RESTalk
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.
info_outline
EP96 The State of Sustainable Building 2022 with Sara Gutterman
05/09/2022
EP96 The State of Sustainable Building 2022 with Sara Gutterman
“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 () 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: While the Sustainability Symposium 2022: Roadmap to Decarbonization happened last month, you can still learn more at the comprehensive Housing2.0 Program found here: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/22871573
info_outline
EP95 CRESNET and The RESNET Cross Border Challenge With John Godden
04/25/2022
EP95 CRESNET and The RESNET Cross Border Challenge With John Godden
“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. () This was the 9th year for the awards. Find out the details on who the winners were at this link: You can learn more about the 2020 Cross Border Challenge at this link: and read more on the internationalization of the HERSH2O water efficiency rating program here: Connect with John at [email protected] . You can review and consider subscribing to the magazine at . RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/22830257
info_outline
EP94 Learn more about embodied carbon in housing with Andy Buccino, Sara DeVico, and Mike Browne
04/11/2022
EP94 Learn more about embodied carbon in housing with Andy Buccino, Sara DeVico, and Mike Browne
“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: 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 Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/22716587
info_outline
EP93 Meet the New Leaders of the ELC with Dylan Tindall and Jacob Kamen
03/28/2022
EP93 Meet the New Leaders of the ELC with Dylan Tindall and Jacob Kamen
“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: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/22442969
info_outline
EP92 Women in HERS with Elizabeth Sanfelippo and Beth Ainsworth
03/14/2022
EP92 Women in HERS with Elizabeth Sanfelippo and Beth Ainsworth
“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 , and Beth Ainsworth of 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 : “The House that She built.” You can get in touch with our guests here: Elizabeth Sanfelippo: Beth Ainsworth: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/22393475
info_outline
EP91 Who are the buyers of HERS Rated Homes and what is driving their decisions? with Ryan Meres
02/28/2022
EP91 Who are the buyers of HERS Rated Homes and what is driving their decisions? with Ryan Meres
“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: You can learn about this topic by visiting these reports noted in the podcast: Ryan’s blog post on cracking the millennial code: The National Association of Realtors 2021 Generational Trends Report: Morgan-Stanley’s Sustainable Signals Report: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/22095452
info_outline
EP90 ICC and RESNET Collaboration toward Net Zero Energy Homes with Dominic Sims and Mark Johnson from ICC
02/07/2022
EP90 ICC and RESNET Collaboration toward Net Zero Energy Homes with Dominic Sims and Mark Johnson from ICC
“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: 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. You can learn about this topic by visiting: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/21922436
info_outline
EP89 An Overview of the RESNET 2022 Priorities with Steve Baden & John Hensley
01/24/2022
EP89 An Overview of the RESNET 2022 Priorities with Steve Baden & John Hensley
“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: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/21816581
info_outline
EP88 Learn about the RESNET 2022 Building Performance Conferences with Emma Bennett
01/10/2022
EP88 Learn about the RESNET 2022 Building Performance Conferences with Emma Bennett
“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 or by emailing RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/21608222
info_outline
EP87 RESTalk 2021 Highlight Reel with Bill Spohn
12/27/2021
EP87 RESTalk 2021 Highlight Reel with Bill Spohn
“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 & PeopleEP64 RESNET 2021 Conference with Steve Baden and Emma BennettEP66 A Conversation with 2021 RESNET Board President John HensleyEP67 RESNET 2021 Priorities with Steve BadenEP80 HERS Software Consistency with Neal KruisEP76 Meet the 2021 RESNET Emerging Leadership Council FellowsEP78 RESNET 2022: Into the FuturePart B: Politics & TaxesEP65 Review of 2020 Election with Steve Baden and Carl ChidlowEP84 Update on 45L Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficient HomesPART C: CommunityEP68 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 homeEP70 One Tree Pledge & RESNET collaborationEP72 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 CooperPART D: Codes & StandardsEP71 Joint RESNET ICC HERS Rating Company MembershipEP82 Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems- ACCA/RESNET/ICC Standard 310 with Wes Davis & Scott DoyleEP79 "California Dreamin’” Collaboration Between RESNET & California Rating Providers on HERSH2OEP77 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 Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/21559331
info_outline
EP86 State of RESNET QA with Laurel Elam, Scott Doyle and Billy Giblin
12/20/2021
EP86 State of RESNET QA with Laurel Elam, Scott Doyle and Billy Giblin
“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: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/21506669
info_outline
EP85 The House That SHE Built with Natalie Miles (Wardley Homes) and Katy Higgins (BlueBest Heating & Air)
12/06/2021
EP85 The House That SHE Built with Natalie Miles (Wardley Homes) and Katy Higgins (BlueBest Heating & Air)
“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. To learn more about the project check out the links below: You can reach Katy at and Natalie via: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/21195983
info_outline
EP84 Update on the 45L Federal Builders' Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Homes with Steve Baden
11/22/2021
EP84 Update on the 45L Federal Builders' Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Homes with Steve Baden
“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: and here: Builders can review details on the IRS 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: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/21133355
info_outline
EP83 Why Raters Should be Certified for HERSH20 with Ryan Meres
11/08/2021
EP83 Why Raters Should be Certified for HERSH20 with Ryan Meres
“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 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: If you are ready to take the training, go to and navigate to the HERSH2O section. Or if you are ready to use the HERSH2O calculation spreadsheet, contact Ryan at RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/21038099
info_outline
EP82 Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems- ACCA/RESNET/ICC Standard 310 with Wes Davis and Scott Doyle
10/25/2021
EP82 Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems- ACCA/RESNET/ICC Standard 310 with Wes Davis and Scott Doyle
“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: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/20461637
info_outline
EP81 Stanley Martin Homes & PEG- A Successful Builder and Rating Company Partnership with DJ Lawson and Matthew Cooper
10/11/2021
EP81 Stanley Martin Homes & PEG- A Successful Builder and Rating Company Partnership with DJ Lawson and Matthew Cooper
“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: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/20421794
info_outline
EP80 Maintaining HERS Software Consistency with Neal Kruis
09/27/2021
EP80 Maintaining HERS Software Consistency with Neal Kruis
“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 FAQs Neal’s presentation from the 2019 RESNET Conference RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/20475512
info_outline
EP 79 California Dreamin’ Collaboration Between RESNET and California Rating Providers on HERS-H2O with Ryan Meres and Russ King
09/13/2021
EP 79 California Dreamin’ Collaboration Between RESNET and California Rating Providers on HERS-H2O with Ryan Meres and Russ King
“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 Also, inquiries can be sent to RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Consumers can learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/20399546
info_outline
EP 78 RESNET 2022 Conference- Into The Future with Emma Bennett & Steve Baden (RESNET)
08/23/2021
EP 78 RESNET 2022 Conference- Into The Future with Emma Bennett & Steve Baden (RESNET)
“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 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 Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/20174021
info_outline
EP 77 Taking Water Efficiency Efforts to New Heights with Jonah Schein (US EPA) & Ryan Meres (RESNET)
08/09/2021
EP 77 Taking Water Efficiency Efforts to New Heights with Jonah Schein (US EPA) & Ryan Meres (RESNET)
“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 [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/19639724
info_outline
EP76 Meet the 2021 RESNET Emerging Leadership Fellows with Stewart Soleman and Drew Lynch
07/26/2021
EP76 Meet the 2021 RESNET Emerging Leadership Fellows with Stewart Soleman and Drew Lynch
“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 [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/19487897
info_outline
EP75: RESNET Proposal on Factoring in Energy to Mortgage Loans with Steve Baden
07/12/2021
EP75: RESNET Proposal on Factoring in Energy to Mortgage Loans with Steve Baden
“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: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/19447091
info_outline
EP74: HERS ratings and the PEG Fannie Mae Green MBS Program with Matthew Cooper
06/21/2021
EP74: HERS ratings and the PEG Fannie Mae Green MBS Program with Matthew Cooper
“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: or read up at the Fannie Mae site: You can also reach Matthew at [email protected] RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/19405820
info_outline
EP73: Bill Spohn’s High Performance Home Journey hosted by Laurel Elam
06/07/2021
EP73: Bill Spohn’s High Performance Home Journey hosted by Laurel Elam
“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 RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/19330685
info_outline
EP72: The future of the building industry resides in low carbon buildings with Dan Welch- Bundle Design
05/24/2021
EP72: The future of the building industry resides in low carbon buildings with Dan Welch- Bundle Design
“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: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/18559499
info_outline
EP71: Joint RESNET ICC HERS Rating Company Membership with Laurel Elam and Laurence Genest
05/10/2021
EP71: Joint RESNET ICC HERS Rating Company Membership with Laurel Elam and Laurence Genest
"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 Rater can see the benefits of this arrangement here: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/18989738
info_outline
EP70: ONE TREE PLEDGE and RESNET Collaboration with Michael Ziman
04/26/2021
EP70: ONE TREE PLEDGE and RESNET Collaboration with Michael Ziman
"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 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 . RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/18715934
info_outline
EP69: Behind the scenes at the 3 millionth HERS rated home with CR Herro (Meritage) and Tim Smith (15 Light Years Foundation)
04/12/2021
EP69: Behind the scenes at the 3 millionth HERS rated home with CR Herro (Meritage) and Tim Smith (15 Light Years Foundation)
"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: And to learn more about CR's company, Meritage homes go to: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Pros can learn more at Consumers can learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/18643325
info_outline
EP68 How low can you go? Achieving 2020's lowest average HERS score with Gene Myers - Thrive Home Builders
03/29/2021
EP68 How low can you go? Achieving 2020's lowest average HERS score with Gene Myers - Thrive Home Builders
“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: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Pros can learn more at Consumers can learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/18428090
info_outline
EP67 RESNET Priorities 2021 with Steve Baden
03/15/2021
EP67 RESNET Priorities 2021 with Steve Baden
“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: 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: RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Pros can learn more at Consumers can learn more at Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]
/episode/index/show/restalk/id/18262406