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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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 [email protected]

"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 [email protected]

"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 [email protected]

"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 [email protected]

"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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]