In this special "Best of RESTALK 2025" episode, host Bill Spohn looks back at the ideas and conversations that defined the year across the RESNET® ecosystem. Rather than a simple highlight reel, this episode weaves four major themes that kept surfacing—from sweeping QA modernization efforts to the market forces accelerating HERS adoption to the emerging leaders reshaping the industry to the on-the-ground projects proving that high performance and affordability can coexist.

Across conversations with QA directors, software leaders, conference fellows, builders, lenders, and RESNET® founder Steve Baden, 2025 revealed an industry that's both maturing and reinventing itself. The year's strongest clips capture this mix of evolution and momentum: real-time QA replacing annual reports, financing that rewards low-carbon construction, programs nurturing new talent, and innovative housing models—from 3D-printed concrete to all-electric Habitat townhomes—delivering measurable results for families.

Whether you're a rater, builder, program manager, lender, policymaker, or simply someone who cares about the future of housing, this episode connects the dots on where RESNET® is headed—and why the next few years will be pivotal for quality, credibility, and impact.

Major Themes Covered 1. QA as the Backbone: Apps, Automation & Trust

Episodes: EP137, EP140, EP144, EP146 How RESNET® is modernizing QA with real-time data, tech upgrades, stronger staffing, and clearer processes—protecting the credibility of HERS® as volumes scale.

2. Market Signals, Money & Scaling HERS®

Episodes: EP136, EP138, EP142, EP145, EP146 Why HERS® grows fastest where incentives and financing tools align—and how products like C-PACE and tax credits are turning performance into business value.

3. The People Pipeline: Conferences, Emerging Leaders & New Roles

Episodes: EP136, EP137, EP138, EP146 The next generation of raters, analysts, and QA specialists entering the field, and how programs like Emerging Leaders keep the talent pipeline strong.

4. High-Performance, Affordable & Innovative Housing in Practice

Episodes: EP139, EP141, EP143, EP145, EP146 Real projects—3D-printed homes, ERV best practices, net-zero-ready Habitat homes—showing that innovation and affordability can move together.

Featured Guests (Across 2025 Episodes)

• Scott Doyle – Managing Director of QA, RESNET®

• Laurel Elam – Senior Director, RESNET®

• Steve Baden – Executive Director & RESNET® Founder

• Tricia Baker – Senior VP of Strategy & Impact, PACE Equity

• Carl Pier – In-house Engineer & HERS® Modeler, PACE Equity

• Emerging Leaders & Fellows – RESNET® ELC participants

• Raters, Builders & Habitat Teams from EP139, EP143, and others

To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.

For more info on this topic, contact RESNET® at [email protected]