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.

EP142 Home Efficiency by the Numbers: Highlights from the 2025 RESNET® Report with Ryan Meres (June 2025) 07/14/2025

EP142 Home Efficiency by the Numbers: Highlights from the 2025 RESNET® Report with Ryan Meres (June 2025) “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 <2 ACH50 air leakage, and the spread of HERSH2O®, RESNET's water efficiency rating, now up over 50% from last year. Ryan also hints at future enhancements, such as tracking product-level data, and introduces RESNET’s move to expand its analytics capabilities with a new data analyst. Whether you’re a builder, HERS rater, manufacturer, or policymaker, this episode offers a comprehensive view of the measurable progress and persistent challenges in residential energy efficiency, backed by robust data and thoughtful analysis. Quotes from the Episode: “Even in states with outdated energy codes, utility incentives and voluntary ratings are pushing builders to exceed code-level efficiency.” “HERSH2O is up 50% from last year — and with multifamily eligibility and greywater tracking, it’s poised for major expansion.” Ryan’s LinkedIn: RESNET® Suppliers Advisory Board (SAB): Newsletter sign up: 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 [email protected] /episode/index/show/restalk/id/37284415

EP141 Ventilation, Codes & Comfort: What Builders Need to Know Now with Patrick Nielsen 06/09/2025

EP140 The Future of QA at RESNET®: Automation, Oversight, and ENERGY STAR Updates with Scott Doyle 05/12/2025

EP140 The Future of QA at RESNET®: Automation, Oversight, and ENERGY STAR Updates with Scott Doyle "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 [email protected] /episode/index/show/restalk/id/36439605

EP139 Concrete Innovations: The Story of Arizona’s First 3D-Printed Home with Jason Barlow 04/14/2025

EP138 From Learning to Leading: How the ELC Fellows Are Transforming the Industry with Jennifer Goldberg, Dorian Gothard and Alex Haworth 03/10/2025

Inside RESNET®: Quality Assurance, Collaboration , and Impact with Ryan Moore, Jordi Kimbrough, and Michael Matthews 02/10/2025

Inside RESNET®: Quality Assurance, Collaboration , and Impact with Ryan Moore, Jordi Kimbrough, and Michael Matthews “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: [email protected] Michael Matthews , Ryan Moore: , Here is a link to the complaint resolution process: and the Complaint form Job Posting for Regional Positions for QA specialists: (Posted 12-4-24) 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 [email protected] /episode/index/show/restalk/id/34855645

EP136 Your Guide to RESNET® 2025: Tracks, Events, and Exciting Updates with Clara Hedrick 01/13/2025

EP135 RESTalk Rewind 2024: Milestones, Innovations, and the Road Ahead with Bill Spohn 12/09/2024

EP135 RESTalk Rewind 2024: Milestones, Innovations, and the Road Ahead with Bill Spohn "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 124 Stretch goals 128 Defining BTR & HERS Ratings Part B SOFTWARE & DATA 125 Development of the QA app 134 Purpose and goals for QA App 131 Highlights from the Trends report 132 QA is the backbone Part C PEOPLE 126 Perspectives on Women in the HERS industry 127 Robert's advocacy experience 127 Carl on how advocacy days are structured 129 Paulette explains her role in outreach 133 Evolution of IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist 130 Preview of the 2025 RESNET Conference 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/34246845

EP134 Boosting Efficiency: How RESNET®’s QA App Is Transforming the Industry with Kiro Bondarev, Kelvin Abong and Billy Giblin 11/11/2024

EP133 Bridging the Gap: The Future of Energy Code Compliance with RESNET® HERS® Raters with Mark Johnson and Steve Baden 10/07/2024

EP133 Bridging the Gap: The Future of Energy Code Compliance with RESNET® HERS® Raters with Mark Johnson and Steve Baden 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: Flyer with a quick summary: 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/33315142

Ep 132 From 360K to 1 Million: RESNET®’s Vision for the Future with Scott Doyle and Ryan Meres 09/09/2024

Ep 132 From 360K to 1 Million: RESNET®’s Vision for the Future with Scott Doyle and Ryan Meres 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: 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/32714192

EP131 HERS Ratings Unveiled: Insights into America's Energy-Efficient Homes with Ryan Meres 08/12/2024

EP131 HERS Ratings Unveiled: Insights into America's Energy-Efficient Homes with Ryan Meres 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] /episode/index/show/restalk/id/32071422

EP130 RESNET 2025 Preview: Celebrating 30 Years and 4 Million Homes With Clara Hedrick 07/08/2024

EP130 RESNET 2025 Preview: Celebrating 30 Years and 4 Million Homes With Clara Hedrick 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: Contact the conference team at: RESNET Newsletter sign up (the KEY to so much info): 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/32000432

EP129 Empowering Builders: RESNET's Push for Water and Energy Efficiency With Paulette McGhie and Ryan Meres 06/10/2024

EP129 Empowering Builders: RESNET's Push for Water and Energy Efficiency With Paulette McGhie and Ryan Meres "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: Ryan’s LinkedIn: 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/31638677

EP128 Building the Future: The Rise of Build-to-Rent Housing With Thomas Cochran and Laurel Elam 05/13/2024

EP128 Building the Future: The Rise of Build-to-Rent Housing With Thomas Cochran and Laurel Elam "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: Laurel’s LinkedIn: Related articles: 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/31042063

EP127 Energizing Change: Advocates Power Up Policy at the RESNET Policy Forum With Robert Pegues and Carl Chidlow 04/01/2024

EP127 Energizing Change: Advocates Power Up Policy at the RESNET Policy Forum With Robert Pegues and Carl Chidlow "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: Carl’s LinkedIn: Link to the 2024 Policy Forum: 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/30547253

EP126 From Audits to Advocacy: Trailblazing Women in Energy Efficiency with Sharla Riead and Emelie Cuppernell-Glitch 03/25/2024

EP126 From Audits to Advocacy: Trailblazing Women in Energy Efficiency with Sharla Riead and Emelie Cuppernell-Glitch "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. 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/30423623

EP125 QA in Your Pocket How a Mobile App is Empowering RESNET HERS Ratings with Cassandra Wright, Leo Jansen and Billy Giblin 02/12/2024

EP125 QA in Your Pocket How a Mobile App is Empowering RESNET HERS Ratings with Cassandra Wright, Leo Jansen and Billy Giblin 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: 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/29698968

EP124 RESNET’s audacious goal for 2028 and supporting initiatives with Steve Baden and Mark Johnson 01/15/2024

EP124 RESNET’s audacious goal for 2028 and supporting initiatives with Steve Baden and Mark Johnson 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 Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected] /episode/index/show/restalk/id/29360403

EP123 The Best of RESTalk 2023 with Bill Spohn 12/11/2023

EP123 The Best of RESTalk 2023 with Bill Spohn 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 114 Mark Johnson and Cy Kilbourn Meet the new RESNET board leaders 121 Clara Hedrick and Emma Bennett Back Together and Stronger, the RESNET 2023 Conference PART B: Buildings and Building Data Episode Speaker(s) Topic LINK 116 Ryan Meres RESNET Data Sheds Light on Energy Efficient Home Trends 117 James Rodriguez & Ned Munoz Learn about the HERS Index and Texas House Bill 3215 120 Robert Broad Energy Efficient Homebuilding at Scale with Robert Broad of AMH Development 122 Michael Lee Best Practices in Construction Technology Education PART C: Carbon, ESG and HERS Zero Episode Speaker(s) Topic LINK 113 Phililp Fairey David Goldstein Update on RESNET Carbon Index 115 Chris Magwood The New RESNET Embodied Carbon Advisory Committee 118 Rob Lochner & David Best Santa Fe's Habitat for Humanity building homes with HERS-ZERO scores 119 Matthew Cooper RESNET® Appoints New ESG Advisory Group 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/28935663

EP122 Best Practices in Construction Technology Education with Michael Lee, Texarkana College 11/13/2023

EP121 Back Together and Stronger, the RESNET 2023 Conference with Clara Hedrick & Emma Bennett 10/09/2023

EP120 Energy Efficient Homebuilding at Scale with Robert Broad of AMH Development 09/18/2023

EP119 RESNET appoints a new ESG Advisory Group with Matthew Cooper, PEG 08/14/2023

EP118 Santa Fe's Habitat for Humanity Homes achieve HERS-ZERO scores with Rob Lochner and David Best 07/10/2023

EP117 Learning more about the HERS Index and Texas House Bill 3215 with James Rodriguez and Ned Munoz 06/12/2023

EP117 Learning more about the HERS Index and Texas House Bill 3215 with James Rodriguez and Ned Munoz “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: James Rodriguez on LinkedIn: Ned Munoz on LinkedIn: FAQs on TX HB: 3125: The actual TX HB 3215: 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/26116746

EP116 RESNET Data Sheds Light on Energy Efficient Home Trends with Ryan Meres 05/08/2023

EP115 The New RESNET Embodied Carbon Advisory Committee with Chris Magwood from RMI 04/17/2023

EP114 Meet the new RESNET Board leaders, Mark Johnson & Cy Kilbourn 03/13/2023

EP113 Update on RESNET Carbon Index with Philip Fairey and David Goldstein 02/13/2023

EP113 Update on RESNET Carbon Index with Philip Fairey and David Goldstein “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: David Goldstein on LinkedIn: Details on the Carbon Rating Index from RESNET: RESNET’s Infographic: NRDC Article: 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/25845390

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