliance specialists under the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This certification ensures that raters understand building science and are well-versed in energy code requirements, enhancing credibility with code officials.
Mark and Steve emphasize the need for collaboration and transparency in implementing these new compliance measures. They highlight that this partnership helps jurisdictions struggling with limited code enforcement capacity and provides career growth opportunities for HERS raters. The program aims to be fully launched by the end of 2025, with both guests encouraging raters to obtain their certifications soon to position themselves at the forefront of this compliance evolution.
Here’s the link to the ICC website with all of the info on the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist Designation:
https://www.iccsafe.org/content/ecs-designation/
Flyer with a quick summary:
https://cdn-www-v2.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/ICC_HERSComplianceSpecialist_MessagingToCodeOfficials_infographic-002.jpg.webp
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.
John Ruskin
In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn is joined by Scott Doyle and Ryan Meres from RESNET® to discuss their ambitious goal of achieving one million ratings annually by 2028. The conversation begins with an overview of RESNET®'s significant progress, which recorded 360,000 ratings in 2023—a 136% increase since 2013. The discussion highlights the importance of quality assurance in maintaining the credibility of the HERS rating system, particularly as RESNET® scales its operations and engages more stakeholders.
Scott Doyle, the Managing Director of Quality Assurance at RESNET®, emphasizes the critical role of quality assurance in ensuring consistency and reliability in the HERS rating process. This is especially important as RESNET’s® influence grows, necessitating the trust of external stakeholders. Ryan elaborates on how the RESNET® self-funding model, primarily through fees for homes submitted to their registry, has allowed the organization to expand its staff and services since 2017 without relying on government grants.
The episode also explores opportunities to expand HERS® ratings in new and existing home markets. Ryan and Scott discuss how federal tax credits, builder incentives, and new technologies drive interest in HERS® ratings, particularly among large national production builders. They also touch on the potential for growth in the existing homes market, especially among companies that manage large portfolios of older properties. The conversation concludes with a call to action for HERS® raters to build capacity in anticipation of the growing demand for energy, water, and carbon ratings and energy codes services and a reminder of the importance of attending the upcoming RESNET® conference to stay informed and connected in the industry.
Link to the 2025 RESNET® Conference: https://whova.com/web/O69mUZ3%40Ukqwwk5w4pS%40yN-VrNyD68R4WHS7uRqUeos%3D/
To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
The greatest value of a picture is when it forces us to notice what we never expected to see. John Tukey
In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes his most frequent guest, RESNET staff member, Ryan Meres, to discuss the latest trends in the 2024 edition of the HERS-rated homes. This report, created as an initiative of the RESNET Suppliers Advisory Board, highlights data trends and analysis in the residential construction market. The report shows a consistent year-over-year increase in HERS ratings, with the total number last year reaching 362,000, and projections for this year indicating that the number may surpass 400,000. Notably, states like Massachusetts and Arizona have seen significant adoption rates of HERS ratings in new homes, with Massachusetts leading at 98%.
The conversation delves into various aspects of the report, such as the geographic distribution of HERS ratings, the types of ventilation systems used in homes, and the rise of all-electric homes. Meres notes that certain states, like Texas, have seen substantial increases in the percentage of homes receiving HERS ratings. The report also explores energy cost savings, insulation values, and air leakage rates, highlighting that homes with solar panels tend to have better insulation compared to those without. Additionally, the trend towards high-efficiency mechanical equipment and the decreasing use of gas heating and water heating systems is discussed, reflecting a gradual shift towards more energy-efficient building practices.
Finally, the podcast touches on the growing importance of the HERSH2O rating system, which measures water efficiency in homes. Ryan explains that the program has been expanding, particularly in the Southwest, and is beginning to gain traction in other regions as well. The report indicates that HERSH2O rated homes can save significant amounts of water annually. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the value of the data provided in the report, emphasizing its role in helping builders and decision-makers understand and implement best practices for achieving energy and water efficiency in residential construction.
Link to the report: https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/RESNET_2024_HERSTrendsDataReport_FINAL.pdf Ryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-meres-58977110/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.
Steve Jobs
Bill Spohn welcomes RESNET staff member Clara Hedrick to discuss the upcoming RESNET 2025 conference. Clara, the lead events coordinator for RESNET, shares her excitement about the event and details her responsibilities. The conference is scheduled for January 27-30, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona, a location praised for its accessibility, nightlife, and natural beauty. Clara highlights the venue, Tempe Mission Palms, chosen for its amenities and feedback from previous events. With a goal of 500 attendees, Clara anticipates a sellout crowd and emphasizes the importance of early registration. She stresses that early registration is crucial to secure accommodation and participation, as the event is expected to be in high demand.
The conference theme celebrates 30 years of RESNET and 4 million homes rated. Clara outlines the general schedule, starting with an opening reception sponsored by NAIMA on January 26. The following days will feature general sessions, panel discussions, and breakout sessions focusing on various themes, including building science, energy codes, and EPA programs. New session tracks like RESNET 101 and separate business and workforce development sessions aim to provide comprehensive insights for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. Special events, such as offsite tours and training sessions, will take place later in the week, providing educational and networking opportunities.
Clara also discusses the exhibit hall, which will be adjacent to the general session room, offering booth spaces and tabletops for exhibitors. The conference aims to balance formal sessions with ample networking time, ensuring attendees can connect with peers and industry leaders. This is a unique opportunity to forge new connections and strengthen existing ones. Clara encourages listeners to stay informed through the RESNET mailing list and highlights the importance of feedback in shaping future events. The episode concludes with Clara expressing her passion for the event and her commitment to making it a success, thanking the RESNET community for their continued support and engagement.
Link to the conference RSVP form: https://www.resnet.us/2025-resnet-conference-rsvp/
Contact the conference team at: conference@resnet.us
RESNET Newsletter sign up (the KEY to so much info): https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1878040/1889360/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." — Baba Dioum
In the latest episode of RESTalk podcast, Bill Spohn hosts Paulette McGhie and Ryan Meres to discuss RESNET®'s innovative approaches to water, carbon, and building codes. Paulette McGhie, who recently joined RESNET, shares her extensive background in energy compliance and her passion for energy transparency, driven by a personal experience involving her mother's high utility bills. She now focuses on outreach, education, and advocacy, aiming to promote net-zero energy homes by 2040.
The discussion highlights RESNET®'s recent activities, including a significant meeting with Utah's water conservation board to address water reduction goals. Paulette emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts among key stakeholders to create incentives and recognition programs for builders adopting water-efficient practices. Ryan Meres discusses RESNET®'s recent policy forum in Washington, D.C., where they advocated for a federal tax credit for water efficiency, similar to the existing 45L tax credit for energy-efficient homes.
The podcast also covers the challenges in promoting water efficiency and adopting advanced building codes. Paulette and Ryan acknowledge the difficulties builders face, particularly in regions with strict outdoor water use regulations. They stress the need for continuous education and advocacy to overcome these obstacles. Both guests are optimistic about increasing builder participation in RESNET® programs and establishing a robust energy code compliance program, aiming for significant progress in the next year.
Paueltte’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulette-mcghie-b4675516/
Ryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-meres-58977110/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"Build-to-rent isn't just about providing a place to live; it's about crafting communities where flexibility and convenience meet modern living standards."
In this episode of the RESTalk podcast, host Bill Spohn welcomed returning guest Laurel Elam and new participant Thomas Cochran. The discussion primarily centered on the burgeoning trend of build-to-rent (BTR) housing. Thomas, who serves as the Senior Vice President of National Business Development and Marketing at ARCXIS, shared insights on his role which involves strategic partnerships and initiatives that span regional to national scales, focusing lately on sustainability and energy efficiency in building projects.
The conversation delved into the specifics of the build-to-rent sector, which Thomas described as detached multifamily housing projects or "horizontal apartments." These developments are typically managed by property management firms after being constructed by home builders. Laurel, who has been actively presenting with Thomas on this topic, mentioned RESNET's involvement through a newly formed advisory group aimed at aligning the rating industry with the build-to-rent movement. This initiative reflects a significant opportunity for energy rating companies to contribute to this growing sector.
Further, both speakers discussed the practical applications and implications of the build-to-rent model. They emphasized the importance of energy ratings not only for individual homeowners but also for institutional investors and property managers, highlighting the broad appeal and utility of the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) index in these projects. The podcast touched on the geographic expansion of build-to-rent projects, particularly noting active markets in Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Georgia, and how these projects cater to a diverse demographic, including younger generations and retirees looking for flexibility and convenience in housing.
Thomas’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-c-549bab41/
Laurel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-elam-5404817/
Related articles:
https://www.resnet.us/articles/build-to-rent-housing-sees-dynamic-growth-in-2023/
https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-appoints-btr-advisory-group-arcxis-thomas-cochran-as-chair/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"Advocacy is the mirror reflecting the voices of the community into the corridors of power."
- Unknown
In today’s podcast we cover the topic of advocacy and public policy in the context of the residential energy sector learning from our guests Robert Pegues, General Manager of Technical Delivery at US Ecologic, and RESNET board member, and Carl Chidlow, a lobbyist representing RESNET. Robert shares his background in the sector, highlighting his experience at last year’s policy forum and his involvement with regional and national energy councils. Carl provides insights into RESNET's efforts to engage with policymakers through the RESNET Policy Forum, emphasizing the importance of practitioner involvement in legislative processes and the positive outcomes from bipartisan support on issues like the 45L tax credit and VA home loans.
Our main discussion revolves around the upcoming 2024 RESNET Policy Forum, where industry professionals will convene to advocate for energy efficiency and housing policies. Carl explains the event's objectives and the practical aspects of participating, such as scheduled meetings with Congress members and the importance of constituency in policy advocacy, a truly turnkey process for the participant. Our narrative underlines the significance of direct engagement in shaping policies that affect the residential energy sector.
The conversation also touches on the practical and personal aspects of participating in such an event, with Robert sharing his initial apprehensions and eventual satisfaction from influencing policy and advocating for industry concerns. Both Carl and Robert encourage listeners to participate in the policy forum, highlighting the opportunity to affect change and the foundational American right to petition the government. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to consider attending the policy forum and engaging in the democratic process to advocate for their industry and interests. Robert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-pegues-785622a7/
Carl’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-chidlow-7816ba37/
Link to the 2024 Policy Forum: https://www.resnet.us/2024-policy-forum/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"I never dreamed about success. I worked for it."
- Estée Lauder
We welcome Sharla Riead, Lead Instructor at Energy Smart Institute and Emelie Cuppernell Glitch, VP Programs at Performance Systems Development to focusing on the recognition of women in the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating industry. Sharla shares her extensive background, beginning with founding an energy auditing company in 1979, which evolved into a HERS rating company, and subsequently into roles in quality assurance and training within the industry. She emphasizes her company's impact and the shift she has observed towards greater female involvement in the sector.
Emelie details her journey in the industry, from her initial interest in science and residential energy to her current role as vice president of Performance Systems Development. She discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in the field, including overcoming assumed biases and the importance of establishing credibility. She reflects on the changing landscape for women in the industry, noting improvements and sharing a personal anecdote illustrating past gender assumptions.
The conversation concludes with advice for women entering the industry, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, self-trust, and getting outside one’s comfort zone. Both guests underline the evolving nature of the industry, noting an increase in female participation, the growing list of role models and encouraging more women to join. They stress the value of diversity and the need for different perspectives in building science and energy efficiency, illustrating the industry’s ongoing transformation and the significant contributions of women.
Links To Sharla and Emelie on LinkedIn are below along with a Press Release from the RESNET’s Inaugural Class Recognizing Women Pioneers in the HERS Industry during the 2023 conference held in San Diego, CA.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharla-riead/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emelie-cuppernell-glitch-a8647b26/
https://www.resnet.us/about/inaugural-class-of-resnet-recognition-of-women-pioneers-in-hers-industry/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
The best way to predict your future is to create it.
- Abraham Lincoln
Data is king, they say. How can the RESNET Quality Assurance (QA) app's data insights revolutionize how we rate energy-efficient homes?
Imagine a world where getting your home energy rating was made easier by using a smartphone app. Is that the future the RESNET QA app promises?
Our trio of guests, Quality Assurance Designees (QADs) Cassandra Wright from Strand Systems and Leo Jansen from Energy Efficient Homes Midwest, and RESNET Quality Assurance Field Specialist Billy Giblin, help us to understand the development and application of the new RESNET QA app, a tool designed to improve the quality and consistency of home energy ratings. Here are some key points:
Background:
- The QA checklist was created to address concerns about inconsistencies in quality assurance (QA) reviews.
- The checklist evolved through several versions and became a mandatory provider requirement.
- The need for better data access and tracking led to development of the QA app.
The App:
- Available on the Apple Store, Google Play, and as a web app.
- Streamlines the QA process by pulling data from the RESNET Buildings Registry.
- Saves time and reduces manual entries.
- Allows providers to control access for their QADs.
Future Plans:
- Integrate with other energy efficiency programs like Energy Star Indoor airPlus and Zero Energy Ready Homes.
- Create a forum for QADs to ask questions and share best practices.
- Develop dashboards for providers and QADs to track their QA and performance.
- Implement an API for providers who want to use their own tools for QA.
Benefits:
- Improves transparency and consistency in QA reviews.
- Provides valuable data for tracking and improving performance.
- Reduces the workload for QADs and providers.
Challenges:
- Providers who use a retroactive QA model may need to adjust their process.
- Learning curve for using the new app and API.
Overall, the RESNET QA app is a positive step towards improving the quality and consistency of home energy ratings. Everyone will need time to adjust to the new system, but the potential benefits are significant.
Link to RESNET site with info on the QA app: www.resnet.us/about/qa/resnet-qa-app/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us.
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Time is neutral and does not change things.
With courage and initiative, leaders change things.
- Jesse Jackson
The advent of a new year naturally brings broader thinking, more introspection, and the creation of future goals.
What future goal has RESNET’s board recently adopted?
What near-term initiatives create the path to that goal?
How confident is RESNET in meeting that goal?
What is “embodied passion index?”
In 2024’s inaugural episode of RESTALK, Steve Baden and Mark Johnson discuss RESNET’s ambitious goal of achieving one million ratings by the end of 2028. This goal represents a significant shift towards a goal-driven budget, breaking away from traditional year-to-year budgeting. The board's decision to set such an audacious goal is based on several factors, including the increasing demand for housing, the need for energy efficiency in homes, and the availability of new tools and initiatives.
One key initiative is the collaboration between RESNET and the International Code Council (ICC) to improve compliance with energy codes. This involves training and certifying RESNET HERS (Home Energy Rating System) raters who can play a crucial role in ensuring compliance. The extension and amendment of the 45L tax credit also provides incentives for builders to focus on energy efficiency in homes. Additionally, the use of HERS index scores as a matrix for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting by production builders and the growth of green bond programs by finance organizations further demonstrate the industry's commitment to sustainability.
The interview also highlights RESNET’s efforts in developing a water efficiency index, a carbon index for homes, and the promising build-to-rent movement, which addresses the housing shortage while promoting energy-efficient homes. The conversation concludes with both Steve and Mark expressing confidence in RESNET’s ability to achieve its ambitious goal, driven by the passion and commitment of the industry and the growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable homes.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
That’s the funny thing about time. It is only in looking back that it’s easy to connect the dots.
To see exactly why everything needed to happen the way that it did.
- Rebecca Serle
11 episodes, 11 topics, 17 different guests and over 5 hours of RES-Talking in 2023!
We covered a lot of ground in the RESTalk podcast in 2023, now going into our 6th year of episodes.
We hope we stimulated your thinking and moved you into action in this ever-evolving world of home energy ratings and peripheral topics.
Listen in to this fast-paced recap of the year in RESTalk, maybe you missed a detail or two in these nuggets we have mined.
If you’d like to dig a little deeper into the topics covered in these episodes, see the list mentioned in each section below.
PART A: Organization. Systems & Affiliates
Episode
Speaker(s)
Topic
LINK
112
Steve Baden John Hensley
2023 RESNET Mission, Goals and Priorities
LINK
114
Mark Johnson and Cy Kilbourn
Meet the new RESNET board leaders
LINK
121
Clara Hedrick and Emma Bennett
Back Together and Stronger, the RESNET 2023 Conference
LINK
PART B: Buildings and Building Data
Episode
Speaker(s)
Topic
LINK
116
Ryan Meres
RESNET Data Sheds Light on Energy Efficient Home Trends
LINK
117
James Rodriguez & Ned Munoz
Learn about the HERS Index and Texas House Bill 3215
LINK
120
Robert Broad
Energy Efficient Homebuilding at Scale with Robert Broad of AMH Development
LINK
122
Michael Lee
Best Practices in Construction Technology Education
LINK
PART C: Carbon, ESG and HERS Zero
Episode
Speaker(s)
Topic
LINK
113
Phililp Fairey David Goldstein
Update on RESNET Carbon Index
LINK
115
Chris Magwood
The New RESNET Embodied Carbon Advisory Committee
LINK
118
Rob Lochner & David Best
Santa Fe's Habitat for Humanity building homes with HERS-ZERO scores
LINK
119
Matthew Cooper
RESNET® Appoints New ESG Advisory Group
LINK
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Whatever good things we build end up building us.
-Jim Rohn
In today’s episode we chat with Michael Lee coordinator of the Construction Technology Program at Texarkana College in Texarkana, TX.
We learn of his back story which led him to this role. He thoughtfully describes the approach he has taken to build the construction technology department at Texarkana College.
Michael describes the students that come through the program, where they come from, what they’re taught, and where they end up working.
He spends extra effort in enriching his instruction by getting the students out into the field at events, (like the recent RESNET Texas Home Builders Association event), into factories or by bringing in guest instructors.
We also discuss how he includes the principles of energy efficient construction including the house as a system approach, HERS scoring and using the latest techniques and materials.
Details on the construction program in the following links:
https://www.texarkanacollege.edu/programs/construction-technology/
https://catalog.texarkanacollege.edu/article/construction-technology-associate-applied-science/
Degree plan: https://catalog.texarkanacollege.edu/article/construction-technology-associate-applied-science/
The Construction Technology program making the news:
https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2022/oct/11/tc-construction-students-build-new-picnic-tables/
A couple of Mike’s favorite learning resources:
https://www.apawood.org/publication-search
https://buildshownetwork.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@essentialcraftsman
You can reach Michael via the Texarkana college website at: https://www.texarkanacollege.edu/faculty-and-staff-resources/?
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress; working together is success.
-Edward Everett Hale
On today’s podcast we welcome Clara Hedrick and Emma Bennett to give us up to date and inside information about the Upcoming RESNET conference: Nov 15-17, 2023 in San Diego, CA.
Since the last face to face conference was in 2020, and after virtual conferences in 2021 and 2022, Emma shares what will be the same and what will be different as compared to past conferences.
We also over a few of the specific events that attendees can look forward to as well as recommend activities outside of the conference.
Breakout session topics include Carbon/ESG, Water Efficiency & HERSH2O®, HERS® as the Gold Standard, California – Here We Come, New Opportunities for the Rating Industry, Energy Codes, Tapping the Existing Homes Market, Latest Developments in Building Science, Workforce Development, and Financing Improving the Energy Efficiency of Homes
We close by sharing what we are each most looking forward to about the conference.
Links Mentioned in the episode:
View the schedule, find travel details and learn more about the conference at: https://www.resnet.us/conference-2023/
Find details on the KB Homes Microgrid home tour: https://www.resnet.us/conference-2023/kb-homes-microgrid-tour/
Learn more about the RESNET Emerging Leadership council at: https://www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/
The RESTALK Podcast EP 115 with Chris Magwood on the Embodied Carbon Advisory Committee: https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep115-the-new-resnet-embodied-carbon-advisory-committee-with-chris-magwood-from-rmi
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.
-Jochen Zeitz
In this episode of the RESTalk podcast we are joined by Robert Broad, Senior Vice President of Development at AMH (NYSE: AMH), where he oversees new home and community development operations - including land acquisition, land development, purchasing, product development, and construction.
Robert shares with us AMH’s focus on a desire to create more energy efficient homes using scalable techniques and measurable goals. During this conversation we learn of some new and innovative approaches by AMH.
Robert also shares with us why AMH chooses to have its homes HERS® Rated and what he feels are the special aspects of a HERS® Rated home.
We hear that in 2022, AMH built 2,183 homes with an average HERS® score of 61.9 or 0.9 better than 2021.
Robert tells us how RESNET offers builders a quantifiable program where you can excel with a wide range of markers that’s compatible across multiple regions and climate zones.
With AMH investing in being long-term owner-operator, durability is key operating metric in their new builds. RESNET helps AMH establish their baseline in sustainability efforts to create a strong foundation they can use to track progress year over year.
Robert’s LinkedIn profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-broad-a182384/
https://www.resnet.us/articles/american-homes-4-rent-sets-path-to-zero-energy-homes-through-hers-ratings/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMMFx-3m2g4
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all. It is a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship and strengthen governance.
-Ban Ki-moon
ESG has become an integral factor in the financial world. The Structured Finance Association estimates that $11.6 trillion, or $1 of every $4 invested in the United States, was invested under ESG investment strategies.
RESNET® HERS® Ratings are increasingly becoming the metric for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting on the energy performance of homes.
How will RESNET keep track of the needs and opportunities presented by this movement in the industry?
RESNET® Executive Director Steve Baden has recently appointed a RESNET ESG Advisory Group to better track these emerging opportunities and to develop recommendations on how RESNET® should position itself to take advantage of them. The group is composed of a select group of rating companies and builder representatives that are active in this area of the industry.
We are joined on this podcast by Matthew Cooper of PEG chair of the advisory group.
Matthew shares with us his insights and details on the initial efforts of the task group which will be targeted on increasing the presence of RESNET® and HERS® Ratings to financers investing in this economic activity.
Other members of the group are:
Jacob Atalla, KB Home
Erin Bordelon, D.R. Horton
Thomas Cochran, ARCXIS
Ian Hughes, Meritage Homes
Eric Johnson, US Eco-Logic
Nathan Kahre, EnergyLogic
Chris Urbanus, Burgess Construction Consultants, Inc.
Links:
Matthew’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-cooper-peg/
https://www.resnet.us/articles/green-bond-market-for-single-family-energy-efficient-homes-grows/
https://www.resnet.us/articles/american-homes-4-rent-sets-path-to-zero-energy-homes-through-hers-ratings/
https://www.resnet.us/articles/the-nations-big-builders-drive-up-hers-ratings-in-2020/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others.
It is the only thing.”
-Albert Schweitzer
Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to help families build and improve places to call home. In the process developing strong and stable communities with affordable housing.
Often household utility costs make affordability a challenge.
What factors need to fall into place to address this challenge of affordability?
How are cozy, comfortable, attractive homes that use no net energy being built in the Habit for Humanity model?
Join us as Rob Lochner, Construction Director at Habit for Humanity, Santa Fe and David Best, HERS Rater with Evergreen Building Solutions (www.evergreenbuildingsolutions.com/) share with us the fascinating story of how 15 NetZero / HERS-ZERO homes have been built in the Habitat for Humanity program in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
David describes some of the straightforward technical practices and measures that have been used as the program has evolved since 2020.
While these homes are attracting interest and providing influence, Rob shares insights into what seems to be preventing more widespread adoption of these practices in more projects.
To learn more or contact our guests, refer to the links below.
Links for our guests:
David Best: drb713@gmail.com
David’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-best-30359a33/
Rob Lochner: rob@santafehabitat.org
Video with Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/build-block-building-systems_video-icfs-and-habitat-for-humanity-activity-6947958189782958080-Uh5d?
Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity Website: https://santafehabitat.org/habitat-homes/
Albuquerque Journal Story:
https://www.abqjournal.com/2599030/headline-goes-here-258.html
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“The trend is your friend.”
-Mark Zweig
With Texas as the leading state in new home starts, we can expect some housing trends first to arise there.
Why was House Bill 3215 developed and enacted in Texas?
What entities and organizations participated in developing the language in the bill?
How will this impact the HERS industry in Texas and elsewhere?
Joining us on today’s podcast is Ned Munoz, V.P. of Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel at Texas Association of Builders, and James Rodriguez, Executive Vice President at Fox Energy Specialists.
James shares with us the desire to set up a hybrid approach- that is, to introduce a second universal pathway of state energy compliance that is performance-based.
Which means Texas now recognizes the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index scores as a standalone compliance pathway which untangles it from the current ICC/IRC versions of the energy rating index (ERI) pathway.
Ned explains how the Texas Association of Builders recognizes the impact that mandated energy codes have on housing affordability while still encouraging energy-efficient home building and how these concepts influenced the wording of the bill.
It's important to note that the State of Texas overlay energy code for single-family new construction was not updated or changed by the bill.
Below are the HERS Index pathway thresholds remaining in effect for 10 years.
TIMELINE Climate Zone 2 HERS Index Climate Zone 3 HERS Index
09/1/19 to 08/31/22 63 63
09/1/22 to 08/31/25 59 59
09/1/25 to 08/31/28 57 57
09/1/28 to 09/01/31 55 55
Note: 2018 IECC mandatory items and building envelope thresholds must be upheld as part of these HERS scores.
LINKS:
2 articles on the topic:
https://www.resnet.us/builders/hb3215/
https://www.foxenergyspecialists.com/news/texas-house-bill-hb-3215-to-take-effect-on-september-1st
James Rodriguez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rodriguez-0523001/
Ned Munoz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-mu%C3%B1oz-13a5606/
FAQs on TX HB: 3125:
https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/HB-3215-FAQs_08062021.pdf
The actual TX HB 3215:
https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/87R-HB-3215-Enrolled-version.pdf
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Data is the most valuable asset in the world.”
- Brittany Kaiser
Housing trends have significant importance to the RESNET community.
In addition to tracking progress with RESNET HERS Ratings, the hundreds of data points collected on each home provide insights into the trends in energy efficiency, component selection and electrification.
What are some of the latest trends in HERS Rated homes?
What value can this data provide to all the stakeholders in RESNET?
RESTALK welcomes back RESNET’s Program Director, Ryan Meres, to share with us some insights he has gathered from the 2023 report: Trends in HERS Rated Homes, a statistical abstract.
Ryan shares with us the impetus of this report, as well as the latest trends in its third year of publication.
Some of the big picture trends he notes are:
- 129% increase in annual Ratings from 2013 to 2022
- Just shy of 338,000 Ratings last year (80% single family/20% multifamily)
- Have seen year-over-year increases for a decade
- Massachusetts is number one again with 82% of new homes receiving a Rating
- Indiana comes in second with 68%
- 8 states achieved 50% or more of new homes rated
- When looking only at the number of total ratings, Texas comes out on top with over 81,000 ratings.
Note: in the upcoming RESTALK Episode 117 we will learn about the HERS Index and Texas House Bill 3215.
We also cover other topics in the report including efficiency, component types and usage and trends toward electrification.
A link to the 2021 report:
https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/2021-Data-Trends-Report-of-HERS-Rated-Homes.pdf
A link to the 2022 Report:
https://t.e2ma.net/click/6263j7/ysd8cfc/u5splqh
A link to the 2023 report will be available in the RESNET Newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, please subscribe here:
https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1878040/1889360/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Doing your best in this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”
-Oprah Winfrey
A critical element in the decarbonization of homes is the embodied carbon produced in the construction of homes.
As the current RESNET Carbon Index® only covers the carbon produced due to energy used in a home, what do we do next?
What type of standards exists to perform this assessment?
What are the challenges and roadmap ahead?
Recently, the RESNET Board of Directors formally authorized the creation of an effort to explore the development of a residential embodied carbon standard.
The first step in this process is the creation of an advisory committee that will review the development of the standard, provide suggestions on how to proceed, and vet drafts of the guidelines.
Our guest today is Chris Magwood, Chair of the RESNET Embodied Carbon Advisory Committee. Chris’ full-time role is the Manager of Carbon-Free Buildings at RMI.
I found this topic fascinating as we explored the data and the impact on people, businesses, and the environment.
My big takeaway was that the stacked benefits are wins all the way around, and pursuing these efforts is not likely to be cost-prohibitive, perhaps cost-beneficial.
LINKS:
Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-magwood-8a8a9738/
RESNET blog post on The RESNET Embodied Carbon Advisory Committee:
https://www.resnet.us/about/resnet-carbon-rating-index/resnet-appoints-advisory-committee-to-investigate-development-of-standard-to-calculate-the-embodied-carbon-in-homes/
RESTalk EP113 on the Carbon Index update:
https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep113-update-on-resnet-carbon-index-with-philip-fairey-and-david-goldstein
Info on the RESNET Carbon Index: https://www.resnet.us/about/resnet-carbon-rating-index/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
-Warren Bennis
What are some of the qualities embodied in outstanding board leaders?
Someone who has experience in business leadership roles.
A person that has a proven track record in developing and executing strategy.
Someone who demonstrates a forward-thinking mentality.
In today’s podcast, we are joined by two outstanding board leaders, Mark Johnson, Executive VP and Director of Business Development at the International Code Council, and Cy Kilbourn, Vice President of Engineering at Ekotrope.
We learn of their backgrounds and growing involvement with RESNET over the years and how fitting they are to take on these roles: Mark as Board President and Cy as Board Vice President.
Mark describes his plans to continue to ensure that RESNET is the gold standard within the industry which includes the growing interest in and use of the Carbon Index.
Cy notes how he will help encourage and support the opportunities offered in field code compliance work, ESG reporting, and the extension of the 45L tax credit.
Mark and Cy are focusing on the realization and execution of these and other initiatives.
LINKS:
RESNET’s 2023 Mission, Goals, and Priorities:
https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/RESNET_2023_MissionGoalsPriorities_11-01-2022.pdf
RESNET Board Page: https://www.resnet.us/about/resnet-board-of-directors-members/
Mark Johnson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-johnson-79b71a7/
Cy Kilbourn on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cy-kilbourn-038bb019/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“The big picture doesn’t just come from distance; it also comes from time.”
-Simon Sinek
Climate change is becoming an increasing concern.
The private sector, individuals as well as state, local and federal governments are seeking to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As the energy used in all buildings, including homes, is cited as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, how do these entities get an accurate metric on emissions?Is there a way to use this info to address when energy is used in a home?As well as how much home energy consumption can be reduced?
Philip Fairey, Deputy Director at Florida Solar Energy Center, and David Goldstein, Energy Efficiency Advisor at the National Resources Defense Council, join us to provide an update on the RESNET Carbon Index.
The RESNET Carbon Index is the first-of-its-kind carbon rating index which addresses the critical issue of greenhouse gas emissions stemming from energy use in a home. The index can help with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting and as a basis for green bonds.
The existing RESNET HERS Index already looks at patterns of energy use by the hour of the year. It is a straightforward task to translate the energy profile into an emissions profile using the hourly CO2e emission rates and electricity generation emission projections as published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). All joking aside, it’s about time.
David and Philip explain how it is now a straightforward process to calculate the comparative emissions of two houses. For example, the emissions from a new house with, or without, efficiency and solar can be examined to see how much electrification and clean energy can help. Or one can compare a house as-is with how it would look with a deep decarbonization retrofit.
LINKS:Philip Fairey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-fairey-89867773/
David Goldstein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-b-goldstein-4700a58/
Details on the Carbon Rating Index from RESNET:
https://www.resnet.us/about/resnet-carbon-rating-index/
RESNET’s Infographic: https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/RESNET_CO2eIndex_infographic_11-15-2022.pdf NRDC Article: https://www.nrdc.org/experts/david-b-goldstein/new-tool-measuring-decarbonization
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.
-Vince Lombardi
Strong organizations fulfill their mission by periodically reflecting on their goals and priorities.
RESNET is no exception having adopted their 2023 Mission, Goals and Priorities by vote of the Board of Directors on October 7, 2022.
How are the goals crafted that align with and fulfill the mission?
How are priorities and budgets set so these goals are achieved?
How is 2023 looking to shape up?
John Hensley, President of the RESNET Board of Directors, and Steve Baden, RESNET Executive Director join us to describe the priorities for RESNET’s activities in 2023
Steve describes the process of setting the priorities and how they lead to the goals that have been set by the Board to achieve the mission.
John describes the RESNET mission and details out the goals while Steve describes how the goals and priorities shape the budget that has been adopted by the RESNET board.
John recaps the challenges and achievements for RESNET in 2022 and Steve outlines the challenges and opportunities for RESNET and the HERS Industry in 2023.
It’s the combined efforts of the board, the staff and the RESNET community that lead to the organization’s achievements, year after year.
LINK TO 2023 mission and goals: https://t.co/34gH0HLUXy
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.
- Margaret J. Wheatley
23 episodes, 23 topics and 34 different guests.
We covered a lot of ground in the RESTalk podcast in 2022, now going into our 5th year of episodes.
(Over 12 hours of conversations about the world of RESNET!)
We hope we stimulated your thinking and moved you into action in this often-complex world of home energy ratings.
If you’d like to dig a little deeper into the topics covered in these episodes, see the list mentioned in each section below.
PART A: Organization. Systems & Affiliates
Episode
Speaker
Topic
89
Steve, John
Steve Baden describes the opportunities and threats for RESNET going into 2022
90
Dominic Sims, Mark Johnson
Broader consensus in code development
100
Joshua Anderson
Breaking into the industry as a HERS modeler
101
Simone Beaty
Factors influencing the outlook for green mortgage-backed securities
102
David Choo
CALCERTS David Choo's Motivations for entering the Home Energy Industry
110
Billy Giblin
An overview of onsite field visits and their impact
PART B: Buildings and Building Data
Episode
Speaker
Topic
91
Ryan Meres
Who are the buyers of HERS Rated Homes and what is driving their decisions
96
Sara Gutterman
Net Zero everything?
98
Ryan Meres
Data on new homes getting to Net Zero
106
Spencer Frye
Athens GA Ground Zero for the affordable homes’ crisis
109
Emily Mottram
How did the Pretty Good House concept get started
PART C: The RESNET Community
Episode
Speaker
Topic
88
Emma Bennett
What do people get out of the RESNET Building Performance Conferences
92
Elizabeth Sanfelippo
Artistic Perspectives in Home Performance
93
Jacob Kamen
Mentorship in RESNET
95
John Godden
CRESNET / RESNET Cross Border Challenge, new technologies and water
97
Jared Kain-Woods
Detective work and complexity in energy efficient designs
104
Stefan Orenda
Unique ways to market energy efficient homes with consumers
PART D: Codes & Standards
Episode
Speaker
Topic
94
Andy Buccino & Sara DeVico
Embodied carbon tools & engaging builders
103
Jacob Atalla
The water & energy nexus
107
David Goldstein
What is the genesis of the RESNET CO2e Index
99
Alex Meaney
What does a load calculation tell you and more
105
Steve Rogers
Why is duct leakage testing so important? An example.
108
Jim Bergmann
Importance of proper design installation of a blower/air handler & cost of ownership
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
I remind myself every morning:Nothing I say this day will teach me anything.
So, if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.
Larry King
Change is a constant.
Gathering feedback, reviewing changes and trends and acting upon the results is critical to maintaining a successful business, organization or system.
As we look back on 2022, and look froward into the coming years, what type of changes are happening at RESNET with regard to QA?
We welcome back RESNET’s multifaceted QA Team - Laurel Elam, Billy Giblin, and Scott Doyle for an interactive overview of the QA team’s activities, achievements, and plans.
Laurel gives us an update on RESNET’s current standard developments related to Quality Assurance. And we learn why modifications were made to the appeals procedures.
Billy shares with us how the onsite field visits are going now that he is back to traveling and doing these in-person.
We also learn about the trends in online and onsite provider visits from Billy and Scott and get a gauge on compliance.
Scott fills us in on changes to RESNET’s Quality Assurance Data Tool and discusses providers’ access.
We also discuss other topics on the QA Horizon including a Providers’ beta test group looking at data that can be used for business intelligence.
Overall, we hear of the impact of careful listening and thoughtful consideration given to feedback received by the QA team.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Those that educate the market, own the market.
Emily Mottram
We’ve all heard of advanced housing concepts that require little net energy to operate.
Architects, builders, and suppliers in the residential construction industry often get together at conferences and locally and sometimes birth new concepts while challenging others.
What kind of ideas develop when you ignite their passions, crowd source ideas, and marinate for a few years?
What if you aspire to build a Pretty Good House? What does that look like? How do you go about educating others?
Joining us on today’s podcast as Emily Mottram of Mottram Architecture describes for us a passion project that started out of local discussions in her home state of Maine and has branched out into a book, a course, a podcast, webinars and regional events!
Emily describes a Pretty Good House (PGH) as an open-source framework and set of guidelines for building or renovating a home that focus both on its inhabitants and the environment—but keeps in mind that few people have pockets deep enough to achieve a “perfect” solution. The PGH concept respects financial and practical constraints to meet both home owner and environmental needs. https://www.prettygoodhouse.org/
In July 2022, Emily, Christopher Briley, Daniel Kolbert, and Michael Maines began selling a book that organizes and presents the PGH framework: https://www.tauntonstore.com/pretty-good-house
They have also created the Pretty Good House course launching on January 4, 2023: finehomebuilding.com/prettygoodhousecourse
The course will offer eight (8) RESNET Professional Development Credits for Quality Assurance Designees and Instructors.
SPECIAL OFFER: The course offers a special discount code: RESNET100. The code is good for $100 off the course cost. The code expires on the day the course begins.
For details on documenting RESNET Quality Assurance Designee or Instructor Professional Development Credits, contact Scott Doyle, Technical Director, Quality Assurance & Training. Scott@RESNET.us
Emily, also a HERS Rater, shares her experiences on energy and efficiency in her podcast, E3: Energy and Efficiency with Emily, now in its fourth season: https://www.mottramarch.com/the-podcast
Her podcast focuses on building science, architecture, and female entrepreneurship and stresses teamwork.
Her passion continues to exude as Co-host of the BS+Beer Show: https://www.thebsandbeershow.com/
Link to Emily’s bio: https://www.mottramarch.com/emily-mottram-about
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
The only source of knowledge is experience.
Albert Einstein
The message is clear, HVAC equipment is often the largest energy-consuming system in a home.
While listeners likely know about blower door and duct leakage tests, what impact do blower Watt draw and refrigerant charge on HVAC energy use?
What can we learn from an HVAC expert with so much experience?
Today’s podcast continues down the technical trail with the last installment of a three-part series on cracking open the details of the ANSI/RESNET/ACCA/ICC Standard 310.
Previous podcasts covered the other aspects of this standard:
Episode 99 with Alex Meaney (MeanHVAC) on HVAC System design
Episode 105 with Steve Rogers (TEC) on Duct leakage and AirFlow
We are joined by Jim Bergmann, President of MeasureQuick and an HVAC system measurements and diagnostics expert.
Jim takes the listener on a deep, technical dive. He introduces us to the technology used to measure blower fan watt draw and refrigerant charge and the power of proper diagnostic methods and techniques.
After listening, you will better understand the “why and how” of getting these important parameters properly dialed in.
Here are some links related to today’s podcast::
The written RESNET/ANSI/ACCA/ICC standard 310:
https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/ANSIRESNETACCA_310-2020_v7.1.pdf
How Quality Installation Impacts Equipment: How RESNET Standard 310 helps:
https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/06/f75/bbrn-peer-032620.pdf
A video on how to do the Non-Invasive System Test (checking charge without gauges):
https://youtu.be/gOzep_Ayyr0
Software that helps:
www.MeasureQuick.com
You can also reach our guest via email:
Jim@MeasureQuick.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Passion provides purpose, but data drives decisions
Andy Dunn
What does CO2e mean?
What are the impacts of time and location on energy use and production?
How and why are we morphing from energy as a proxy for emissions?
We are joined on today’s podcast by David Goldstein, Energy Co-Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and John Taylor, Deputy Director of The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) to discuss a new tool that RESNET has underdevelopment: The CO2e Index
The RESNET CO2e Rating Index is among the first in the world to more accurately estimate emissions by accounting for the hour of the day and month of the year at which electricity is consumed. And it uses the incremental effect that the building has on usable renewable energy and fossil fuel emissions, calculated over the long term.
David describes how a carbon dioxide equivalent or CO2 equivalent, abbreviated as CO2e, is used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases based on their global-warming potential (GWP) by converting amounts of other gases to the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide with the same global warming potential.
Since the RESNET HERS Index already looks at energy pattern usage by the hour of the year, it is a straightforward task to translate the energy profile into an emissions profile if you have the data that underlie these figures. John helps us understand these aspects of the model.
The new RESNET CO2e Rating Index allows one to calculate the comparative emissions of two houses. For example, you can look at the emissions from a new house with or without efficiency and solar to see how much changes like electrification and clean energy can help.
As a result of this, there are no changes to the RESNET HERS rating process - it is more a function of software changes.
Some links to press on this podcast’s topic:
https://www.nrdc.org/experts/david-b-goldstein/new-tool-measuring-decarbonization
Link to a presentation from the 2020 Conference on this topic:
http://conference.resnet.us/data/energymeetings/presentations/Incorporating%20When%20Energy%20is%20Used%20in%20the%20HERS%20Index%20-%20Goldstein.pdf
You can reach our guests via email:
dgoldstein@nrdc.org
jtaylor@cee1.org
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
We must shift our thinking away from short term gain toward long-term investment and sustainability, and always have the next generations in mind with every decision we make..
Deb Haaland
What does it take to start a conversation on smaller homes in a community that traditionally bans them?
How can we collaborate to move the conversations to reality?
What can be learned when a real world project closely examines housing size, land area and energy use through the lenses of charity and sustainability?
Spencer Frye (State Rep House District 118 at Georgia General Assembly and Executive director for the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity ) and Jeremy Field (VP of Operations at Imery Ratings) join us to describe the background and execution of the Kinda Tiny Habitat House that was recently constructed in Athens, GA.
This house, a product of a design contest cosponsored by SK Collaborative and the Atlanta Branch of the USGBC is an example of a greener home, but it’s also meant to start a conversation in Athens about zoning codes, according to Frye.
Listen in as we learn the details of how this project came about, the impact it has had in the community and the important role that the RESNET HERS rating process had in bringing this vision to fruition
Some links to press on this podcast’s topic:
https://flagpole.com/news/news-features/2022/05/18/habitat-for-humanitys-new-affordable-housing-model-kinda-tiny-homes/
https://news.uga.edu/uga-student-designs-winning-kinda-tiny-home/
https://www.wuga.org/local-news/2022-04-27/athens-area-habitat-for-humanity-completes-kinda-tiny-homes
https://www.usgbc.org/articles/kinda-tiny-homes-deliver-huge-results-usgbc-georgia
https://www.athenshabitat.com/
You can reach our guests via email:
jfield@imerygroup.com
spencer@athenshabitat.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Simplicity is the outcome of technical subtlety.
It is the goal, not the starting point.
Maurice Saatchi
It’s worth repeating that HVAC equipment is often the largest energy-consuming system in a home.
While listeners have likely run duct leakage and blower airflow tests, how did we arrive at the straightforward, almost simple test equipment and methods used today?
What is the science behind the tests?
Today’s podcast continues down the technical trail with part two of a three-part series on cracking open the details of the ANSI/RESNET/ACCA/ICC Standard 310. We are joined by Steve Rogers, President of The Energy Conservatory and an expert in pressure and flow measurements.
Steve introduces us to the technology used to measure duct leakage and blower (air handler) airflow and the power of proper diagnostic methods and techniques.
Some of the educational resources mentioned may be found here: www.HVACairflow.com, which includes materials prepared by Ed Janowiak, Manager of HVAC Design Education for ACCA.
After listening, you will better understand the “why and how” of getting the duct leakage and blower airflow dialed in.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Once something is a passion, the motivation is there.”
Michael Schumacher
The Cross-Border Challenge is an annual event sponsored by RESNET and the Canadian Residential Energy Services Network (CRESNET) to recognize U.S. and Canadian builders who are pioneering the path to high-energy performance homes. CRESNET is RESNET’s sister organization in Canada.
What are the key qualities embodied in the winner of the 2022 Cross-Border challenge?
What are the underlying philosophies, processes and passions that create homes that customers truly desire?
Today on RESTalk we are joined by Paul Erhardt, President and Stefan Orenda, Chief Technology Officer both of Mandalay Homes in Prescott Valley, AZ to learn about their award-winning business.
In addition to reviewing the entry and judging requirements for the award, we get a peek inside the processes and philosophies at play in Mandalay Homes; systems that create an award-winning business that truly delivers for their customers.
In 2021, Mandalay Home’s winning score was an average HERS Index Score of 20.
Most importantly, Mandalay Homes is passionate about building homes that promote safety, health, comfort, style, reduced energy costs, and less environmental impact. We hear how Mandalay is committed to being an industry leader in innovation and thoughtful design while utilizing cutting-edge technology to create high-performance homes.
For more info on Mandalay: https://www.mandalayhomes.com/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Positive attitude plus effort equals performance.”
Tommy Tuberville
As we hear more about droughts, what is the impact on residential new construction?
Why did KB Home feel it was important to commit to the WaterSense label for all future home builds in Arizona, California, and Nevada?
How is KB Home using RESNET’s HERSH2O water efficiency rating system to address water consumption without sacrificing performance for homeowners?
Jacob Atalla, VP of Innovation and Sustainability for KB Home joins us to discuss the important work is being done to create more water efficient homes using RESNET’s HERSH2O water efficiency rating system.
We discuss the importance of water efficiency, the trends over time and the stakeholders that value water efficiency.
Jacob also shares the background on RESNET’s HERSH2O water efficiency rating system, how it was created and how it is an easy “add” to the work performed by a HERS Rater.
Jacob helps us understand the long history of work KB Home has done and some of the awards they have received as a positive force in this area.
According to the US EPA, WaterSense labeled homes use at least 30% less water than a typical home and can save a household 50,000 gallons of water annually, on average.
To date, KB Home has built over 18,000 WaterSense labeled and Water Smart homes — more than any other homebuilder — and installed over 900,000 WaterSense labeled fixtures. The company estimates that these homes, together with the WaterSense labeled fixtures within them, conserve approximately 1.6 billion gallons of water annually.
We also touch on the water/energy nexus discovering that Las Vegas homes built by KB Home (as part of an EPA study) saw savings of an extra 1,100 kWh annually (beyond the savings estimated by the RESNET HERS rating alone) due to the overall water conservation, a portion of which is hot water conservation.
Learn more about RESNET’s HERSH2O water efficiency rating system here: https://www.resnet.us/about/hersh2o/
Read about the KB Home WaterSense commitment to the Arizona, California, and Nevada housing markets.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005288/en/KB-Home-Becomes-First-National-Homebuilder-to-Commit-to-EPA%E2%80%99s-Highest-Water-efficiency-Standards-in-Drought-stricken-Arizona-California-and-Nevada
Hear more on the RESNET HERSH2O water efficiency rating system in three past episodes of RESTalk, EP50, EP79 and EP83.
https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep50-introducing-the-resnet-water-efficiency-rating-system-hersh2o-with-mark-johnson-icc-and-jacob-atalla-kb-home
https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep-79-california-dreamin-collaboration-between-resnet-and-california-rating-providers-on-hers-h2o-with-ryan-meres-and-russ-king
https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep83-why-raters-should-be-certified-for-hersh20-with-ryan-meres
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“The hidden harmony is better than the obvious.”
Heraclitus
Earlier this year RESNET was approved as a Home Certification Organization (HCO) for the California ENERGY STAR Homes Program by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What are the roots of this partnership with CalCERTS?
Who will benefit from this harmony?
What benefits will evolve for the parties involved?
We are joined today by David Choo, Director, Compliance at CalCERTS and Laurel Elam, Director of Quality Assurance and Standards at RESNET to get the details behind the fact that RESNET HERS index ratings are soon to be recognized in California.
We will learn why RESNET chose to do a pilot in California, what this means to CalCERTS and how it works.
Amongst several other topics of discussion, David will give us insights into the demand for this program and Laurel will discuss what an HCO is as well as how it relates to RESNET.
This episode will be of special interest to national production builders that build in California.
You can learn a more about the background of this topic in RESTalk Episode 79 entitled California Dreamin’
For more information about the California ENERGY STAR program requirements please email support@calcerts.com.
Also see this article on the RESNET site:
https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-hers-index-ratings-soon-to-be-recognized-in-california/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.”
Jochen Zeitz
How is the topic of energy efficiency in new single-family homes addressed in the mortgage industry?
What pillars of ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) are at play in this system and who are the players?
We are joined on today’s podcast by Simone Beaty who is the Director of Housing Policy with Freddie Mac.
Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to support the U.S. housing finance system and to help ensure a reliable and affordable supply of mortgage funds across the country.
Freddie Mac operates in the U.S. secondary mortgage market, buying loans that meet their standards from approved lenders. Freddie Mac then pools the mortgages it buys into securities, which they sell to investors around the world.
Drawing on her in depth experience in the financial services industry and strong finance related skills in housing policy strategies, Simone explains how Single-Family Green Mortgage Backed Securities support Freddie Mac’s focus on financing energy efficiency in new and existing single-family homes.
These activities help to preserve home affordability over time and attract capital to promote sustainable activities through mortgage financing.
Simone shares with us data, statistics, and trends on topics such as remodeling and repairs, work from home impact, and solar installations. She describes the criteria necessary for qualifying mortgages including the minimum HERS score.
She notes the important impact of the increase in HERS ratings and how this helps more builders relate to more consumers the ties to sustainability that come from Home Energy Ratings.
To learn more about FreddieMac’s Single Family Green Bonds go to this link:
https://capitalmarkets.freddiemac.com/mbs/green-sfmbs
Or download this framework document: https://capitalmarkets.freddiemac.com/mbs/docs/Freddie_Mac_SF_Green_Bond_Framework.pdf
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Passion is what gives meaning to our lives.
It’s what allows us to achieve success beyond our wildest imagination.
Try to find a career path you have a passion for.”
Henry Samueli
The RESNET ecosystem continues to grow and morph as demand increases and external factors change.
What new opportunities exist for those already in or considering entering the world of home energy ratings?
Are there career specializations available?
In today’s podcast, Josh Anderson (TopBuild) and Scott Doyle (RESNET) help us understand the purpose, scope and functions of the RESNET HERS modeler designation.
In 2020, the RESNET Board of Directors voted for the creation of a new RESNET HERS Rater modeling designation with a goal of increasing the consistency in the input in HERS Ratings through the training and certification of persons who conduct the modeling and analysis using accredited HERS Software Tools.
Upon certification, HERS Modeler candidates are issued a unique RESNET Modeler ID which can be used for single or multiple HERS Software Tools. In many ways this certification is like the current Rating Field Inspector certification for field inspection and testing including candidates being posted on the RESNET Registry.
Josh discusses how this is a natural evolution of the industry, especially as businesses scale. He also notes this helps to create an alternate career path within the RESNET ecosystem as it embodies a different skillset and an alternate work environment (office vs. field) for a more diverse workforce.
Scott gives us an overview of the formal training required and notes that continuing education will be required to maintain the certification. The continuing education will be offered by the accredited HERS Rating Software Program developers.
Scott notes that certified RESNET HERS Raters, having taken inputs and plan reviews as part of RESNET HERS Rater Training, will automatically receive the new certification without any additional fees, yet would still have to meet the continuing education requirements.
More info on this topic, as well as an infographic are available at this link: www.resnet.us/raters/resnet-hers-modeler-certification/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“The details are not the details. They make the design.”
Charles Eames
HVAC equipment is often the largest energy consuming system in a home.
While listeners are likely grounded in the aspect of “house as a system,” where does the rubber meet the road when it comes to HVAC system design?
In today’s podcast, we begin part one of a three-part series on cracking open the details of the ANSI/RESNET/ACCA/ICC Standard 310. We are joined by Alex Meaney of Mean HVAC Consulting and Design, an expert in HVAC system design.
Listen in as Alex brings, in his words, “well above average” insights into the important topic of load calculation.
Alex details the various ACCA Manuals (J, S, D, LLH, T, Z-R) involved in the process of HVAC Design, as well as factors about the origins of many of the calculations.
There were several “ah-ha” moments as we got deep into the aspects of answering a seemingly simple question: “what is the heat and moisture loss or gain per hour, of a home under design conditions.
After listening, you will better understand the power and importance of an accurate load calculation.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has the data.”
Arthur Conan Doyle
Details make the difference to builders and their customers, really to the whole new home construction industry.
Trends emerge when one studies HERS rating details over a large national dataset and over time.
What kind of theories can we draw from data in “Trends in HERS Rated Homes, 2022”?
RESNET’s Program Director Ryan Meres joins us to “crunch the numbers” in HERS rating trends for 2021. The data is compiled from the rating providers' data files.
We learn about trends in index scores and the basic characteristics of HERS-rated homes, for example, the number of bedrooms, conditioned floor area, annual energy costs, and energy savings.
The report also reveals summary data on foundation types, insulation, window U-Value and SHGC, envelope air leakage rates, ventilation types, heating, cooling, and water heating equipment, and the use of Solar PV on HERS rated homes.
We get an overview of climate zone and regional data, including states and cities that lead the pack in the number of HERS-rated homes. Ryan also shares some data highlights, as well as the percentage of new homes in the state that receive ratings, noting some of the possible reasons for the way the data plays out.
Members of the RESNET Suppliers Advisory Board get the first look at the report and can benefit from custom reports. Learn more about joining the SAB here: www.resnet.us/about/sab/
Look for an announcement in the RESNET newsletter regarding the final report “Trends in HERS Rated Homes, 2022 which will be published in Mid-June 2022.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“The minute you decide to do what you love to do,
you have made a life plan for yourself and a career choice”
Huda Kattan
What are the perspectives of those new to the building industry?
RESNET’s Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) Fellows program provides recognition for future leaders.
What are some of the reasons they got “noticed”?
How do this year’s ELC Fellows feel about the work they do?
Do they love their work?
(The 2022 ELC Fellows are split into two groups: Raters and Rating Field Inspectors. In today’s podcast we talk with the ELC Fellow Raters.)
Join us as the 2022 RESNET Emerging Leadership Council Fellows Noah Lawrence, Matt Jansing and Jared Kain-Woods share their thoughts and perspectives on the HERS industry.
All three fellows submitted video applications for the contest which you can view here: https://www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/fellows/
Matt describes his experience across several climate zones, his excitement about the “detective work” he does and his eagerness to spread the concepts of building science to technically minded people that might be new to or unaware of the field. He is very interested in connecting with people across the RESNET ecosystem and beyond.
Jared expresses a natural curiosity about the technical and energy aspects of the built environment. He wishes to learn more and close the gaps in understanding that people have when it comes to “building green.” He talks about the impact of the human element- both of the people that build homes and those that live in homes. Jared is keenly interested in connecting with other “energy nerds”.
Noah embraces the ”ripple effect” when he thinks about the impact of the work and networking he does. He describes how he got into this field because of the intersection of science and buildings coming from his upbringing. We talk about how he encourages others to think differently.
We close with all three fellows giving their predictions on what the next 5 years might look like in the building industry.
RESNET’s Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) strives to engage the next generation of leaders in the ratings industry as many current HERS Raters approach retirement.
Get more info on the ELC here: https://www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/
If you are interested in applying for next year’s ELC fellows program there are two simple requirements:
- Be a HERS® professional who wants to make a difference in the industry
- Have 5 years or less of experience as a HERS Rater or Rating Field Inspector (RFI)
The fellowship winners will receive specific benefits as noted on next year's application. Look for more details in the RESNET Newsletter shortly before the next scheduled conference.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Anytime we step boldly to make changes, we take a chance that we might fail.
But the only way to get better is to try.“
-Joyce Meyer
How do you define sustainable home building?
What will sustainable home building look like in 2022?
Where can you get a handle on data to help drive your decisions in this area?
What are the bold steps you can take?
RESTALK is pleased to welcome back Sara Gutterman, co-founder and CEO of Green Builder Media to give us insights about the state of sustainable building for 2022.
Sara highlights how over nearly two years, the pandemic has acted like a surprise jolt upon the building industry. She reflects on how this has changed the landscape.
She helps us understand that to create a meaningful impact on runaway Climate Change, we need to set our sights on the full-scale decarbonization of our economy, reaching net zero emissions across all sectors as boldly and quickly as possible.
She highlights this “perfect storm” of limited housing inventory, high material costs and labor shortages which have pushed competent building companies into high demand.
Sara also notes analysts expect the storm to continue in 2022—at first. Economic experts are forecasting early in the year growth in single-family home construction, sales and pricing at a pace that is about 40 percent to 50 percent the levels seen in 2021.
Look toward Green Builder Media’s COGNITION smart data (www.greenbuildermedia.com/cognition-smart-data) for more depth of detail on the forecasts we discuss.
Sara has also published a blog post on this topic that can be found here:
https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/blog/the-state-of-sustainable-building-2022
While the Sustainability Symposium 2022: Roadmap to Decarbonization happened last month, you can still learn more at the comprehensive Housing2.0 Program found here:
https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/housing-2.0
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve,
Not by the desire to beat others “
-Ayn Rand
What’s it like in the rating world north of our border?
What are some of things that the Canadian Raters do that parallel or differ from what is done in the US?
What can we learn from our neighbors to the north though a cross border challenge?
The Cross Border Challenge is an annual event sponsored by RESNET and the Canadian Residential Energy Services Network (CRESNET) to recognize U.S. and Canadian builders who are pioneering the path to high-energy performance homes. CRESNET is RESNET’s sister organization in Canada. The awards are issued to the U.S. and Canadian builders who built a minimum of 50 homes and had the lowest average HERS Rating.
Listen in as John Godden, Chair of CRESNET’s technical committee describes the landscape of the raters’ world in Canada. He also shares with us the history of the formation of CRESNET and the RESNET cross-border challenge. (www.CRESNET.CA)
This was the 9th year for the awards. Find out the details on who the winners were at this link:
https://www.resnet.us/articles/winners-of-the-2022-resnet-cross-border-builder-challenge/
You can learn more about the 2020 Cross Border Challenge at this link:
https://www.resnet.us/articles/winners-of-the-2020-resnet-cross-border-builder-challenge/
and read more on the internationalization of the HERSH2O water efficiency rating program here:
https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-water-efficiency-rating-program-hersh2o-program-goes-international/
Connect with John at editorial@betterbuilder.ca . You can review and consider subscribing to the magazine at www.betterbuilder.ca .
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Science does not know its debt to imagination. “
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
More and more we hear of the impact of carbon on our society and environment.
Recent data says that operational carbon (the carbon that comes from energy, heat, lighting, etc. ) is becoming less of a factor.
Now. attention is now shifting to embodied carbon - the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the whole lifecycle of a building or infrastructure.
Today we are joined by Andy Buccino (Stephens & Company), Mike Browne (Advanced Building Analysis, LLC) and Sara DeVico (Building Efficiency Resources) are all very active in the NE HERS Alliance or NEHERS.
They form the core of the NE HERS Alliance Embodied Carbon Working group which is interested in collaborating with individuals and organizations that can help achieve the following goals:
1) Adaptation of the HERS index software to include embodied carbon in the calculations.
2) Conducting a baseline study for the Northeast.
Additionally, and simultaneously, they seek support from Energy Efficiency programs to help incentivize the market and adopt carbon tracking as a standard practice.
RESNET Certified Home Energy Raters already collect data to produce detailed reports defining Operational Emissions for the HERS Index. Much of the data collected for the HERS Index overlaps with the data needed to calculate Embodied Carbon Emissions.
They have developed a worksheet that outlines the approximately 65 data points already being collected in one of the RESNET Accredited HERS Rater Software Systems that apply to both operational and embodied construction carbon emissions, with a list of additional items that would need to be added for a comprehensive carbon outlook of the built environment.
With some simple software innovations, it is possible to produce an Embodied Construction Carbon calculation as a quantifiable output alongside the operational calculations already being used. Designers and builders can use these calculations to dial in both energy and carbon targets as they select building components for a given project.
You can learn more about and join with the activities of the NEHERS Embodied Carbon Working Group here:
https://www.nehers.org/embodied-carbon
It would be a big help if you sign on the letter of support at that link.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Leaders don’t create followers; they create more leaders. “
-Tom Peters
Employee retention is a hot topic as 1/3 of new employees leave their job after about 6 months.
Additionally, over 70% of employers are having a tough time recruiting skilled candidates.
How does RESNET’s Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) work to address these challenges?
How can membership in the ELC help to shape someone’s career?
Today’s podcast will attempt to answer these questions with the help of Dylan Tindall and Jacob Kamen, the new Chair and Vice Chair-elect, respectively, of the RESNET Emerging Leadership Council.
In addition to learning more about Dylan and Jacob’s varied backgrounds, we hear about the work they are doing as the incoming leadership of the ELC.
Learn what motivates these emerging leaders and how a career in the home energy rating industry can be fulfilling from both technical and people-based perspectives.
The three major themes for the ELC include:
Recruitment of new Raters – With a focus on younger individuals still in school, helping them see the earning potential inherent with someone with a Building Science education
Retention of existing Raters – With a focus on those new to the Rating industry, creating content to help them succeed in the Building Science Industry
ELC membership opportunities – With a focus on networking within RESNET; working to plan, organize and implement signature ELC events and activities; and to collaborate to troubleshoot common challenges and propose solutions utilizing RESNET’s existing Standards Development Process
We wrap up the conversation learning of Jacob and Dylan’s outlook for the future of the HERS industry.
You can learn more about the Emerging Leadership Council by following this link: https://www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“I hope to continue to inspire our nation’s youth to pursue careers in science, technology engineering, and math so they, too, may reach for the stars.“-Ellen Ochoa (American engineer, former astronaut, and former director of the Johnson Space Center)
The percentage of women in the construction industry grew from 9.9 percent in 2018, to 10.9 percent in 2020 marking a recent steady increase in women's employment. Women now take on more roles in the industry that range from work in the trades to project management.
In honor of Women's History Month, we asked: "So what’s it like to be a woman working in the HERS industry? What inspires women to take this career path?"
In today’s podcast, we hear from Elizabeth Sanfelippo of Brayn Consulting, and Beth Ainsworth of Performance Point about their career journeys leading to roles in the HERS world.
They share their stories both coming from aspects of the fields of art and design. We learn of some of the challenges, large and small, as well as how they manage self-doubt and bias.
Elizabeth attended Middlebury College in Vermont where she received her BA with a major in studio art. While attending Samford University for a Masters in Environmental Management, she homed in on her passion for residential energy efficiency and home performance. She became a HERS Rater in 2016 (not really knowing much about HERS) and now works as a senior engineering associate for Brayn Consulting where she focuses on the 45L tax credit for energy-efficient new construction homes. She was a 2019 RESNET ELC Fellow and recently received the Jo-Ann Golden Humanitarian Award in 2021 from the National Association of Women in Construction Southeast Region.
Beth attended Appalachian State University, where she obtained a master’s degree in building science. After being immersed in the sustainable environment of Boone, NC for 10 years, she decided to follow her passion and pursue a career in green building design. She began working for Performance Point in 2010 and has been in the industry as a HERS rater for almost 15 years. She specializes in the modeling and design of custom housing and assists in the plan review phase and design for multifamily projects with her NGBS Verifier certification. In recent years, she has become a Quality Assurance Designee.
We wrap up the conversation by sharing thoughts on how the concept of women in the trades needs to be made “normal” in society’s thinking.
You can also hear more perspectives on this topic by listening to RESTalk Episode 85: “The House that She built.”
You can get in touch with our guests here:
Elizabeth Sanfelippo: esanfelippo@brayn.com
Beth Ainsworth: Beth@theperformancepoint.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data.
-Daniel Keys Moran
Time marches on. And so do the changes in the demographics of buyers.
What are the characteristics of home buyers, especially those that buy HERS rated homes?
How can those in the HERS industry align with the factors important to the new wave of home buyers?
We are back with Ryan Meres, Program Manager at RESNET, who is known for doing his research, collecting the data and turning that data into useful information for us.
Listen in as Ryan dives into the characteristics and culture of Generation Y; they now make up the largest (37%) category of home buyers.
It will be no surprise that Gen Y’s use of internet research factors large in the discussion. From understanding the process of home buying, to learning about home features, equipment, and materials, to checking the environmental aspects of housing and the builder, there is a lot going on!
You can learn more about app we discussed that helps you align with your values at this link: https://ecountabl.com/
You can learn about this topic by visiting these reports noted in the podcast:
Ryan’s blog post on cracking the millennial code:
https://www.resnet.us/articles/cracking-the-millennial-code-what-home-builders-need-to-know-about-millennials/
The National Association of Realtors 2021 Generational Trends Report:
https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-home-buyers-and-sellers-generational-trends-03-16-2021.pdf
Morgan-Stanley’s Sustainable Signals Report:
https://www.morganstanley.com/press-releases/sustainable-signals
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“The fun for me in collaboration is, one, working with other people just makes you smarter; that’s proven.”
-Lin-Manuel Miranda
There are some distinct megatrends that will increase the number of NetZero homes.
How is the ICC facilitating the drive to Net Zero homes?
How is RESNET collaborating with ICC on this topic?
We are joined today by two executives from the International Code Council (ICC) to discuss NetZero homes and collaboration with RESNET.
Dominic Sims, CEO shares with us his insights into the research and trends that led the ICC down the Net Zero road. Learn more about the ICC energy pathway at: www.iccsafe.org/energy
Mark Johnson, Executive VP and Director of Business Development describes the critical engagement of HERS raters & providers in this process and the benefits derived from the shared knowledge.
We learn how this collaboration between RESNET and ICC came about and details on how it will work.
Mark and Dominic also tell us of the role of governments in this process and the roles for RESNET and HERS Raters.
We also discuss the topic of affordable housing and how Net Zero homes address typically the second most costly housing budget category: utilities.
You also can learn more about the Joint RESNET ICC HERS Rating Company Membership in Episode 71 of RESTalk. https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/18989738
You can learn about this topic by visiting: https://www.resnet.us/articles/international-code-council-adopts-pathway-to-net-zero-energy-homes-by-2030/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Collaboration is a key part of the success of any organization, executed through a clearly defined vision and mission and based on transparency and constant communication."
-Dinesh Paliwal
In simplest terms, what path is RESNET on? What is the RESNET mission?
How are the goals crafted that align with and fulfill the mission?
How are priorities and budgets set so these goals are achieved?
Both John Hensley, President of the RESNET Board of Directors, and Steve Baden, RESNET Executive Director join us to describe the priorities for RESNET’s activities in 2022.
We learn the process of setting the priorities and how they lead to the goals that have been set by the Board to achieve the mission.
John describes the RESNET mission and details out the goals while Steve describes how the goals and priorities shape the budget that has been adopted by the RESNET board.
John recaps the challenges and achievements for RESNET in 2021 and Steve follows with his predictions for 2022.
You can learn about the RESNET Mission, along with the 2022 Goals and Priorities by visiting: https://www.resnet.us/articles/2022-resnet-mission-goals-and-priorities/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“For me, conferences are like little mental vacations: a chance to go visit an interesting place for a couple of days, and come back rested and refreshed with new ideas and perspectives.”
-Erin McKean
Con-fer-ence: a large official meeting, usually lasting for a few days, at which people with the same work or interests come together to discuss their views. Check.
From the Latin conferre or ‘bring together’. Ok, check.
How will the team at RESNET fulfill the goals of, and definition of a conference, actually 2 conferences, in 2022?
Emma Bennett, RESNET’s Standard & Events Manager, joins us to share details about the two, yes, two conferences conducted by RESNET in 2022.
The first conference will be held February 21-23, 2022 in Austin, TX. This will be an in-person event with a limit of 400 attendees, so sign up now! There will be 7-8 tracks and 40-50 sessions taking place over the course of the three days.
The second conference will be all virtual and held March 10-11, 2022. There is no limit to the number of attendees but sign up now for an early bird discount! The tracks will align with those of the in-person conference, however, there will be about 100 sessions including recordings of the in-person sessions.
In-person attendees will have the automatic benefit of access to the all the virtual sessions which will be available all year on demand. Social events are planned for both the conferences built upon the experiences of previous conferences of both types.
Emma shares with us the in-person safety requirements developed in conjunction with a consultant, including vaccine verification required for all attendees.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and there will be exhibitors at both events.
You can learn about the 2022 RESNET Building Performance Conferences at www.resnet.us/2022 or by emailing conference@RESNET.US
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times,
It’s the only time we’ve got.”
- Art Buchwald
23 episodes, 23 topics and 22 different guests.
We covered a lot of ground in the RESTalk podcast in 2021.
We hope we stimulated your thinking and moved you into action in this sometimes complex world of home energy ratings.
If you’d like to dig a little deeper into the topics covered in these episodes, see the list mentioned in each section below.
PART A: Organization. Systems & People
EP64 RESNET 2021 Conference with Steve Baden and Emma Bennett
EP66 A Conversation with 2021 RESNET Board President John Hensley
EP67 RESNET 2021 Priorities with Steve Baden
EP80 HERS Software Consistency with Neal Kruis
EP76 Meet the 2021 RESNET Emerging Leadership Council Fellows
EP78 RESNET 2022: Into the Future
Part B: Politics & Taxes
EP65 Review of 2020 Election with Steve Baden and Carl Chidlow
EP84 Update on 45L Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Homes
PART C: Community
EP68 How low can you go? How we achieved 2020's lowest average HERS score with Gene Myers- Thrive Home Builders,
EP69 Behind the Scenes at the 3 millionth HERS rated home
EP70 One Tree Pledge & RESNET collaboration
EP72 The future of the building industry resides in low carbon buildings.
EP73 Bill Spohn's Home Building Experience (hosted by Laurel Elam)
EP81 Stanley Martin Homes & PEG- A Successful Builder and Rating Company Partnership with DJ Lawson & Matthew Cooper
PART D: Codes & Standards
EP71 Joint RESNET ICC HERS Rating Company Membership
EP82 Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems- ACCA/RESNET/ICC Standard 310 with Wes Davis & Scott Doyle
EP79 "California Dreamin’” Collaboration Between RESNET & California Rating Providers on HERSH2O
EP77 Taking Water Efficiency Efforts To New Heights with Jonah Schein (EPA) and Ryan Meres
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Most decisions are not binary, and there are usually better answers waiting to be found
if you do the analysis and involve the right people.”
-Jamie Dimon
The topics of real time data and data analytics are discussed in many businesses circles these days.
As the RESNET Board and Quality Assurance (QA) team charts a path to move RESNET QA from the gold standard to platinum, data analytics will pay a large role.
What strategic initiatives are being considered to advance the QA function?
We welcome back RESNET’s multifaceted QA Team - Laurel Elam, Billy Giblin, and Scott Doyle for an interactive overview of the QA team’s activities, achievements, and plans.
We learn how they are looking at data to help determine how much quality assurance is required as well as to track rating activity more easily in the RESNET National Registry.
We hear of efforts to convert the Quality Assurance Review Checklist into an online form/app to make updates to the RESNET National Registry more easily available through continuous maintenance.
Also underway is the creation of a system to track the entire chain of custody among HERS Raters, RFIs and Energy Modelers in the RESNET National Registry.
The RESNET QA Team will also carry out an educational campaign aimed at the industry, builders, and program sponsors to continue to improve consistency through quality assurance oversight.
The team closes the conversation by commending the spirit of the people in the industry who continued to get the job done in 2021.
The RESNET QA Team remains available for technical assistance and technical questions at the following email addresses:
Laurel@RESNET.US Scott@RESNET.US Billy@RESNET.US
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Women are the real architects of society.”
-Cher
By some estimates, women make up only about 10 percent of those employed in the construction industry.
What would it take to design and build a home solely by women?
Would there be enough interest, enough women available in one area?
We are joined by Natalie Miles (project manager and designer for Wardley Homes) and Katy Higgins (owner of Blue Best Heating and Air) to learn all about The House that SHE Built, a home construction project recently completed (and sold!) in Saratoga Springs, Utah.
The Utah Chapter of the NAHB Professional Women in Building began work last year to design and build a home that was showcased in the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes. The goal for this home was to highlight and utilize women professionals, skilled tradeswomen, and woman-owned companies for all stages of the project.
The proceeds from the sale of the home will be divided between scholarships, women-run charities, and future home projects like The House That SHE Built.
The home is a 3,200 sq ft 2-story home with an eclectic, farmhouse style. Additionally, the home also includes many high-performance details including a HERS score of 59. Listen in as we share the story of this project and its impact on the local community and future generations of women in building.
In addition to hearing about the impact this project has had on younger girls, we learn a children’s book has been written to share the story more broadly. https://www.amazon.com/House-That-She-Built/dp/0867187859
To learn more about the project check out the links below:
https://www.utahpwb.com/the-house-that-she-built/
https://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/dream-big-women-build-an-entire-house-for-utah-valley-parade-of-homes/
https://nahbnow.com/2020/11/all-female-built-home-taking-shape-in-utah/
https://nahbnow.com/2021/06/nahb-leaders-celebrate-all-female-built-home-in-utah/
You can reach Katy at KHiggins@BlueBest.com and Natalie via: info@UtahPWB.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Good legislation should bring clarity, not confusion.”
-Bill Haslam
The Federal Tax Credit for Builders of Energy Efficient Homes, commonly known as 45L, in some ways remains an artifact of old thinking.
How much has technology and performance in housing advanced in the last 15 years?
What can you do to stay informed, aware and exert influence to improve what could be a significant motivator for building more energy efficient homes?
NOTE: This episode as recorded in late September 2021 yet will air in late November 2021. Consequently, some factors and details may have changed in the interim.
Steve Baden joins us to share updates and possible changes that are coming in the 45L federal builders' tax credit with the advent of a new administration and changes in Congress in the last year.
In past Episodes of RESTalk (#57 & 62) we have learned of the on-again, off-again nature of 45L and how this pattern makes it hard for builders to count on it and invest via engagement in their planning cycles. Steve also notes that its basis is “ancient as a 2006 flip phone”.
Unfortunately, this legislation is again scheduled to expire, this time on December 31, 2021. Steve covers the proposed changes that include giving more credit to more energy efficient homes via two tiers of performance with two corresponding levels of tax credits.
As he covers the intricacies of how this is moving through Congress Steve remains hopeful that the legislation may receive a much needed “upgrade” and perhaps be extended to last for 5 or even 10 years.
The RESNET community is encouraged to learn more and engage with their legislators to drive home points such as local jobs, the progress made in construction technology and how builders must put skin in the game to participate.
Learn more about how to advocate for this via resources on the RESNET site found here: https://www.resnet.us/about/advocacy/45l/ and here: https://www.resnet.us/about/advocacy/
Builders can review details on the IRS FORM 8908: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8908
In closing Steve notes, if 45L is revised or extended, this topic will be covered in depth at the RESNET 2022 conference: Learn more here: https://www.resnet.us/conference/conference-2022/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“I’m an instant star. Just add water (rating) and stir.”
-David Bowie
Housing consumers show increasing interest in environmental impact.
Logically, builders are following this trend to serve their customers.
How can raters and RFIs build on this momentum to become a star serving both builders and their customers?
We welcome back RESNET’s program director Ryan Meres to fill us in on why raters should become certified for HERSH2O. We discuss the increasing interest by builders in environmental reporting and how raters can help builders tune in to this growing trend.
In addition to reviewing how and why RESNET Standard 850 was developed, Ryan reviews the field testing he took part in to refine the resources and methods used for water efficiency rating.
We walk through the complete process: from training and testing requirements to conducting an evaluation, to data entry and exporting to RESNET. He also explains how this rating can also apply to existing homes and retrofits.
SPECIAL OFFER: Ryan offers FREE HERSH2O training to the first 50 raters that email him. He will also extend bulk discounts to companies that contact him with more than 10 raters seeking the training. Contact Ryan at Ryan@resnet.us
Water is a critically important resource, and you can gain further insight via past episodes of RESTalk: Episodes 3, B-1, 50, 62, 77 and 79.
You can get more background on the topic of HERSH20 and download resources (e.g. a checklist and the guidance document and more) at: www.resnet.us/about/hersh2o/
If you are ready to take the training, go to https://portal.resnet.us and navigate to the HERSH2O section.
Or if you are ready to use the HERSH2O calculation spreadsheet, contact Ryan at Ryan@resnet.us
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“You can expect what you inspect.”
-W. Edwards Deming
Which “appliance” in a house usually consumes the most energy?
Which “appliance” in a house is constructed from multiple components that have never run before they are assembled on site?
Wouldn’t it be great if a terrific installation of said “appliance” gained you some HERS points?
(Forgive my relative misuse of the word appliance – I needed to get your attention.)
We are joined today by Wes Davis (Director of Technical Services at ACCA) and Scott Doyle (Technical Director at RESNET) to learn more about the first voluntary standard for additional rated features – Standard 310, Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems.
While the standard was just published in June 2020, you can jump back to RESTALK Episode 20 to hear more about the early days of the development of this standard.
While HVAC defaults can be used in a rating, builders will be excited to learn that in some cases up to an additional six (6) points may be available for an HVAC system installation rated according to Standard 310.
The standard evaluates five (5) key aspects of an HVAC system: Design Review, Total Duct Leakage, Blower Fan Airflow, Blower Fan Watt Draw and Proper Refrigerant Charge. There are usually a couple options for evaluation of each aspect.
Each aspect can get a Grade 1,2, or 3, which of course affects the final system grade.
Raters can expand their skills in this important area by taking part in the free 4.5-hour training program followed by a field practical assessment.
You can get more background on or review a copy of the standard 310 at the links below:
https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/ANSIRESNETACCA_310-2020_v7.1.pdf
https://www.resnet.us/raters/hvac-310-grading/
https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/DRAFT_RESNET_Std310HVACGrading_infographic_v01.pdf
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us/
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Words are but the pictures of our thoughts.”
-John Dryden
Stanley Martin Homes was founded in 1966 utilizing fresh new designs and continues to innovate today.
They focus on people, via constant training and clear communications, including continual dialog with PEG, their partner rating firm.
How do both companies benefit from a relationship such as this?What are some of the inner workings that are employed?
We are pleased to welcome to RESTALK our guests DJ Lawson (Manager of Corporate Field Operations at Stanley Martin Homes) and Matthew Cooper (Senior Vice President at PEG).
DJ and Matthew will share with us what it takes to develop a very successful builder/rating company partnership yielding high-quality, energy-efficient homes.
With the emphasis on training, communication, and process that we hear about in the podcast, it is no surprise that Stanley Martin Homes was recently recognized as 2021 Builder of the Month by Builder Magazine.
Matthew shares with us how the relationship started and blossomed while DJ describes some of the pointers that other builders can look for in a good “energy partner” like PEG.
They also share a glimpse into some trends that may impact the future of residential construction.
You can learn more about the Builder Magazine award and the two companies in the links below:
https://www.stanleymartin.com/news/article/builder-magazine-names-stanley-martin-homes-the-2021-builder-of-the-year#
www.StanleyMartin.com
www.PEGenv.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure.”
-Segal’s Law
Consistency is important when it comes time to rely on…anything.
A key to ensuring the quality of HERS ratings is the software calculation consistency of the HERS score.
Too often in the past, the same home could receive a different score based upon the software program being used.
What actions has the RESNET Board taken to enhance the consistency of calculation of HERS Index Scores?
Neal Kruis, Vice President of Big Ladder Software joins us on the RESTALK podcast to discuss his role as the RESNET Energy Modeling Director. With a doctoral degree in building systems engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder Neal has extensive experience with computational software for building energy analysis. Neal will act as the arbitrator of the Software Consistency Committee (SCC) established by the RESNET Board.
Neal gives us a great overview of this very complex topic. He acknowledges that while the goal is not to be disruptive to the HERS Scoring process, the necessary improvements can be disruptive to an extent.
To this end, bi-directional communication is the key. Below you find links to the real-world FAQS on this topic along with a link to a form to report software inconsistencies.
Some of the other roles for the SCC include researching and identifying major drivers that cause inconsistency, as well as propose resolutions that will enhance consistency between software tools.
Links discussed in the podcast:
Reporting
https://www1.resnet.us/consistency/?layout=1
FAQs
https://www.resnet.us/about/standards/committees/software-consistency-committee/software-consistency-frequently-asked-questions/
Neal’s presentation from the 2019 RESNET Conference
https://conference.resnet.us/data/energymeetings/presentations/Enhancing%20Consistency%20Kruis-SCC-20191.pdf
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“The key to everything is patience.
You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.”
-Arnold H. Glasgow
The ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 850 was developed over the course of years via consensus input from over 75 organizations.
The standard was first issued in 2020 and is now seeing increasing use.
Several steps needed to take place before the California Energy Commission’s accredited rating providers were approved by RESNET as HERS-H2O providers.
At the same time, the demand for the H2O rating service had to be built along with the ability to provide the service itself.
We are joined today by Russ King (Sr. Director of Technical Services for CalCERTS, Inc) and Ryan Meres (Program Director for RESNET) to learn more about the rollout of HERS H2O in California.
Ryan shares background on the HERS H2O Standard and how it is being used to achieve the EPA Water Sense Label along with RESNET’s efforts to get the standard recognized as a compliance method for California’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
Russ describes for us the CalCERTS network of California HERS Raters and how they can get certified for H2O and WaterSense through CalCERTS.
Russ and Ryan will improve your understanding of the topic leveraging their extensive and diverse backgrounds.
Learn more on how this all works at www.calcerts.com/water/ Also, inquiries can be sent to training@calcerts.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us/
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.”
-Steve Jobs
Events of the last year or so have it made it challenging for organizations to host live events.
Many events, including the RESNET Conference went to a virtual format in 2021.
What will the future hold for conferences in 2022?
What will upcoming conferences look like?
Will connecting the dots of the past conferences help us to know?
Steve Baden and Emma Bennett join us to describe the plans for the 2022 RESNET Conference.
We learn how the decision was made to deliver in a hybrid mode; that is both in person and virtual, as well as what a “hybrid event” looks like in detail.
As we explore the conference theme - Into the Future – we also hear how participant health and safety is stressed and will be considered
To learn more, visit the RESNET home page and check under the conference drop down. Or follow the details in the RESNET newsletter or reach out to Emma at Conference@RESNET.us
The event is scheduled for Feb 21-23, 2022 in Austin, TX- with room blocks open now.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife
are in fact plans to protect man.”
-Stuart Udall
There’s no way around it. Water is essential to life.
Water, like energy, is an environmental resource and requires (demands?) more attention from all. In fact, we’ve talked about water in 4 previous episodes of RESTALK over the last 4 years.
How does the EPA WaterSense program address this topic?
What are the updates in WaterSense Labeled Homes 2.0?
How does the HERS H2O rating work?
Seasoned water efficiency professional Jonah Schein (US EPA) and Ryan Meres (Program Director RESNET), return to the podcast to give us updates on the EPA WaterSense Labeled Homes V2.0 and HERS H2O programs.
Jonah and Ryan share their thoughts and help us learn more about:
The move from a prescriptive to a performance-based approach
How to handle projects that started using Version 1.0
The ease of access to proper training
Why water is important to the building industry
Catch up with the “backstory” via previous episodes of RESTalk: Episode 3 (2018), Bonus-1 (2019) and Episodes 50 & 62 from 2020.
You can purchase the ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 850-2020 at the ICC Store:
https://shop.iccsafe.org/ansi-resnet-icc-850-2020-standard-calculation-and-labeling-of-the-water-use-performance-of-one-and-two-family-dwellings-using-the-water-rating-index.html
The standard can be viewed for free at this link: https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/resnet-icc - just select "View as Basic" for a view-only version of the standard.
For updated information on the RESNET HERSH20 program, visit:
https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-rating-providers-and-raters-can-verify-epa-watersense-labeled-homes/
You’ll find information on the EPA’s WaterSense program at https://www.epa.gov/watersense
If you have access to the RESNET 2021 conference you can learn more about this topic in Sessions RES-12 and EPP-16.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see farther.”
- J.P. Morgan
Starting off a career in a new or even a related industry can be challenging as there is so much to learn.
It’s not often a newbie gets a chance for “a seat at the table” at an early stage in their career.
What industry perspectives do RESNET’s Emerging Leaders in have?
Join us as the 2021 RESNET Emerging Leadership Fellows Stewart Soleman and Drew Lynch share their thoughts and perspectives on the HERS industry.
Both Drew and Stewart submitted applications for the contest and were both thrilled and pleased to be selected this year.
RESNET’s Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) strives to engage the next generation of leaders in the ratings industry as many current HERS Raters approach retirement.
If you are interested in applying for next year’s ELC fellows program there are two simple requirements:
Be a HERS® professionals who wants to make a difference in the industry
Have 5 years or less of experience as a HERS Rater
The fellowship winners receive:
A 100% waiver on the next RESNET Building Performance Conference registration and automatic membership on the ELC.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
- Benjamin Franklin
How important are mortgage loans to the home performance industry?
What could be the impact on single family home buyers if home energy costs were factored into the mortgage payment?
How does this process make energy efficient homes more affordable for families?
Most homeowners have heard of the term PITI – the summary of costs in a mortgage payment – principle and interest on the loan plus property taxes and insurance.
And most all of us know the cost of energy to run a household, and of the energy savings possible if best practices are followed.
In todays’ podcast Steve Baden (RESNET) describes for us the proposal put forth by RESNET to incorporate Energy Savings (ES) into the “mortgage equation”. This transforms the equation to PITI-ES
Interestingly, the main driver for this is simply education; no legislation is needed.
Listen in to hear how this also impacts mortgage lenders, builders, and HERS Raters and how you can get more people interested in pursuing this.
For more information see the policy white paper released by RESNET: www.bit.ly/RESNET-EnergyCosts
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“We learned that economic growth and environmental protection can
and should go hand in hand.”
- Christopher Dodd
How do the financial investment criteria of ESG- Environmental, Social & Governance – relate to the HERS rating world?
What are FANNIE MAE Single Family Green Mortgage Backed Securities and what makes this program so unique?
How could such a program help to elevate the recognition of HERS raters and the work they do?
At long last, the HERS Index is breaking into the new homes mortgage market!
Matthew Cooper from PEG joins us to help explain this program launched by PEG, Fannie Mae, and Ekotrope.
The program allows Fannie Mae to package ENERGY STAR Certified New Homes into distinguished socially responsible mortgage securities.
This is an important first step in moving toward better mortgages for better HERS Rated homes; this is likely to be a game changer for the industry.
Matthew explains the background of this initiative, including timelines, how to participate, and what it means for your rating business.
To learn more about the topic you can review the video on demand session (NAV-5) from the RESNET 2021 virtual conference site: RESNET.VirtualByVario.com or read up at the Fannie Mae site: http://www.bit.ly/GreenMBS You can also reach Matthew at mcooper@pegenv.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“The first step is clearly defining what it is you’re after,
because without knowing that, you’ll never get it.”
- Halle Berry
How does a person deeply engaged in the world of home performance handle matters when it comes to building their own home?
When it is “your own” you must strive to see the forest through the trees.
What’s it like actually living inside your theories?
In this podcast we spin the microphones around the table and welcome guest host, Laurel Elam (RESNET) who interviews Bill Spohn (normally the RESTalk host) on the journey he and Marilyn have taken setting out to build a high performance, likely NetZero, home.
Listen in to hear what influences he used in making design and construction decisions. Hear of the goals he and his wife set at the beginning and how close they came to achieving them.
Bill openly describes his thoughts on the challenges they encountered and how well the plans worked out.
To learn more about the project you can follow Bill’s blog at www.SpohnHome.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“The details are not the details.
They make the design.”
- Charles Eames
Interest in net zero and low carbon homes is sweeping across the country.
What drives customers in some smaller cities to ask for a net zero (plus) home?
How can a small builder achieve these customer desires in a city that limits the options to energy retrofits of homes that are up to a century old?
In this podcast we chat with Dan Welch founder of Bundle Design Studios – a business that grew out of his Masters work in architecture school.
Dan walks the talk, living and working from a net-zero energy, water, and waste home – the first residence in Bellingham Washington which elected to include no water or sewer connections.
Dan is driven by strong ethics of environmental and social equity, he enjoys synthesizing client goals, clean aesthetics, and rigorous building science into beautiful and cohesive projects.
In 2020 Bundle proudly delivered a home with a HERS score of a -51.
Dan shares with us some of the methods that he uses to achieve these low scores, as he takes us on a tour through the way he does business in his market, including factors in customer education, products and skilled labor.
To learn more about Bundle Design visit their website: http://www.bundledesignstudio.com/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"The whole point of collaboration is that you give and take from each other,
and that’s how you create things that are totally new."
- Virgil Abloh
There is a logical tie between energy codes and HERS ratings.
What is the value proposition for HERS rating companies to be involved with ICC?
What qualifications do HERS raters bring to assist code officials?
Laurence Genest (ICC) and Laurel Elam (RESNET) join us to describe the role that HERS raters can play in the verification of compliance to Energy Codes.
We learn how a RESNET HERS Rating company’s membership in RESNET has now doubled in value.
We also cover how this ties in with the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist designation.
To learn more or get engaged to get engaged on this topic you will find Resources available here https://www.resnet.us/about/energy-code/
Rater can see the benefits of this arrangement here: https://www.iccsafe.org/membership/membership-benefits/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"Conservation is a state of harmony between men and the land."
- Aldo Leopold
Many of us reflect on the beauty and awe of nature.
The images of clear skies and clean water are quite powerful.
How did these powerful images put a builder on mission to make a difference, one tree at a time?
Michael Ziman joins us on the podcast to describe the thoughtful research and personal reflection that drove him to create the One Tree Pledge.
The One Tree Pledge is an easy way for anyone (builder, rater, homeowner, etc.) to make a low cost ($1) contribution to offset carbon in the atmosphere using the most natural of methods: planting a tree.
Learn more at www.OneTreePledge.org/RESNET to see how RESNET will engage with this project by launching a campaign with the goal of planting 300,000 trees to combat climate change by the end of January 2023.
The site includes a Carbon Math calculation where Michael shares the total carbon Vs potential offset with trees.
You can learn more about Michael's company at www.ZimanDevelopment.com.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible"
- Francis of Assisi
How does the honor of HERS rating the 3 millionth home befall you?
Tim Smith and CR Herro have been on a quiet mission of building relationships, honoring commitments, and executing with excellence.
Steady as they go. That's how it goes.
Join the conversation with CR Herro (Meritage Homes) and Tim Smith (15 Lightyears Foundation) as they discuss went on behind the scenes in the 3 millionth HERS rated home.
We learn of their commitment to energy-efficient homes as well the processes involved in achieving this milestone home in Winter Garden, Florida.
All levels of builders and raters will learn why their recipe for success has education at its core.
To learn more about Tim's company, 15 Light Years Foundation go to:
https://www.15lightyearsfoundation.com
And to learn more about CR's company, Meritage homes go to:
https://www.meritagehomes.com/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world.
For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”
- Margaret Mead
Winning national housing awards year after year, comes with focused effort.
However, the efforts put forth by Thrive Home Builders are NOT focused on winning awards.
What are the simple concepts that Thrive executes so well that have put them in such a special group and allowed them to flourish (or thrive)?
What advice does Thrive have for builders who wish to start the journey to high performance and even Net Zero homes?
Our guest today is Gene Myers who founded GreenTree Homes in the Denver area in 1992, well before green was a thing. Under his leadership the company has grown into the very successful and award winning Thrive Home Builders.
Gene has developed this award-winning green building program to meet the highest standards of LEED®, Indoor airPLUS, Zero Energy Ready Homes and Energy Star®.
In 2020, Thrive also achieved the lowest average HERS score (26.9) in the country for a builder completing more than 50 homes.
Recognized as 2019’s EPA Indoor airPLUS Leader of the Year, Thrive tells potential customers they “can breathe easy knowing their Thrive home was built to the highest health standards with superior air quality.”
Gene has created a recipe for success that he shares with us in this conversation.
One of the key points is education, first of his team, then of his customer.
He uses the resources of programs, and his HERS rater in this continuum of education.
To learn more about Thrive Home Builders visit their website: www.ThriveHomeBuilders.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”
- Tony Robbins
Each year RESNET develops their list of priorities to tackle.
A specific four-step process is used which engages both the board and staff.
Where did this process (which started in August 2020) lead to for 2021?
How do the essential activities goals and priorities all work together in a cohesive fashion?
Steve Baden gives us an overview of the RESNET priorities for 2021.
You’ll want to listen in to hear the process used, the outcomes, and the big three takeaways for 2021.
RESNET focuses on transparency and credibility in achieving its goals.
You can learn more about the activities, goals, and priorities in noted in an easy to digest infographic found here:
https://www.resnet.us/articles/2021-resnet-essential-activities-goals-and-priorities/
At the time of the recording the RESNET 2021 virtual conference had yet to occur.
You can still log in for register to access well over 100 hours of amazing conference content at this link:
https://resnet.virtualbyvario.com/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.”
-John W. Gardner
Each year a new President of the RESNET board of directors takes the helm.
A President brings their own background and experiences to bear upon the role.
How do decades of experience in building, while documenting millions in construction defects, lead someone to take on a leadership role such as this?
John Hensley shares with us the priorities as the 2021 Board President for RESNET.
He first takes us on a journey of his past career experience to shed light on what drove him to become a rater in the first place and why he has decided it is important to take on this role as president.
John also shares how much the blood of construction runs in his family and the changes he has seen over his lifetime in RESNET and in the construction industry in general.
Connect with John by email: John@BPSConsultant.com or via his website: www.bpconsultingsolutions.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Leadership is not about the next election, it’s about the next generation”
-Simon Sinek
2020 was both a notable and challenging year in so many ways.
Beyond everyone learning how to Zoom (and Zoom becoming a verb) the election of 2020 is sure to go down in history.
What impact did the 2020 election have on RESNET's future-oriented mission to make the energy use for all homes transparent?
(THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED IN MID-DECEMBER 2020)
In today’s podcast we are joined by Carl Chidlow, a registered federal lobbyist and Steve Baden, Executive Director of RESNET as they again pull out the crystal ball to discuss what changes may come about in the world of Home Performance as a result of the 2020 Elections.
Carl and Steve help us understand the possibilities and probabilities of policy change that may happen with the slim majorities, negotiations and compromise we are likely to see.
Learn how there may be possible bipartisan consensus with an infrastructure bill and the belief that much change will come about through executive order and regulations.
We also discuss the implications of the recently passed extension of the 45L tax credit for builders.
Steve also notes the two new proposals forwarded to the new Administration and Congress. Both proposals encourage the energy use calculation as a factor in mortgage approval process
We discuss the cabinet nominees focus on a climate agenda and we learn about the potential impact that Gina McCarthy, the Energy Czar, can have on Home Performance. Carl also gives us his definition of Czar.
Carl and Steve describe what they found most surprising as they think back to RESTALK Episode 57 (first aired in September 2020) where we discussed the upcoming election.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Making the simple complicated is commonplace;
making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.
-Charles Mingus
How in the world can you deliver an engaging conference in these pandemic times?
What kind of steps and measures must you take to make it awesomely simple and fun for attendees and exhibitors?
This kind of challenge requires creativity.
In todays’ podcast we are joined by Emma Bennett and Steve Baden to learn about the creative and exciting changes in store for the RESNET 2021 Conference.
Since early in 2020, the team at RESNET has been planning this virtual event, actually an on-line experience.
This professionally executed, dynamic conference will be like two events under one roof:
-
A 3-day, 3-hour live streaming event with key issues, from February 22 to 24, 2021.
-
Plus, a library of about 100 prerecorded, 1-hour technical sessions housed in a virtual library accessible all through 2021!
There will be four session themes, really something for everyone:
New frontiers of RESNET
Building science, water efficiency and health
Steering energy programs and policy
Navigating finance and real estate
Exhibitors in the virtual exhibit hall will be able to focus on and reach specific types of attendees.
There’s a chance for more attendees to come with bulk pricing for 5 or more attendees from the same organization.
There will be lots of fun events: work out classes, cocktail classes, on line chat forums for networking and more. The most active participants will be awarded prizes!
Please take note of the early bird deadline of January 15, 2021
Learn more by visiting the Conference website: www.resnet.us/conference
Or emailing Emma@resnet.us or Conference@resnet.us
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
-Andy Warhol
Like so many businesses, activities, and organizations, 2020 has been a year of unprecedented adaptation. *In which ways have RESNET Quality Assurance (QA) procedures been adapted and changed this year?
What new techniques, methods, and procedures are being used to maintain the QA function?*
We welcome back RESNET’s QA Team - Laurel Elam, Billy Giblin, and Scott Doyle for an interactive overview of the QA team’s activities during the past year.
Much of the discussion focuses on how the pandemic has affected the QA Team’s oversight of providers in 2020.
We learn of the reactions to and the feedback received considering all of the flexibility allowed by RESNET’s emergency policies.
The team will give an overview of the QA standard changes that are anticipated to be coming in 2021 specifically addendum 30 to RESNET's standards.
We close with some a feeling of pride for the broader housing industry which has remained so resilient.
The RESNET QA Team remains available for technical assistance and technical questions at the following email addresses:
Laurel@RESNET.US Scott@RESNET.US Billy@RESNET.US
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.”
-Loren Eiseley
Wikipedia defines water as is an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance which provides no calories or organic nutrients.
Yet water is vital for all known forms of life.
What role can builders, raters and providers play in the protection of this unique natural resource?
Seasoned water efficiency professional Jonah Schein from the US EPA joins Ryan Meres, Program Director at RESNET on the podcast to give us updates on the EPA WaterSense and HERS H2O programs.
We delve into how HERS H2O is used to achieve the WaterSense Label as well as discuss a recent RESNET/EPA Pilot Program for WaterSense v2.0.
We learn how the WaterSense Version 2.0 pilot has developed the necessary feedback on how to best support the building industry whilst ensuring that the needs of home buyers are met.
In the course of our discussion Ryan and Jonah reveal how raters, providers and builders can and should get involved in rating homes for water efficiency.
Ryan covers the eligibility, criteria and steps involved in becoming a HERS H2O Rater or Provider including the online training.
Tapping into Jonah’s extensive background, we also explore the importance of water efficiency and conservation efforts.
For more information on the RESNET HERSH20 program, visit: https://www.resnet.us/about/hersh2o/
You’ll find information on the EPA’s WaterSense program at https://www.epa.gov/watersense
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Data is the most valuable asset in the world.”
-Brittany Kaiser
What does the builder market data tell us about trends in the adoption of HERS ratings?
What is the breakdown of companies that are recording ratings?
What role do the larger builders play in all of this?
We welcome back Ryan Meres, Program Director at RESNET to share with us some insights into why RESNET believes bigger builders will be requesting more HERS ratings in the future.
With nearly 240,000 HERS ratings recorded in 2019 by a little more than 6,000 home building, remodeling and development companies (50% more companies than 2018) Ryan describes some key trends that are on the move.
As he draws our attention to the top 20 builders we learn that they ordered more than 104,000 ratings which accounts for nearly 43% of all ratings last year.
Ryan also notes that many of the top 20 are publicly traded companies who are moving towards reporting on their environmental impact (i.e., CO2/greenhouse gases and water). HERS ratings can play a role in that reporting via Standard 301 and water ratings).
This falls in the category of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing or “sustainable investing” which seek long-term impact positive impact on society, environment and the performance of the business.
In our conversation, Ryan reveals these and more stories told by the data.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Resilience is all about being able to overcome the unexpected.
Sustainability is about survival.
The goal of resilience is to thrive.”
-Jamias Cascio
Governments are struggling to prepare for hazards and other disaster events they face,
Communities cannot sustain in a chronic response mode.
What goes into making a community event disastrous?What planning tools or programs can be used to mitigate the impact?
How do building codes and other mitigating strategies allow them to get ahead of the situation?
We are joined today by Ryan Colker, VP of Innovation at the International Code Council who spends part of his time looking across the building industry to imagine how codes will be used in the future as well as the present. He brings to bear his diverse background on his work at the ICC.
We discuss the intersection of the many disciplines and activities in the building community which need to come together to insure resilience.
As the co-lead for the Resilient Building Coalition, Ryan gives us many insightful perspectives. For example, he shares the three core aspects necessary for housing to sustain approaching wildfires.
Disasters are shocks that tend to make the headlines, yet stresses (homelessness, a major employer leaving the community, climate change, etc.) are constantly grinding away to exacerbate shocks when they occur.
Learn more from the two white papers on how building codes impact and support resilience as part of the ICC resilience tool kit. www.bit.ly/Resilience-ToolKit
Ryan encourages HERS raters to learn to show the value of resilience strategies, most of which harmonize with health, safety and energy efficiency.
Ryan also shares with us some important links: The Insurance Institute Fortified program (www.ibhs.org/fortified), Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH: www.flash.org/), and Alliance for National & Community Resilience: (www.resilientalliance.org)
You can learn more about International Code Council at: www.icc.org
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“I think things happen for a reason.”
-Dave Davies
Changes in consumer buying patterns and preferences are a constant topic in every market, especially housing.
How are the consumer sentiments changing due to disruptive technologies, yet alone the changes brought about in in a world dealing with a pandemic?
What are some of the new areas that building professionals and manufacturers need to learn about and act on?
Today’s guest, Sara Gutterman, has some perspectives to share with us.
You see, Sara lives on a mountain, both physically and metaphorically.
From her home in Hinsdale County Colorado, where she is a County Commissioner, to the mountain of data that come from her entrepreneurial activities with Green Builder Media, Sara will outline for us some trends, as well as permanent changes that are impacting the building market.
Learn which demographic is the number one influencer is in the building market and what they are looking for. Sara also provides insights into how the pandemic is influencing both the residential and commercial building markets.
We discuss modular and panelized construction techniques as well as ADUs and a brilliant idea on how to repurpose excess commercial space. Stick around to the end to hear the about two key trends that need our attention.
You can learn more about Green Builder Media at www.GreenBuilderMedia.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“We’re all working together; that’s the secret.”
-Sam Walton
COVID-19 continues to impact nearly every area of life these days.
What is RESNET is doing to manage the situation?
In summary it involves three things:
Staying patient. Being open to ideas. Maintaining the dialog.
Today we are joined by RESNET leadership: Cardice Gray-Howard, deputy director and Steve Baden, Executive Director, for a quick update on the impact of COVID-19 on RESNET activities.
Hear what changes have been put in place for the organization as well as changes made for raters and builders.
Learn which changes are likely to be temporary and which may become permanent.
Find out what criteria will trigger the lifting of emergency procedures.
To learn more. Visit the https://www.resnet.us/about/us/resnet-covid-19-updates/
Tune in as field practitioners share their experiences a recorded webinar series: https://www.resnet.us/articles/new-covid-19-industry-impact-briefing-series/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“To be a carpenter or a builder or a home inspector, you have to have that kind of visual brain where you can sort of imagine something being taken apart.”
-Nick Petrie
Even before the impact of the pandemic, the housing market was in a challenging time.
The home building industry is certainly complicated in the physical world with all the components, materials and contractors that need to come together.
What additional complexities have arisen in the last 6 months? What do builders and raters need to know to be better prepared?
Clayton Traylor joins us on the podcast to shed some light on the deceptively complicated world of home building. He will help us take apart and see all the pieces involved.
From his position as VP for State and Regulatory Affairs at the Leading Builders of America, Clayton has a great handle on the numbers, trends, demographics and more as LBA represents 20 of the nation’s largest builders.
Clayton helps peek into the looking glass of what the largest home builders see on the road ahead and lends advice on where you need to be positioned to succeed.
You can learn more about The Leading Builders of America at: www.LeadingBuilders.org
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“You do the best you can with what’s thrown at you, then you try again.”
-Mario Andretti
What does the Highway Bill, or HR 2 have to do with builders and raters?
What has happened to the “builders tax credit” over the course of the last few months and what is store as we head towards and through the upcoming presidential election?
Better known as 45L, Section 45L(c)(1)(A) and (B) of the US Internal Revenue Code (developed by David Goldstein of the NRDC), offers a $2,000 federal tax credit to builders for each energy efficient home they build and sell. As you may know the credit has lived an unsteady life, being on again and off again over the years since its inception, making it difficult for builders to act on this with certainty.
It’s important to realize that the trillion dollar Moving Forward package proposed by the Democratic House Caucus contains a proposal to amend the 45L tax credit, and create a performance based path, tied to the IECC.
Join us as we discuss 45L with Carl Chidlow, a registered federal lobbyist and Steve Baden and learn of the history, perspectives and future opportunities of this tax credit.
Hear about the over 300 RESNET small business owners who signed a letter to Congress in support of this and how you can get involved.
RESNET has created an advocate toolkit found here: https://www.resnet.us/about/advocacy/ with the tools and guidance on how to contact your member of Congress and promote issues important to the membership.
While COVID-19 makes in person meetings almost impossible Congressional staff are still working remotely and have adapted to using conference calls and technology (eg ZOOM) to engage with constituents. Environmental stewardship is going to be a touchstone issue for the next four years.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“You change your business plan to anticipate and adapt to changes in the marketplace.”
-Jon Feltheimer
It seems like everyone is talking about change lately spurred in a large part by the global pandemic.
Rolling with the changes, staying on mission, continuing to work towards your vision are no mean feats.
How is the team at RESNET adapting the annual conference to deliver the high-quality educational content and social interactions while looking out for the health and safety of all involved?
The team at RESNET had some tough decisions to make regarding the 2021 Conference. After polling the community, the RESNET staff and board found that a virtual conference in 2021 is best for the safety and convenience of attendees to still get quality information.
Emma Bennett and Steve Baden join us to walk us through the inputs, research and decision-making leading up the delivery of the 2021 conference in a virtual format.
We will hear about the changes and some unique benefits of a virtual event including overcoming the common “problem” for in-person attendees of not being able to see all sessions.
The in-person social interactions will morph into unique and interactive networking opportunities. Fittingly, the theme of the 2021 RESNET Conference is “A New Path to the Future”. Stay tuned for more details.
NOTE: Traditional in-person events are planned for the 2022 RESNET Conference in Austin, TX, 2023 RESNET Conference in Scottsdale, AZ and 2024 RESNET Conference in Atlanta, GA
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Difficulties mastered are opportunities won.”
-Winston Churchill
Disruptive trends exist in every segment of commerce. Residential construction is no exception.
Between changing customer needs and demands, new materials, changing codes, changes in the workforce, and an increased demand for sustainability, all the pieces of the machine are in motion.
Stepping back from the complexity and seeing patterns in the chaos is trait of many successful small businesses. What patterns and opportunities are emerging when you step back?
With the analytic prowess of a former accountant, the entrepreneurial skills gained in Silicon Valley, and 18 years’ experience in the building trades, our guest today, John Gillett, shares with us a broad roadmap of the new business opportunities that are emerging for HERS raters.
John very neatly weaves together several topics we have covered in past episodes of RESTalk so we can see where the big picture of business is headed for raters:
Episodes 3 & 50: HERS H2O
Episode 20: ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310
Episodes 35 & 53: Energy Code Compliance
Episode 36: Building Information Modeling (BIM)
If you are interested in learning more about John’s work go to www.QualityBuilt.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
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“Make no mistake about it: Change is hard, but change is necessary.”
-Lori Lightfoot
As organizations grow, systems, policies and procedures develop. Grasping the complexities of an organization can become daunting. Especially if you are new or “at the edges of contact” with the organization. It may be easy to feel disconnected.
Organizations like RESNET offer the ability to be part of the conversation, insisting that you have the right to speak up and offer the ability for you to make change.
We are pleased to be joined today by three guests, Sharla Reid from the Energy Smart Institute, Gayathri Vijayakumar from Steven Winter Associates, and John Hensley from BPS Consultants. They are the chairs/change makers of three RESNET Standards Development Committees or SDCs.
Sharla chairs the SDC 200 which oversees RESNET’s education, training assessment, and certification standards and amending the standards.
The SDC 300 is chaired by Gayathri where she oversees RESNET’s technical standards related to the inspections, testing, and calculations that impact an energy rating and amending those standards.
John chairs the SDC 900 where he oversees RESNET’s quality assurance and sampling technical standards and amending the standards.
This talented team breaks down the scope and processes involved with standards development while dispelling some of the myths and misconceptions they have run across in their roles.
If you are interested in participating in a task group or joining an SDC please fill out the form at this link https://www.resnet.us/about/standards/committees/application/
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“How come it’s given you the code?
Someone up there likes me.”
-Cathica and The Doctor from Doctor Who (S01E07)
What does the future world of residential construction look like?
What do opportunities lie for HERS raters in a code world?
Yes, podcast listener someone likes you and will share the code.
Chris McTaggart (The BER) and Ryan Meres (RESNET) join us on the podcast to detail out the HERS Rater’s role in Energy Code compliance.
The International Code Council now offers a new combination designation, the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist. To qualify you must be a current RESNET HERS Rater and hold the Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner Certification (79).
We learn how this designation combines the energy code knowledge of code officials with the energy efficiency knowledge of HERS Raters to provide more powerful advice in energy plan review and inspection. This new credential leverages the strengths of both RESNET and IECC to increase the number of qualified personnel available for evaluating energy code compliance and home energy performance.
They explain how an IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist demonstrates their competence in energy performance measurement and energy code proficiency. In areas where jurisdictions face resource constraints, these certified specialists can supplement the work in this dual role.
Topics we cover include HERS rater involvement with duct and envelope leakage testing and the R405 performance path compliance.
Both Chris and Ryan cover a few on the myths and misconceptions they have encountered along the way as this designation has developed.
For more info you can review the topic on the IECC website: http://bit.ly/IECC-HERS
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“Go out and collect data and, instead of having the answer, just look at the data and see if the data tells you anything.”
-Steven Levitt
With over 20% of all new homes being built in the US receiving a HERS rating, this repository of data can allow important trends in residential construction can be discerned.
What does this data speak to in terms of the types of homes and types of buyers?
Ryan Meres joins us on today’s podcast to walk us through what the data in the new Trends in HERS Rated Homes report tells us.
We get a walk-through of national, state and even city trends which cover the basic characteristics of the rated homes and even the building components.
The report concludes with a first-of-its-kind look at the demographics of buyers of HERS rated homes based on a 2019 study conducted by the mortgage industry giant Freddie Mac.
For more info you can reach review the study at: www.bit.ly/RESNET-TRENDS-19 .
Or if you wish to reach Ryan you can email him at Ryan@RESNET.us
We also discuss the advantages granted to members of the RESNET Suppliers Advisory board, to learn more visit this page on the RESNET site: www.resnet.us/about/sab/
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“Difficult times disrupt your conventional ways of thinking and push you to forge better habits of thought, performance and being.”
-Robin S. Sharma
In this time when the novel Coronavirus has impacted so many aspects of our daily lives in both personal and business aspects we often hear of the “new normal”.
In the case of home energy ratings, where the object of the work is a home in the field, often with others from the trades present, the “new normal” has to be carefully thought out and developed. And most importantly, it must iterated with feedback from the field in order to perform at an acceptable level.
Scott Doyle joins us on today’s podcast to detail out the temporary protocols that have been established for emergency virtual inspections. He and the team at RESNET have field many questions and received valuable feedback as the procedures have been iterated.
We learn about the development process of the default test values and applicability of using these optional protocols.
To keep up with the very latest on this important topic go to the RESNET homepage at resnet.us and click on the RESNET COVID-19 updates link at the top.
You can reach Scott at Scott@RESNET.us
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“If you can't measure it, you can't improve it.”
-Peter Drucker
Over the last decade, what Americans pay for water and sewer service has increased three times faster than inflation or the price of food.
How can builders and homeowners get a handle the amount of water being used without some kind of practical and usable metric for both new and existing homes?
Join us as we plunge into the depths of HERSH20, RESNET’s new water efficiency rating system.
Both of our guests today, Mark Johnson from ICC and Jacob Atalla from KB Home, were intimately involved in the development of this Standard 850.
Listen in as we learn how the standard addresses water efficiency and why ICC decided to collaborate with RESNET in the development of this standard.
We learn how the index score is determined and what the home is being rated against.
Our guests also describe why a builder might want to get a HERS H2O rating on their homes.
To learn more, view the slide deck on this topic from the RESNET 2020 conference by going to this link: www.bit.ly/HERSH2O
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Human beings are very good at adapting to what happens
-John Hurt
Building science is building science.
Science doesn’t care. It just is.
Applications for a HERS Rater’s knowledge of building science are out there.
Sometimes where you’d least expect them.
Recorded in April 2020, today’s topic is tuned in to the current pandemic, perhaps, in an unexpected way.
Join us as we speak with Matthew Cooper, Senior Vice President at PEG, LLC about how his company is supporting the healthcare community by providing third-party isolation room monitoring.
Matthew starts with an overview of PEG’s 22-year history and how the company evolved into the multifaceted organization it is today, including becoming a HERS Rating Provider and RESNET 100,000 Homes Club member.
We discuss the PEG team’s previous experience in the healthcare setting and how they are now providing independent monitoring of hospital isolation rooms, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) rooms and Emergency Rooms where suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients are being cared for.
As to the point that science doesn’t care, monitoring includes differential pressure, temperature and relative humidity which are all key factors in isolating airborne infection patients for the protection of both healthcare workers and other patients. These parameters should be immediately recognizable to the HERS rater.
For question or follow up please reach out to Matthew at MCooper@pegenv.com
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Changes and progress are very rarely gifts from above. They come out of struggles from below.
-Noam Chomsky
The code development process is complex and time consuming.
Yet the results drive much of the work done by raters.
Insights into this process from a knowledgeable guide are immensely valuable.
Join us as we speak with Ryan Meres, Program Director at RESNET, about the changes coming in the 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). He reviews for us the key results of the latest changes that will impact HERS Raters and the builders they work with.
Beginning with a quick overview of the code development process, we move into a discussion of the incorporation of the 2019 versions of Standards 301 and 380.
We get into a good discussion over the details on what is happen to the ERI including an insider’s explanation of the voting process and why the Performance Path seems to be the trend. Cool note: Ryan was a co-author of the original ERI.
You will find some details on the differences between the ERI and HERS index scores in Ryan’s blog post here:
https://www.resnet.us/articles/the-iecc-energy-rating-index-and-hers-index-whats-the-difference/
Or use this short link: www.bit.ly/ERI-HERS
We wrap the discussion looking some of the next tasks for Ryan in his role as Program Director at RESNET
For question or follow up you can always reach Ryan at Ryan@Resnet.us
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Follow effective action with quiet reflection.
From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.
-Peter Drucker
As RESNET looks towards the future, significant effort is being placed in recruiting and retaining members of the broader RESNET community.
There is no better way to do this than invite people to “the table”.
The RESNET Board has done this in a big way by creating the Emerging Leadership Council Fellowship which deeply engages people new to the industry.
Joins us as we chat today with the three 2020 ELC fellows: Aaron Hope (Southern Energy Management, Raleigh, NC), Rachel LaMantia (EnergyLogic, Berthoud, CO) and Manon Shankle (Virdiant, Richmond, VA)
Come listen as each of the fellow shares with us their background, experiences and passion for their work. One common theme we heard was their unique responses and reactions to being named 2020 Fellows. They share with us their reflections and actions taken.
Learn more about this year’s fellows by following this link
https://www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/fellows/
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The big picture doesn’t just come from distance; it also comes from time.
-Simon Sinek
RESNET recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic will have a huge impact on HERS® Raters and Rating Providers.
The RESNET Board Executive Committee has swiftly stepped in to make important decisions.
RESNET is ever more diligent about how business is being done and working together with members of the HERS Industry to navigate through this.
It will take time.
RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden and Deputy Director Cardice Gray-Howard join us today in this special episode to discuss their reactions to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the actions that have been taken.
Various steps have already been put in place such as modifications to QA testing and Payment terms for rating fees. Other options are also being considered.
For complete and up to date information follow the “RESNET COVID-19 Updates” link at the top of the RESNET.us homepage.
RESNET has put in place a dedicated email address (COVID19info@resnet.us ) that will go directly to the Quality Assurance Team for QA questions and concerns. This email address is for specific questions to the QA team regarding remote QA, reporting, etc.
RESNET believes in the power of our tight knit community to get through this situation stronger and more united over time.
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It’s very hard to complain about society if you don’t get involved.
-George Prescott Bush
Getting involved.
Putting yourself out there, so to speak.
Leaving your comfort zone.
It doesn’t have to be scary.
It can be quite thrilling and satisfying, especially if your new ideas are encouraged, listened to and acted upon.
In 2016, the RESNET Board created the Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) to help recruit, mentor and motivate the future leaders of RESNET and the home building performance industry.
Today we are joined by Leo Jansen, of Energy Efficient Homes Midwest, one of very few (the only?) rater/provider organizations operating in the second generation.
Leo has been the Chair of the ELC since February 2019 and is demonstrating his leadership by helping to nurture the next generation of RESNET Leaders.
Leo describes the goals of the ELC as focusing on recruitment of new raters, retention of existing raters and ELC membership opportunities afforded to those that join.
Made up of over 30 (and growing) diverse professionals, Leo stresses the group is for those new to the industry; age is not a determining factor for membership. Leo is managing to make great progress by using digital communication tools as well as forming limited task groups for members to manage.
The ELC is developing many unique activities, including conducting their very first video competition in 2019. You can learn more about it and look for the “call’ for the 2020 video contest in updates on the ELC page of the RESNET site.
The group also hosts a fellowship opportunity for new professionals in the industry to attend the annual RESNET conference free of charge.
Additionally, the ELC coordinates a community related volunteer event in the host city of the conference each year.
If you would like to learn more check out the ELC page here:
www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
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Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.
-Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Most of us enjoy tackling challenges, especially creative people like architects.
Now combine a creative design challenge along with surpassing a HERS 30 score and other stringent criteria and things get interesting.
And then beat the target score with a Net Zero achievement and have the winning plans freely shared to the public; now that’s joy in achievement!
In 2016 Mark Hartman, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Phoenix created a competition for Arizona architects to encourage the construction of ultra-low energy use homes. This is in support of the ambitious 2050 Sustainability Goals adopted by the Mayor of Phoenix and the Phoenix City Council.
Mark worked in partnership with Caroline Lobo, formerly leader of the American Institute of Architects, Arizona (AIA), to hold a Sustainable Home Design Competition. The goal was for a “near net-zero energy” single-family home with the best potential for wide-spread adoption in the region.
Marlene Imirzian of Imirzian Architects created the winning design of an affordable, three-bedroom home, that went beyond and achieved a HERS rating of zero.
She calls is HOME nz.
Lend your ears to this interesting story and feel the energy and joy that I sensed recording this podcast live at the RESNET 2020 Home Performance Conference.
Join over 5000 others and download the free plans at this link: https://www.phoenix.gov/sustainability/home
If you would like to learn more, please contact:
Mark Hartman, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Phoenix: mark.hartman@phoenix.gov
Marlene Imirzian, Imirzian Architects: mimirzian@imirzian-architects.com
Caroline Lobo, American Institute of Architects, Arizona: info@suoll.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
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The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.
-Ray Kroc
There’s usually only one chance in the life of a home to get the insulation right.
To get it right, insulation installers need training, experience and standards to adhere to.
What does it take to be the top in this field?
David Beam believes it comes from a company’s leadership.
David Beam, President & CEO of Insulate America, shares with us his insights into what it takes to become America’s best insulation installer.
David explains how important it is to balance time and quality efforts in order to run a successful insulation job and business.
For the last 2 decades, David has been involved the prestigious annual Insulation Installation contest that is co-sponsored by Insulate America and Johns-Manville. He tells us about the history of the contest and fierce competition and tight timelines involved for the 40 competitors. The winners walk away with trophies, bragging rights and cash prizes.
But, more importantly, David tells us of the impressive coaching, education and mentoring that goes on amongst the over 150 people that attend the event each fall.
Learn more about this year’s event at this site: https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/meet-americas-best-installer
And look for the call to compete in the late summer of every year.
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To succeed today, you have to set priorities, decide what you stand for.
-Lee Iacocca
To move ahead, people, organizations, communities all need priorities to focus their attention and direct their energies.
RESNET has sharpened its focus on three topics for 2020.
In this Episode, Steve Baden shares with us the ambitious priorities that will lead towards the goals RESNET has set for 2020.
Steve gives us background and context for the initiatives which include:
Energy Code Compliance
Steve explains why it follows that HERS Raters are recognized by code officials as the “go-to-option” for code verification
HERS H2O Water Efficiency Rating System
Grading the Efficiency of the Installation of the HVAC System of a Home
These plans will be announced at the General Session of the at 2020 RESNET Conference and covered in detail in various breakout sessions. The conference is set for February 24-26, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ
Learn more and sign up for the conference at www.resnet.us/conference/scottsdale-2020/
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To study consumer behavior is to explore human nature at its most fundamental level using the modern world as a backdrop.
-Gad Saad
What is on the mind of the housing consumer?
How important is a rated home?
What kind of consumers are attracted to buy rated homes?
Listen in as Steve Baden shares details and insights into a new housing study conducted by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), a government enterprise more commonly known as Freddie Mac.
This study found that HERS rated homes sold for an average of 2.7% more than comparable unrated homes. And homes with lower HERS Index Scores selling for 3 – 5% more than homes with higher scores. The study also found that buyers of HERS rated homes also have more desirable mortgage profiles.
Steve covers the reasons and process involved in this study that merged HERS data from a random sampling of about 70,000 HERS rated homes with about 380,000 non-rated homes adding credit bureau data to gain insights into the profiles of buyers.
Learn how this study shows how so many stakeholders can win from the implementation of rated homes. Get the best perspective by attending the annual conference session on this topic.
Download a copy of the study here: www.bit.ly/FMStudy-RESNET
This study shows that the right kind of consumers are appreciating and responding to the way a HERS rating communicates the value of a home’s energy performance.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
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Collaboration is a key part of the success of any organization, executed through a clearly defined vision and mission based on transparency and constant communication.
-Dinesh Paliwal
Putting together a conference is no mean feat.
I know. I have tried.
Putting together a conference at the level of RESNET conferences, is an awesome challenge that is handled so well by the RESNET staff.
The annual conference is one of the largest communications and community building activities produced by RESNET.
Listen in as we talk with Emma Bennett and Steve Baden about the RESNET 2020 conference coming up February 24-26, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ
Hear how this interactive conference is built by the participants via session submissions and polling – a true grassroots effort of what the community finds of interest.
This is an unique chance to interact with the thought leaders and practitioners that shape the rating industry. Time for you to become an influencer and be influenced! This is an unrivalled chance to network.
Learn of the three initiatives that embody the RESNET 2020 plan:
Expansion of Raters into code Verification
The launch of the HERS H2O rating system
The launch of the HVAC system efficiency rating system
You’ll also get a snapshot of the 120 session topics, including three offsite tours and the community give-back activity with Habitat for Humanity. Plus, a chance to see over 50 product & serivce exhibitors.
More details on the conference at www.resnet.us/conference/scottsdale-2020/
If you have any questions drop an email to info@resnet.us
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Of course, I have a plan. But it's a (not) secret. - Modified from John “Hannibal” Smith from the A-Team TV Series
Open communication.
Creative solutions.
Engaged dialog.
These are just a few of the qualities embodied by RESNET’s QA team of Laurel Elam, Scott Doyle and Billy Giblin.
Or the A-Team as they are called by colleagues.
In this podcast, we get an interactive overview of the QA team’s activities over the past year.
Scott explains some new pilot programs which incentivize quality assurance efforts while Laurel covers the partnerships with RESNET providers engaged in utility programs.
Laurel gives insight into policy improvements which stand to reduce the time burden of certain quality assurance activities while Scott discusses the evolution of Quality Assurance Designee (QAD) training.
We also hear where the infield visits have taken Billy, across climate zones and learn of his choices for the best places to eat!
Billy and Scott wrap up the conversation by covering some of the valuable feedback received from providers during both face to face visits and online review meetings.
You can reach the QA team by email:
Laurel@RESNET.US Scott@RESNET.US Billy@RESNET.US
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When you have a system, you kind of get in a routine of what’s important. And then you spend a lot more time on thinking of things that would make it better.
-Nick Saban
Structured thinking.
Systems thinking.
Our guest today (and his company) embody systems thinking at a very high level.
Panelization in construction is a very structured, systematic topic. If you are not familiar with panelized construction, you soon will be.
When you dig into it, panelized construction has its roots in the 1950s. In 2014, the top 20 US builders used panelization in roughly 40% of their builds. Yet, overall, modular, precut and panelized construction amounted to only 3.6% of the market in 2016.
Anthony Grisolia, Managing Director Innovation at IBACOS, joins us to discuss the history, background, process and role of the HERS rater in the world of panelized construction.
Anthony shares with us his technical and market understanding of panelization and its relationship to costs, labor and BIM (Building Information Modeling).
He discussed the implications for HERS raters across the range of panelization modes with regard to topics like: where the inspection process takes place, as some of the traditional inspections can be done in the manufacturing plant and duct and air tightness testing which still need to be completed on building site.
You can reach Anthony by sending an email to his attention at agrisolia@ibacos.com
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Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
-Soren Kierkegaard
If anyone could write a book for understanding life in the housing market, it’s Jeff Bentley. His understanding comes from many years of living the experience forwards, in a variety of roles.
Carpenter, builder, rater and realtor, this self-identified kid in the classroom that always asked why, Jeff Bentley has developed a keen understanding of what goes into making a high-performance home and which aspects uniquely interest prospective buyers.
Jeff is a 4th generation home builder turned realtor who has personally supervised the construction of over 4,000 homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. He acutely understands that buyers buy on emotion, yet they justify the costs (money and time) with logic.
Jeff has assisted clients in designing and building high performance, energy efficient homes. Including the first LEED Gold home in Frisco, TX.
He shares with us his five rules: take care of the customer, train continuously, top down commitment, verify the work, be willing to evolve.
In his writings, he suggests that every superintendent and operations person should be energy rater certified, so that energy raters wouldn't need to be the “kW police”. He believes these concepts, many of which are embodied in RESNET standards, have changed homebuilding forever.
He stresses the importance of air sealing and accountability of the trades yielding work properly completed the first time and the concept that quality is still free!
His experience and capabilities guide his clients in selecting architects, home builders, lots, lenders and subcontractors or suppliers. His clients enjoy a high-performance home while the maximizing the benefits of energy tax credits, utility rebates and supplier discounts.
Jeff shares what he has learned within his company and at national appraisers’ conferences. You can reach out to Jeff at jdbentley27@yahoo.com
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The success of a production depends on the attention paid to detail.
-David O. Selznick
Building any new home requires tremendous attention to detail.
And if you are looking for high performance features, the details skyrocket.
The details of what a customer wants, what materials and designs are available and proven are super critical for proper integration into a sometimes unique, yet always complex system.
If only there were a way to collect and evaluate these details in advance to improve performance, lower cost and shorten build times.
Well… there is.
Multi-award-winning builder, Jay Epstein joins us to discuss Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems and how they can integrate and connect all the building plans across the trades.
Across his 30+ year career as a builder in Virginia, Jay always strives to appeal to a buyer’s senses, while searching for simplicity of the build.
He shares key insights like understanding a new home buyer’s perspective by reflecting on the house they are coming from and how using BIM for a high-performance home can achieve cost neutrality (or better) than market rate “equivalent” homes. He serves as the interpreter between technical numbers and a customer’s expectations.
We also get to take a virtual walk through some of the communities that he has built and is building. The road to these results is paved with research and learning from subcontractors and consultants, like his HERS raters.
Jay can be reached at Jay@HEC-VA.COM and you can see some of his latest work at www.WFSolarHomes.com – the first Zero Net Energy Ready community in Virginia.
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ICC and RESNET Collaborate to Increase Energy Code Compliance and Home Energy Efficiency
When you need to innovate, you need collaboration.
- Marissa Mayer
Mark Johnson, Executive VP and Director of Business Development for the International Code Council (ICC) joins RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden to review their joint goals and activities associated with increasing energy code compliance which drives towards the outcome of increasing residential energy efficiency.
They review activities that are designed to build trust and creditability with code officials while helping to relieve some of the officials ever increasing work load, by allowing officials to focus on the public safety aspects as an ICC Certified HERS Rater focusses on the energy and building science aspects.
HERS Raters proudly bring their attributes of training and certification through RESNET’s Gold Standard which provides oversight as a national third-party quality assurance process.
Additionally, transparency is delivered through the RESNET National Buildings Registry which will soon include a code official portal for immediate code document review.
So far, 200 HERS Raters have trained and been certified by ICC for energy code plans review and inspection. Raters that attend the National conference have a unique opportunity to train and be tested in a pre-conference session. This certification can easily add to their rating business’ “product line”.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
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Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
It’s true: teamwork makes the dream work.
-Natalya Neidhart
It used to be that designing and building a Net Zero home was a far-fetched idea.
Now, there are several Net Zero competitions with utilities, raters, builders and home owners working together to raise public awareness of this accelerating trend showcasing the benefits of building beyond code requirements.
Join us to hear Mike Loughlin program manager with the utility, Eversource, and Joe Rando, a senior engineering assistant and HERS rater with GDS Associates, describe the Drive to Net Zero Competition which is starting into its third year in New Hampshire.
We learn about background and details of the competition and hear about the 2018 winners including a deep dive into the five criteria which define the competition.
Joe describes the HERS rating and ENERGY STAR® certification services GDS Associates provided for the winning high-performance home. While Mike discusses leveraging the benefits of state level supported energy efficiency programs and the continued partnership with the region’s utility providers and building industry.
Like many companies involved in HERS ratings GDS works with the local utilities and builders to assist in the pivotal market transformation that continues to bring recognition to the benefits of building comfortable, durable, healthy and efficient homes.
Mike offers his contact info for anyone considering developing such a program in their area: Michael.Loughlin@Eversource.com
For more info see the press release:
https://www.nhbr.com/best-practices-in-homebuilding-energy-efficiency-honored/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Real, sustainable community change requires the initiative and engagement of community members.
-Helene D. Gayle
RESNET plays a big role in the Home Energy ecosystem.
Part of RESNET’s role is to give a voice to the variety of organizations involved.
Some of these organizations are suppliers of materials and equipment essential to the management and control of energy and other factors in homes.
Staff member Ryan Meres joins us in this podcast to describe why RESNET formed the Suppliers Advisory Board (SAB), its activities and the benefits to organizations that join.
One of the key benefits is data from rated homes. SAB members periodically receive a supplier intelligence report: a rich insight into the trends in building practices. This data is derived from the over 2.5 million (and growing) rated homes in the US.
These insights often describe state and regional variations into the types of equipment installed, as well as home performance factors such as insulation levels and envelope leakage data and even instances of on-site power production, amongst many other factors.
In several cases, this data can be used to bolster the impact of arguments in the code adoption process.
Some of the other benefits include a booth at the annual conference, Webinars
and access to the HERS Affiliate Training course. The course provides product supplier representatives and sales staff with an understanding of how RESNET’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) works.
To learn more about the Suppliers Advisory board visit, www.resnet.us/about/sab/
Or at this link to jump right to the benefits:
www.resnet.us/about/sab/resnet-suppliers-advisory-board-benefits/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
What is the RESNET Index Adjustment Factor (IAF)
with Philip Fairey of the Florida Solar Energy Center
Taste as you go. When you taste the food throughout the cooking process you can adjust as you go.
-Anne Burrell
Feedback (tasting) and adjusting make a better recipe.
RESNET is all about feedback.
Join us as Philip Fairey, Deputy Director of the Florida Solar Energy Center and Secretary of the RESNET Board of Directors unravels the story behind the development of the Index Adjustment Factor (IAF), also called the Home Size adjustment factor in Addendum E-2018.
The IAF stemmed from anecdotal reports that unwarranted HERS credit was given to larger homes, or that smaller homes were penalized.
These inequities in rating calculation were believed to be caused by the presence of two factors causing the HERS index to fall: larger conditioned floor area and greater number of stories. Additionally one factor, a greater number of bedrooms, was observed to be causing the index to rise.
After extensive research and detailed modeling, the IAF was developed and has helped to significantly reduce the range of variation for all three factors.
To learn more, including in depth technical details, see slides from Philip’s presentation at the 2019 RESNET Conference at this link: www.bit.ly/RESNET-IAF
The IAF is baked in to the modeling software and does not cause any change to the responsibilities of a Rater or RFI and does not increase the cost of HERS ratings.
NOTE: HERS Raters will be required to use the size adjustment compliant software on homes that are issued a building permit on or after January 1, 2019..
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
I have always believed in helping your fellow man is profitable in every sense, personally and the bottom line.
-Mario Puzo
For some, a broader definition of housing includes more than just rental cost.
It also includes energy, water, transportation and healthcare – where in many cases the location has impact on Indoor Air Quality.
Listen in as RESNET Board member Abe Kruger (SK Collaborative) describes how half of his work now relates to working with states to help determine ways that lead to improving this broader definition of affordable housing.
Many of the skills he learned and knowledge he acquired in the course of his career as a HERS rater now come into play in the assessment of affordable housing.
Learn about the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) has created 3 million affordable housing units across the country as well the impact being made by the policy tool of Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) in market-rate housing
If you would like to learn more, get in touch with Abe by emailing him at Abe@SKCollaborative.com
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Moving Towards the Integrated Home – Connected, Interactive, Interoperable, AND Efficient
Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.
-John F. Kennedy
Tim Carter (Georgia Power) & Shon Richey (Alabama Power) join us today to discuss two very forward-thinking Smart Neighborhood projects that address grid balancing and consumer engagement amongst other objectives.
They reveal how new home programs are looking beyond just asset-based performance of homes by considering many other factors including the time and location-based value of efficiency as well as non-energy benefits that flow from an integrated, connected (two-way communication) home.
We dive deep into the concepts of the home of the future, as well as the ‘utility of the future’ which will impact the design and methods used in new construction.
You will hear about utility offerings designed to achieve objectives beyond traditional energy efficiency, such as load management and behavior change.
You can download a copy of the slides from Tim and Shon’s session at the 2019 RESNET conference by following this link: http://conference.resnet.us/data/energymeetings/presentations/MovingTowardsIntegratedHome1.pdf
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
California Dreamin’ - RESNET HERS® Ratings Soon to be Recognized in California
It’s shown and proved that hard work pays off. Make goals, achieve them, make new goals.
-Lance Gross
Ryan Meres (RESNET) and Matt Christie (Associate Director, TRC) join us to review the five-year journey where RESNET and the California Energy Commission (CEC) have been working together to bring the California and RESNET energy rating standards into harmony.
Listen in as we learn about the recent changes to the California energy code (Title 24), including a new compliance path called the Energy Design Rating (EDR), which move the two rating systems into closer alignment.
Matt reviews the progress on the four major pillars are being addressed. For example, both systems need to use the same reference home (based on the 2006 IECC) to create a score.
We will also hear about some of the driving forces behind these changes as well as the variations that will make the EDR and RESNET HERS scores different.
The discussion also touches on net zero energy buildings and the tie in with on-site power systems and batteries noted in the HERS score
These efforts will bring the RESNET HERS index closer into alignment with the California energy code as well as provide an example by which future versions of the IECC could be modeled to achieve a net zero energy code for the rest of the country.
You can reach Matt through TC at www.TRCcompanies.com and you can reach Ryan at Ryan@RESNET.us
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” – Jonathan Swift
Efficiency is invisible, yet energy efficiency represents the largest, cheapest and healthiest means of reducing the global temperature increase. Achieving good energy efficiency also results in better occupant comfort, health, and productivity as well as creating jobs and equity.
The United States is one of 190 nations that is committed to pursuing efforts to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. Even back-of-the-envelope analysis shows that this goal will be impossible to achieve without deep retrofits of almost all buildings. In this podcast David Goldstein explores how this might be accomplished, reviewing several options, given that such a program has never been undertaken at this scale before and inherently requires multiple and simultaneous plans and actions by a wide range of stakeholders.
David notes the need to take a "whole building" approach to retrofits rather than more common approaches today which emphasize specific widgets or systems. He also emphasizes the need for new methods of approaching building valuation since energy cost savings alone often will not cover the entire cost of renovations. We discuss the need for technical innovation in building construction methods and for electric technologies for supplying heat and hot water to buildings. Finally, we consider the impact of deep retrofits on all buildings to the electricity grid as well as the natural gas system.
We also discuss the pathways to accomplish this goal with the minimal practical cost disruption and transfer payments from program administrators to property owners. The scale of this endeavor- very roughly $3-$4 trillion- would strain the budgets of current and prospective administrators. You’ll hear about a set of paths that, if rapidly implemented, could set us on a practical rather than political approach to meeting the Paris accord.
Follow this link for a copy of David’s slides on this topic from a presentation he gave at the 2019 RESNET conference: http://conference.resnet.us/data/energymeetings/presentations/Goldstein RESNET retrofits 2019 02.pdf
I'm not trying to 'cause a big s-s-sensation (talkin' 'bout my generation)
I'm just talkin' 'bout my g-g-g-generation (talkin' 'bout my generation)
~ My Generation (The Who)
Generational differences: they can be hard to ignore, and sometimes cause unnecessary conflict.
However, those of different generations working together often speak of more enriching experiences.
Listen in as we talk about generations with Clint Shireman of Knauf Insulation. Clint summarizes for us what he has learned about the differences in the generations and how differences impact the work environment, especially the construction trades.
We discuss the definitions and group sizes of the five generations currently in the work force while noting the impacts made by historical, societal, and lately the technological and communication related changes that affect all generations in different ways.
From Baby Boomers, to helicopter parents, to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the conversation covers a lot of ground as these topics relate to hiring, setting expectations and retaining employees of all generations.
Follow these links for a copy of Clint’s’ slides and notes on this topic from a presentation he gave at the 2019 RESNET conference.
www.bit.ly/ClintSlides www.bit.ly/ClintNotes
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
As coaches say, it's about finding your role. We're coming together as a team. Brock Osweiler
“I learned no detail was too small. It was all about the details.” – Brad Grey
In this episode we speak with Ryan Meres, Program Director at RESNET about his experiences at the recent committee action hearings of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Out of the 37 proposals identified for RESNET Board review, 13 were determined to be RESNET's top priorities. Ryan tracked and testified on these 13 priority proposals during the Spring 2019 Hearings.
Listen in as Ryan shares an overview of the Code Development Process which include Committee Action Hearings followed by Public Comment Hearings.
He will also describe the proposals that RESNET focused on, from both the point of support and opposition.
You’ll hear updates on the incorporation of Standards 301 and 380 and gain an understanding of why and how RESNET looks to maintain similarities in the ERI path and HERS index.
Learn about an interesting proposal for a new compliance path based on BTUh targets for heating and cooling loads for each climate zone,
Follow this link to view Ryan’s blog post on this topic: https://www.resnet.us/blog/
If you want to receive updates on Ryan’s work with codes, email Ryan at Ryan@RESNET.us
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
The North Star - For some it is a compass direction. The direction to follow.
For others following your North Star means sticking to an important mission.
Let’s follow the important mission happening in green housing in the North Star State.
Listen in as we discover the team work that has been rallied to create the Minnesota’s Green Path.
Tom Gavaras of the BATC-Housing First Minnesota and Ross Anderson of the Energy Network Worldwide detail out the synergies they have created in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
They describe the strategies they have employed which have successfully brought together utilities, the builder community, and raters to grow recognition of green building techniques generally and more specifically, to promote the HERS rating.
We'll hear about Minnesota’s Green Path in which the utilities help the raters and the builder’s association highlight energy-efficient building techniques via the promotion of the HERS index through its Parade of Homes, home tours and related publications, website, marketing, and social media.
Green Path is the leading energy efficiency and green building program for the residential construction industry in Minnesota.
Created by BATC-Housing First Minnesota in 2011, the program has provided Home Performance Reports to more than 18,000 newly built homes highlighting RESNET’s HERS score and the tested air exchange rate.
Tom and Ross describe how you can leverage the connections of your local or state association to continue elevating energy-efficient building.
You can reach Tom and download the checklist he mentions at: www.MNGreenPath.org
You can reach Ross via www.MBPA.us, the Minnesota Building Performance Contractors Association.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
As coaches say, it's about finding your role. We're coming together as a team. Brock Osweiler
Access to clean, abundant water is critical to the maintenance and growth of society. And this is not just a regional or US theme, it is a global issue. In this joint podcast with ICC Pulse, RESTalk host Bill Spohn interviews RESNET Program Director Ryan Meres and Code Council Executive Director of Sustainability Programs Dave Walls about the new water ratings standard, water efficiency and conservation. We learn about the upcoming joint RESNET ICC standard 1101: Water Rating index and How HERS H2O fits in the picture. We cover a lot of ground on the topic: ranging from piping to conversation to rain water harvesting, including indoor and outdoor use. You can learn more about ICC efforts at www.iccsafe.org/ and about the HERS H2O standard here: http://www.resnet.us/professional/about/resnet_to_develop_water_efficiency_rating_system NOTE: The building that Dave mentions in the podcast is the Ziggurat Building in West Sacramento, CA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ziggurat RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Attention to detail is important in so many facets of life.
Certainly, in dealing with people.
And also, when dealing with things.
Listen in as we hear about how the details of proper air sealing can make such a difference in the comfort, performance and energy efficiency of the thing we all hold so near and dear; the home.
Our guest in this podcast, Charlie Haack is the Director of Technical Services for NAIMA, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.
Charlie’s background in architecture and in field work with energy star homes gives him great perspective to discuss the multifaceted aspects of moving the concepts of better air sealing into common practice.
Sometimes it amounts to not overlooking the big holes, as “air will find a way”. At other times, it’s a combination of factors that needs to be addressed.
Based on research work from Owens-Corning, NAIMA has put together a guide to the top 5 Priorities in Air Sealing Locations:
https://insulationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/N090-5-Air-Sealing-Locations-for-New-Homes.pdf
From state and national code hearings, to contractors’ guides, to technical presentations, and keeping up with green certification programs, NAIMA is tackling the good work that needs to be done in this area.
Go to www.insulationinstitute.org to learn more from the in-depth resources they provide.
Other interesting reference on their site include:
- What Builders want from Home Raters:
http://information.insulationinstitute.org/guide-to-understanding-builders-want-from-hers-raters
- Building Science 101:
http://information.insulationinstitute.org/free-building-science-101-guide
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
At times we all wish we had a crystal ball.
You know, something to help you see into the future.
What if the crystal ball was a gateway into your imagination, your own personal vision of what you could help accomplish in the future?
Pretty awesome, right?
That’s the spirit of our conversation today with these fine “fellows” in this podcast
Elizabeth Sanfelippo, Jonathan Gensler and Xavier Walter applied for and were selected to be the RESNET Emerging Leadership Council Fellows in 2019.
In today’s episode we will hear about the similarities and differences in their backgrounds, as well as contrasting the opportunities and challenges in the regions in which they work.
We also learn of their hopes and goals for the future of the industry and their concrete plans to achieve their goals.
One common theme developed was that of being an inspiration and offering to teach, train and educate on a regular basis to help their markets progress.
We close with a challenge given to them by the host of the podcast.
Listen in and be inspired.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Perspective.
While the first dictionary definition may come first to mind for our technical listeners:
the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point.
It is the second dictionary definition we will pivot from today:
a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
In this episode we chat with Terry Duszynski. Terry has been working in the fields of general contracting and energy auditing since the early 80s.
He has the honor of being the first HERS rater of record.
Terry has interacted with Steve Baden since before RESNET existed.
Listen in as we gain perspective on the field of energy rating and learn how much has changed over the decades and see what remains the same.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
***NOTE:
While the podcast mentions an upcoming session at the 2019 RESNET Conference, the podcast was recorded before the conference took place and published after the conference took place. ***
Big Sky, Montana: literally one of the biggest sky views on earth.
A great place for great ideas to be born.
At the 2018 HabitatX Conference an idea germinated from conversations between Steve Baden (RESNET.us) and Robin LeBaron (PearlCertification.com).
They discussed how HERS ratings and Pearl Certifications could complement each other rather than add another layer of complexity for consumers of high-performance homes.
Listen in as we hear how this conversation moved to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed and how quickly work has begun in earnest, with a pilot study comparing the correlation of HERS scores to Pearl “Metals” in the Phoenix, AZ housing market.
Robin spills the beans on some early correlation data that you will want to hear.
For raters: Conducting 3rd party asset inventories for Pearl Certification might be an additional career fit.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
HVAC systems usually consume a large chunk of the energy in any home.
So, it follows that optimizing HVAC systems can lead to lower home energy consumption, hence a lower HERS score/better HERS rating.
But how are points awarded for a better-quality HVAC design and Installation?
Is there are better way than nameplate information?
Listen in as we chat with Wes Davis (ACCA) and Dean Gamble (EPA Energy Star Homes Program) as they discuss why the ANSI/RESNET 301 standard is being created and the lessons learned that resulted in development of that standard.
A major goal here is to significantly re-unify the process of doing a HERS rating and earning the ENERGY STAR.
We will discuss the current status of development, as well as the expected implementation timeline.
Heads up: raters may need a few more tools and training in this extension of their work, yet efforts are being made so the standard maximizing flexibility of execution. You’ll also hear about a new, non-invasive system test for HVAC systems.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Lately we hear a lot of buzz words in the home building community:
Sustainable. Healthy. Smart. Flexible.
What would it be like to actually execute on all these parameters?
All at once.
In one home.
Well KB Home did it in the KB Home Projekt!
Listen in to my conversation with Jacob Atalla, VP of Sustainability Initiatives with KB Home as he expands on KB’s vision, strategies and execution of these 4 pillars.
From the offsite manufacturing of the panels and floor cassettes, to novel insulation materials, to the Google Assistant integrations of the 250 devices in the home that have unique IP address. KB Home has harnessed the tremendous brain power in collaboration with partners over an 18-month period that launched the Projekt Home at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV in January 2019.
Learn more at www.KBHomeProjekt.com
The KB Home ProjeKt breaks new ground in smart home building through innovative partnerships and cutting-edge technology that helps residents improve their physical and emotional health and well-being, and is designed to flex with the needs of its homeowners. Located in Inspirada, one of the bestselling master plans in the U.S. and a dynamic, connected and growing community, the KB Home ProjeKt is a short distance from the Las Vegas strip and CES, and is a full-scale, immersive home experience of “where tomorrow lives.”
All disciplines in the building industry should come to the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: http://conference.resnet.us/
Learn more in person during the 2019 RESNET conference session on the KB Home Projekt.
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
New horizons, new perspectives.
In today’s episode our guests Tony Lisanti (Integral Building & Design, Inc.) and Chris McTaggart (The BER) discuss how HERS Raters should consider pursuing the ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner certification.
On a timely note, you can learn more about training and testing for this going on just before the 2019 RESNET conference at this link: http://conference.resnet.us/
We hear about the synergy between code work and work of HERS raters, as well as details on the training content as Chris is an instructor on this topic.
We also discuss the business and career opportunities that await a Rater who has earned this certification.
You can learn more about the energy codes at https://codes.iccsafe.org/search/map
Find out about code adoption in your area on this website: http://energycodesocean.org/code-status/residential/ or the DOE website: https://www.energycodes.gov/
All disciplines in the building industry should come to the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: http://conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
It’s the new year where we all set some goals and priorities for ourselves.
RESNET is no different and has set their goals and priorities for 2019.
In this episode Steve Baden, RESNET Executive Director, covers the programs and initiatives that are rolling out in 2019 and beyond.
From increasing consumer awareness and demand for ratings to sustaining and enhancing the quality of ratings RESNET is working hard to continue to be recognized as the Gold Standard for measuring and labeling home performance.
Two new aspects: The HERS Water Rating Index and the HVAC performance installation standard should be launching by the time of the 2019 annual conference.
2018 finished strong with ratings up by 10,000 over 2017, and growing engagement from more diverse and younger participants in the RESNET eco system.
All disciplines in the building industry should come to the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: http://conference.resnet.us/
Take special note that the early bird registration period is over January 24, 2019; so don’t miss out on a $100 savings you are sure to put to better use in The Big Easy!
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Tune in to this episode where RESNET Executive Director, Steve Baden and staff member Emma Bennett give you the lay of the land for what should be the best conference of the year; the upcoming Annual RESNET Conference themed Going Forward Together.
From policy to pitot tubes, mega-trends to Mardi Gras; the over 100 conference sessions, 50 exhibitors, plus the local atmosphere of New Orleans will keep you both informed and entertained.
Not to mention the networking opportunities with over 700 colleagues and industry leaders and the new Town Hall forum with RESNET board and staff members.
All disciplines in the building industry should come to the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
Take special note that the early bird registration period is over January 24, 2019; so don’t miss out on a $100 savings you are sure to put to better use in The Big Easy!
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Time for your annual checkup, RESNET!
So, open wide (your ears) and listen as we join RESNET staff members Laurel Elam, Scott Doyle and Billy Giblin for their insights into what is happening on the quality assurance front.
You will gain a clearer picture of how this experienced and thoughtful team engages on several levels with raters, providers and others to achieve the best possible product: a consistent HERS index rating.
Hear how the annual, online and infield reviews combine to shape the standards, and direct the education and communication aspects at RESNET.
Listen in as we hear of real-world experiences during the new infield QA reviews that are integral to this process.
We also note how RESNET, and especially this team, pays close attention to the business aspects of ratings to ensure that their collective efforts cause a high-quality service to be delivered without creating unnecessary burden.
Pros (and especially Realtors and Appraisers) in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
What’s the most effective way to conduct an energy rating on a multifamily building?
Join us as Gayathri Vijayakumar (Steven Winter Associates, Inc.) discusses the efforts of a dedicated group of individuals that has moved multifamily building energy ratings from guidelines to become a part of the existing HERS standards 301 and 380.
We also learn of Gayathri’s passion for her work, her love of solar, and what has driven her career to this point at Steven Winter Associates.
You will gain a clearer picture of how standards are made and most importantly, updated regularly through research and public comment.
Learn about what constitutes a multifamily building and how some of the assessments and tests are performed.
You can learn more about the standards at RESNET’s website: http://www.resnet.us/professional/standards
And keep up to date with pending standards amendments here: http://www.resnet.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RESNET-Pending-Standard-Amendments-3-28-18-Completed.pdf
Gayathri offers her email address for you to get in touch, gvijayakumar@swinter.com, and you may also run into her at the RESNET conferences.
Some of the people that devote many hours helping to develop and improve these standards are:
RESNET Multifamily MFWG (2013-2014):
Ted Leopkey (Group Chair), EPA
Ben Adams, MaGrann Associates
James Brauer, U.S. Eco Logic/TexEnergy Solutions,
Brian Christensen, NORESCO,
Krista Egger, Enterprise Community Partners,
Dave Epley, DC DCRA,
Patrick Fitzgerald, NYSERDA,
Asa Foss, U.S. Green Building Council,
Bruce Harley,
Abe Kruger, SK Collaborative,
Scott Lee, Southface,
Ted Leopkey, formerly with U.S. EPA,
Ken Owens, Jr. Franklin Energy,
Matt Root,
Rob Salcido,
Brian Stanfill, MaGrann Associates,
Gayathri Vijayakumar, Steven Winter Associates,
Meghan Walsh, USDA,
Li Ling Young, VEIC
RESNET MFSC – June 2016 to August 2017
RESNET Multifamily Sub-Committee & Task Group members:
Thiel Butner, Pando Alliance,
Brian Christensen, NORESCO,
Rebecca Hudson (committee ViceChair), EPA,
Asa Foss (USGBC),
Paul Gay (US Eco-Logic),
Bruce Harley,
Matthew Root
Brian Stanfill (MaGrann)
Bob Grindrod (TRC),
Joel Williams,
Troy Maharg (TexEnergy),
Chris Mc Taggart (BER),
Gary Nelson (Energy Conservatory),
Sean Denniston (NBI)
Gayathri Vijayakumar (committee Chair), Steven Winter Associates,
Pros (and especially Realtors and Appraisers) in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
You may know ventilation fan performance is dependent on several factors, yet some of these factors may surprise you.
In this episode, we speak with Russell Pope, Industry Development Manager for Panasonic and learn the intricacies involved in delivering proper ventilation in a residential setting.
Russell educates us as to the evolution of ventilation fans, including test protocols to insure proper performance of the fan unit itself. We also hear about the differences in the approach to ventilation and filtration outside of the US, as well as what’s happening with kitchen ventilation and the impact of produced sound levels on equipment usage.
He also educates us as to the importance of proper installation, venting, vent terminations and testing to insure installed performance. He notes an important study on vent cap (duct end terminations) performance by David Escatel (Texas A&M) which may be found at link: www.bit.ly/VentPerf
Russell shares with us his background and passion for the work he does which includes a lot of education and training. You can reach Russell at Russell.Pope@us.Panasonic.com
Here are some helpful links that Russell wishes to share:
Daniel Escatel Thesis on Duct End Terminations
http://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2011-05-9399
Duct Friction Loss Calculator
http://www.freecalc.com/ductloss.htm
Home Ventilating Institute Certified Products Directory
https://www.hvi.org/proddirectory/CPD_Reports/section_1/index.cfm
Panasonic Ventilation Products –
https://na.panasonic.com/us/home-and-building-solutions/ventilation-indoor-air-quality/
Pros (and especially Realtors and Appraisers) in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
When will there be a tipping point in the common use of energy ratings for homes?
Join us as David Heslam (Earth Advantage) and Ryan Meres (RESNET) discuss how they are teaming up to seamlessly deliver Home Energy Ratings information to the real estate community.
Listen in as David describes his career journey from builder, to green builder, then into education and research in the housing market.
We discuss the inner workings of how the RESNET database interfaces with the National Green Building Registry which can then be pulled into the regional MLS (Multi-List Service), with the click of “one big GREEN button.”
Ryan describes how RESNET is making this happen by running a pilot program in Portland, Oregon, David’s hometown.
David notes, there is a tremendous opportunity for the real estate community to serve a need: as 71% of consumers value green home attributes, yet only 35% of real estate professionals feel comfortable discussing them.
We cover some of the resources real estate pros can use to become better educated.
You can learn more at David’s website www.EarthAdvantage.org or at the registry: www.GreenBuildingRegistry.com
David offers his email address for you to get in touch, DHeslam@EarthAdvantage.org, as he travels coast to coast inspiring many communities who are interested in the work being done in Portland.
You can also look David up on LinkedIn and to find a comprehensive slide deck on how all the bits and pieces of this process work together.
Pros (and especially Realtors and Appraisers) in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
How can HERS raters influence the development of the IECC? (International Energy Conservation Code)
Join us as Eric Makela of the New Buildings Institute (www.NewBuildings.org) takes us on a journey through the world of energy codes.
Eric is the perfect tour guide, as he has spent the last 30 years training on this topic to practitioners in the building, design and enforcement industries in a variety of venues in over 20 states.
We learn of the work NBI does and how they’re involved in code development. Eric also covers some the states and jurisdictions where more advanced or stretch codes are being implemented.
He also illustrates the steps involved in the code update process and what organizations/groups are involved. We also learn how Zero Net Energy and renewables factor in to all the codes.
We also cover changes that have been put in place for the 2018 code and what he believes are future themes for next code update in 2021.
Pros in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Just as anyone else, building experts buy homes, too. Yet what are the differences in the way these insiders make their choices in finding the best homes to live in?
Listen in as C.R. Herro, Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Sustainability at Meritage Homes shares with us his very thoughtful perspectives on the gaps that exist between the way buyers and experts make choices about the homes they live in.
We discuss the new parameter of home choice beyond location, price, and design; the parameter of home performance.
CR’s unique background of study in philosophy, environmental engineering and business experience sheds fresh light on the complex, and often daunting topic of how home buyers must somehow gain experience in the benefits of a high performing homes before their perception of value shifts such that a want becomes a need.
We discuss the international landscape in home performance to glean insights into what could (should?) happen in the USA as well as how home automation needs to tie in the building performance trends.
Some of the resources mention include the Appraisal Institute’s Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum (https://www.appraisalinstitute.org/assets/1/7/ResidentialGreenandEnergyEfficientAddendum.pdf) and the Bi-Partisan SAVE Act (Sensible Accounting to Value Energy) https://www.ase.org/resources/sensible-accounting-value-energy-save-act-amendment
Pros in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
How do you get folks to understand the increased value in high performing, energy efficient homes?
Sandra Adomatis of Adomatis Appraisal Service is making it her mission to answer that question by helping the US real estate industry appreciate that you need to measure it, market it and sell for it.
Listen in as Sandy, describes her career journey which lead her to the point of being a highly sought-after nationally, called upon speaker earning her the title of the Green Queen.
We discuss the inner workings of the appraisal process and the structure and purposes of the Multi-List Service (MLS)
Sandy freely shares her knowledge and many relevant resources on her website at www.adomatisappraisalservice.com/#
She is the consummate networker and spearheaded the creation of the Appraisal Institute’s Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum (https://www.appraisalinstitute.org/assets/1/7/ResidentialGreenandEnergyEfficientAddendum.pdf)
One key resources she recommends is the Appraisal Institute’s: Appraised Value and Energy Efficiency: Getting it Right (for buyers and lenders) found here: www.appraisalinstitute.org/assets/1/29/AI-BCAP_Flyer.pdf
Pros (and especially Realtors and Appraisers) in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
Build it Tight. Ventilate Right. We hear a lot about the former, what about the latter?
Listen in as we chat with Scott Grefsheim a Senior Product Engineer at Research Products (AprilAire) as he shares his 25-year passion for building products that improve health and comfort in homes and buildings.
We discuss his complex role as a product engineer to define product specifications to satisfy building occupants, builders, dealers, energy raters as well as codes.
He covers how various types of products and controls perform the basic role of ventilation which is to dilute the indoor pollutants to acceptable levels while maintaining occupant comfort.
Scott shares three key points of advice for Energy Raters:
1) Know the (air) flow that is required in the building you are testing. This can come from the codes or tables or some calculators/programs.
2) Don’t overventilate, as that brings on additional energy needs of heating or cooling or dehumidifying or humidifying the ventilation air.
3) Install properly and measure performance; being certain that you are using the appropriate controls
Additional resources are available at www.AprilAirePartners.com where you can use the Contact Us tab for tech support or asking questions.
Pros in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
Similar to what is happening with shifting demographics across the trades and construction industries, RESNET, too, is looking towards who will be their future leaders.
Matt Gingrich, VP of the RESNET Board of Directors and Valerie Briggs, Communications Director for RESNET join host Bill Spohn to discuss the measures that RESNET is taking to address this trend.
Learn about the newly formed ELC, or Emerging Leadership Council (of which Gingrich is the chairperson), which is poised to address this issue from many facets. From ex officio board and committee positions, to toolkits for schools, to infographics and the use of technology (eg Slack and this podcast) RESNET is taking on this issue from all angles.
Pros in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/ RESTalk:
To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
Where does the Home Energy Rating industry meet every year? At the RESNET conference, of course!
Listen in as Emma Bennett, RESNET staffer, fills us in on all the aspects of the upcoming 2019 conference.
Mark your calendars and save the dates for this fun, engaging and educational event to be held February 25 -27, 2019 in New Orleans, LA.
This coming year’s conference theme is: Go Forward Together.
One link gets you to right to all the information you need as an attendee, exhibitor, presenter or sponsor: www.conference.resnet.us/
Two important deadlines:
For session presenters is the close of nominations on August 14, 2018: www.conference.resnet.us/session-nominations
For Attendees, early registration before January 24,2019, saves you $100!
www.conference.resnet.us/registration
Session nominations are voted on by the industry as a whole. This happens via notice in a RESNET email…so you should subscribe to keep posted!
Between in-depth, pre-conference workshops, to the regular sessions (ranging from policy to technical to training topics and more), to exhibitor displays, and mostly the conversations with fellow professionals, experts and industry members, this is an event you do not want to miss!
Plus… it’s in NOLA!
To get a feel for what goes on at the event, visit this link for past conferences: www.conference.resnet.us/past
And download the attendee brochure: www.conference.resnet.us/Data/Sites/7/media/resnet_attendee_brochure-2019.pdf
You can reach Emma at: emma@resnet.us
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.resnet.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.resnet.us/
Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
In today’s episode, host Bill Spohn welcomes Valerie Briggs, Communications Director for RESNET.
Val shares the many different communication channels RESNET is now using to engage with stakeholders to help achieve the goal that RESNET has for the year 2020: that 50% of all new homes be energy rated.
This boost in communications activities is funded in part by the increase in rating fees, hence RESNET has really committed to reinvesting in growing the market for ratings.
You’ll hear about the emails, newsletters, videos, as well as learning the anatomy of an infographic!
All new channels are being explored including “earned” media and live events; of which three live events were held in the last year in conjunction with KB Home.
These many faceted efforts also serve to engage the next generation of RESNET raters and leaders.
Val also discusses her career background and how it leads to her role at RESNET. Pros in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
In today’s episode, your host Bill Spohn welcomes Steve Baden, Executive Director for RESNET to discuss how RESNET is working to enhance the Consistency of HERS rating software results.
RESNET acknowledges that rating scores have varied depending on the software used and this impacts the quality and impact that a rating can have for all parties. Additionally, RESNET understands this core topic can generate frustration amongst raters.
He details out the many continuous improvement activities that have taken place and those that are planned including the recruitment of an energy modeling director to “referee” the collaborative competition that is now going on amongst the software vendors.
Steve notes while this seems like a never-ending story, the process of continuous improvement for marketplace driven solutions must continue for 1 to 2 more years before a single software engine may be instituted by the RESNET board.
Reference publications noted in this podcast include RESNET No. 002 “Procedures for Verification of RESNET Accredited HERS Software Tools”, ANSI/ASHRAE 140-2011, Class II, Tier 1 Software Accuracy Tests amongst others.
Pros in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
In today’s episode, host Bill Spohn welcomes Ryan Meres, Program Director for RESNET who discusses the new HERS H2O rating; a Water Rating index.
Ryan takes us on a journey describing many facets of HERS H2O including the driving forces behind this project, how this standard is being developed, as well as the efforts being put in to provide the highest quality data in a water rating.
Ryan walks us through the process of a HERS H2O rating demonstrating how it easily “tacks on” to a Home Energy Rating.
You will find more information on this topic on the RESNET.us website, look for either WERI (water efficiency rating index) – the old name - or HERS H2O, the new name. Ryan points out that some aspects of the program were built upon the US EPA Water Sense program; www.epa.gov/watersense
At the time of this recording, RESNET is looking to engage builders, raters and providers in testing out this nascent standard in the real world. You can reach Ryan at Ryan@RESNET.US
Ryan also discusses his career background and how it leads to his role as Program Director at RESNET.
Pros in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
In this episode, your host Bill Spohn welcomes Laurel Elam and Scott Doyle, two team members at RESNET dedicated to Quality Assurance.
They discuss the importance of high quality information as a key component to help achieve the goal that RESNET has for the year 2020: that 50% of all new homes be energy rated.
We also hear about the mountains of data that are collected and the new systems being put in place to use that data to the benefit of all stakeholders.
You’ll hear about the proactive systems that are in place including the QA Genie system which helps to assess ratings across raters, providers and regions, as well as the voluntary program to track quality assurance reviews in the RESNET Registry which allows for “real time” feedback.
Additionally, Scott and Laurel discuss their career backgrounds as well as their shared business and personal commitments to improving the quality of HERS ratings.
Pros in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/
RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.
Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional
Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us
Or contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
Welcome to the new RESTalk podcast! In this inaugural episode, your host Bill Spohn welcomes Steve Baden to talk about RESNET’s goals for 2020. Steve is the executive director of RESNET, the Residential Energy Service Network, the top national organization for Home Energy Ratings. Steve will paint the big picture of the bold internal challenges set by the RESNET’s Board of Directors in 2016. He will discuss the changes in the way quality assurance will be done, the changes in the approach to rating software, and the development of new marketing campaigns that are being planned. So, let’s give a listen to Steve as he talks about the dynamic evolution of RESNET, as he says “We are moving up from sandlot baseball”. RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.