"Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way."

— Tom Freston  

In this episode of the RESTalk podcast, Bill Spohn sits down with Jason Barlow, former President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, to discuss a groundbreaking achievement in homebuilding—the first 3D-printed concrete home in Arizona. Jason shares how this innovative project, born from a collaboration with ASU graduates and a German scaffolding company, PERI, pushed the boundaries of affordable housing construction. From overcoming extreme heat challenges to designing a home with unique structural and artistic elements, Jason details the incredible journey of bringing this home to life.

The conversation dives into the long-term implications of 3D printing in construction, its potential for large-scale housing developments, and the lessons learned from Habitat’s pioneering efforts. Jason also touches on Habitat’s broader mission, its work in providing energy-efficient and affordable housing, and how listeners can engage with their local Habitat affiliates. This episode is a fascinating look at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and community impact.

 

Here is the LinkedIn profile for our podcast guest

Jason Barlow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasbarlow/

 

Additional information as well on the 3D home.

 

https://habitatcaz.org/habitats-first-3d-printed-home-in-the-u-s/

 

Habitat Resnet Presentation 2025.pdf

Habitat for Humanity's first 3D-printed home in Arizona

Why not us? Habitat's 3D-Printed home in Tempe, Arizona (3 min)

 

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

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

 

"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." 

– John F. Kennedy  

In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes the 2025 Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) fellows—Jennifer Goldberg, Dorian Gothard, and Alex Haworth—for an insightful discussion on their career journeys, experiences at the RESNET conference, and their visions for the future of energy efficiency and building science.

Each fellow shares how they entered the industry, what drew them to the ELC program, and how they apply their knowledge professionally and personally. The conversation covers key takeaways from the RESNET conference, including the industry’s ambitious goal of 1 million HERS ratings by 2028, the importance of HVAC grading, and the role of building science in improving homes and communities.

Throughout the episode, the fellows highlight the value of collaboration, education, and continuous learning, inspiring those new to the industry and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re a rater, builder, or someone passionate about energy efficiency, this episode provides valuable insights into the next generation of industry leaders shaping the future.

 

Here are the LinkedIn profiles for our podcast guests:

Alex Haworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-haworth-aa1b90227/

Jennifer Goldberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-goldberg-4688b6107/

Dorian Gothard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-gothard/

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

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

“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 [email protected], https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-matthews-a8931928/

Ryan Moore: [email protected], https://www.linkedin.com/in/rymoore/

Here is a link to the complaint resolution process:

https://www.hersindex.com/about-resnet/complaint-resolution-process/

and the Complaint form https://www.hersindex.com/file-complaint-resolution/

 

Job Posting for Regional Positions for QA specialists: (Posted 12-4-24)

https://www.resnet.us/articles/job-posting-resnet-qa-compliance-specialists-regional-positions/

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

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

Networking is not about just connecting people. 

It’s about connecting people with ideas and opportunities

-Michele Jennae

 

In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn chats with Clara Hedrick, Lead Events Coordinator for RESNET®, to discuss the upcoming 2025 RESNET® Conference. Clara shares the event details, which is set to take place from January 26-29, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona. Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions, dynamic networking opportunities, and exciting receptions hosted by sponsors like NAIMA and Knauf. Clara highlights the innovative offerings this year, including a live demonstration of the new RESNET® insulation grading standard and Knauf’s VR training system.

Clara also delves into the conference's tracks, which cover a broad range of topics such as building science, workforce development, and energy codes. Special events like the offsite Fulton Homes tour and training opportunities add further value to the conference. Looking ahead, Clara announces future RESNET® conference locations: San Antonio, TX in 2026 and Savannah, Georgia, in 2027, both offering unique settings for continued learning and connection.

Bill wraps up by encouraging listeners to explore the conference page at resnet.us/2025 for more details and download the WHOVA app to easily access schedules, session info, and networking opportunities.

Here’s the link to the conference website:

https://whova.com/web/1qIMgnn8Jh5Y4xsupaZaVuFO57dR7GOfzNfNibqilSE%3D/

To reach the conference team, you can email them at: [email protected]

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

Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at [email protected]

 

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." 

– Eleanor Roosevelt

 

Welcome to a special episode of RESTalk: "Best of RESTalk 2024"! This year has been transformative for RESNET® and the residential energy efficiency industry. From setting bold goals to launching innovative tools and forming impactful collaborations, 2024 has redefined what's possible in energy efficiency and sustainability. In this episode, we revisit the year's most insightful and impactful moments, featuring highlights from the conversations that shaped the industry.

Join us as we dive into the ambitious goal of achieving 1 million RESNET® HERS ratings annually, explore the evolution of new QA tools, and unpack the growing Build-to-Rent housing trend. We’ll also reflect on RESNET®’s strides in water and carbon efficiency programs and the game-changing advocacy efforts that have amplified energy efficiency policies nationwide.

Below is a table of all the topics in this episode with links to the full podcasts.

Reflection on 2024: As we recap the highlights, we celebrate the progress and resilience of the RESNET® community in driving energy efficiency and sustainability. This episode highlights the industry's achievements and innovation, from RESNET®’s ambitious goals and policy wins to groundbreaking tools like the QA app and evolving market trends like Build-to-Rent housing.

Looking Ahead: 2025 promises to bring even more exciting initiatives, broader adoption of RESNET® programs, and a collective journey toward achieving 1 million HERS ratings annually. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with RESNET® through upcoming events like the RESNET® 2025 Conference and continued advocacy efforts.

Call to Action: If this episode inspired you, revisit the full conversations for deeper insights and ideas. We thank our listeners, guests, and stakeholders for their contributions to an impactful year. Here’s to even greater achievements in 2025!

Topic & Episode

Topic

Full Episode link

Part A GOALS & MACRO TRENDS

   

124

Ambitious goals 2028

www.bit.ly/RT-124

124

Stretch goals

www.bit.ly/RT-124

128

Defining BTR & HERS Ratings

www.bit.ly/RT-128

Part B SOFTWARE & DATA

   

125

Development of the QA app

www.bit.ly/RT-125

134

Purpose and goals for QA App

www.bit.ly/RT-134

131

Highlights from the Trends report

www.bit.ly/RT-131

132

QA is the backbone

www.bit.ly/RT-132

Part C PEOPLE

   

126

Perspectives on Women in the HERS industry

www.bit.ly/RT-126

127

Robert's advocacy experience

www.bit.ly/RT-127

127

Carl on how advocacy days are structured

www.bit.ly/RT-127

129

Paulette explains her role in outreach

www.bit.ly/RT-129

133

Evolution of IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist

www.bit.ly/RT-133

130

Preview of the 2025 RESNET Conference

www.bit.ly/RT-130

 

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

Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at [email protected]

 

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.

– Benjamin Franklin

In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn speaks with three guests to discuss the RESNET® QA app, an innovative tool designed to streamline the quality assurance process for home energy ratings. Bill is joined by Billy Giblin, RESNET®’s quality assurance field specialist, Kelvin Abong and Kiro Bondarev from The Fourth Dimension (4D), RESNET®'s technology partner. Together, they explore the app’s journey from ideation to execution, its role in harmonizing quality assurance efforts, and the benefits it brings to users.

 

Billy provides insight into the app's development, explaining how it shifts the industry from inconsistent spreadsheet-based reviews to a more transparent, data-driven approach. Kelvin discusses 4D's collaborative efforts to design a user-friendly app and highlights future improvements based on user feedback. Kiro offers technical details describing the app's ability to integrate with external QA tools via an API, ensuring flexibility for providers.

 

The conversation touches on the importance of industry adoption, the app’s intuitive design, and its positive impact. The episode includes exciting news about upcoming features, including cloud syncing and expanded integration with Energy Star.

Here is a link to RESTalk EP125, where we first introduced the QA App on this podcast

https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep125-qa-in-your-pocket-how-a-mobile-app-is-empowering-resnet-hers-ratings-with-cassandra-wright-leo-jansen-and-billy-giblin

 

A press release on the RESNET® QA App, including links to download the app:

https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-launches-new-qa-app-for-resnet-rating-providers-and-qads/

 

More details on the RESNET® QA App:

https://www.resnet.us/about/qa/resnet-qa-app/

 

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

Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at [email protected]

 

Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.

Anton Chekhov

 

In this episode of the RESTalk podcast, host Bill Spohn talks with Mark Johnson from the International Code Council (ICC) and Steve Baden from RESNET® about a new collaboration to enhance energy code compliance. They discuss the growing complexities of energy codes, particularly the challenge of ensuring compliance amid increasing technical and regulatory demands. To address this, ICC and RESNET® are introducing a program to involve HERS raters as third-party verifiers, providing quality assurance and supporting local code officials, especially where resources are limited.

 

The conversation delves into the origins and development of this program, which has been over a decade in the making. Steve and Mark describe their journey, starting with joint training initiatives and establishing standards such as the Energy Rating Index (ERI). The latest effort includes certification of RESNET® HERS® raters to act as recognized compliance specialists under the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This certification ensures that raters understand building science and are well-versed in energy code requirements, enhancing credibility with code officials.

 

Mark and Steve emphasize the need for collaboration and transparency in implementing these new compliance measures. They highlight that this partnership helps jurisdictions struggling with limited code enforcement capacity and provides career growth opportunities for HERS raters. The program aims to be fully launched by the end of 2025, with both guests encouraging raters to obtain their certifications soon to position themselves at the forefront of this compliance evolution.

 

Here’s the link to the ICC website with all of the info on the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist Designation:

https://www.iccsafe.org/content/ecs-designation/

Flyer with a quick summary:

https://cdn-www-v2.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/ICC_HERSComplianceSpecialist_MessagingToCodeOfficials_infographic-002.jpg.webp

 

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

Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at [email protected]

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.

John Ruskin

 

 

In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn is joined by Scott Doyle and Ryan Meres from RESNET® to discuss their ambitious goal of achieving one million ratings annually by 2028. The conversation begins with an overview of RESNET®'s significant progress, which recorded 360,000 ratings in 2023—a 136% increase since 2013. The discussion highlights the importance of quality assurance in maintaining the credibility of the HERS rating system, particularly as RESNET® scales its operations and engages more stakeholders.

 

Scott Doyle, the Managing Director of Quality Assurance at RESNET®, emphasizes the critical role of quality assurance in ensuring consistency and reliability in the HERS rating process. This is especially important as RESNET’s® influence grows, necessitating the trust of external stakeholders. Ryan elaborates on how the RESNET® self-funding model, primarily through fees for homes submitted to their registry, has allowed the organization to expand its staff and services since 2017 without relying on government grants.

 

The episode also explores opportunities to expand HERS® ratings in new and existing home markets. Ryan and Scott discuss how federal tax credits, builder incentives, and new technologies drive interest in HERS® ratings, particularly among large national production builders. They also touch on the potential for growth in the existing homes market, especially among companies that manage large portfolios of older properties. The conversation concludes with a call to action for HERS® raters to build capacity in anticipation of the growing demand for energy, water, and carbon ratings and energy codes services and a reminder of the importance of attending the upcoming RESNET® conference to stay informed and connected in the industry.

 

Link to the 2025 RESNET® Conference: https://whova.com/web/O69mUZ3%40Ukqwwk5w4pS%40yN-VrNyD68R4WHS7uRqUeos%3D/

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

Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at [email protected]

 

 

 

The greatest value of a picture is when it forces us to notice what we never expected to see. John Tukey

 

 

In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes his most frequent guest, RESNET staff member, Ryan Meres, to discuss the latest trends in the 2024 edition of the HERS-rated homes. This report, created as an initiative of the RESNET Suppliers Advisory Board, highlights data trends and analysis in the residential construction market. The report shows a consistent year-over-year increase in HERS ratings, with the total number last year reaching 362,000, and projections for this year indicating that the number may surpass 400,000. Notably, states like Massachusetts and Arizona have seen significant adoption rates of HERS ratings in new homes, with Massachusetts leading at 98%.

The conversation delves into various aspects of the report, such as the geographic distribution of HERS ratings, the types of ventilation systems used in homes, and the rise of all-electric homes. Meres notes that certain states, like Texas, have seen substantial increases in the percentage of homes receiving HERS ratings. The report also explores energy cost savings, insulation values, and air leakage rates, highlighting that homes with solar panels tend to have better insulation compared to those without. Additionally, the trend towards high-efficiency mechanical equipment and the decreasing use of gas heating and water heating systems is discussed, reflecting a gradual shift towards more energy-efficient building practices.

Finally, the podcast touches on the growing importance of the HERSH2O rating system, which measures water efficiency in homes. Ryan explains that the program has been expanding, particularly in the Southwest, and is beginning to gain traction in other regions as well. The report indicates that HERSH2O rated homes can save significant amounts of water annually. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the value of the data provided in the report, emphasizing its role in helping builders and decision-makers understand and implement best practices for achieving energy and water efficiency in residential construction.

Link to the report: https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/RESNET_2024_HERSTrendsDataReport_FINAL.pdf Ryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-meres-58977110/

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

Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at [email protected]

 

Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people. 

Steve Jobs

 

Bill Spohn welcomes RESNET staff member Clara Hedrick to discuss the upcoming RESNET 2025 conference. Clara, the lead events coordinator for RESNET, shares her excitement about the event and details her responsibilities. The conference is scheduled for January 27-30, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona, a location praised for its accessibility, nightlife, and natural beauty. Clara highlights the venue, Tempe Mission Palms, chosen for its amenities and feedback from previous events. With a goal of 500 attendees, Clara anticipates a sellout crowd and emphasizes the importance of early registration. She stresses that early registration is crucial to secure accommodation and participation, as the event is expected to be in high demand.

The conference theme celebrates 30 years of RESNET and 4 million homes rated. Clara outlines the general schedule, starting with an opening reception sponsored by NAIMA on January 26. The following days will feature general sessions, panel discussions, and breakout sessions focusing on various themes, including building science, energy codes, and EPA programs. New session tracks like RESNET 101 and separate business and workforce development sessions aim to provide comprehensive insights for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. Special events, such as offsite tours and training sessions, will take place later in the week, providing educational and networking opportunities.

Clara also discusses the exhibit hall, which will be adjacent to the general session room, offering booth spaces and tabletops for exhibitors. The conference aims to balance formal sessions with ample networking time, ensuring attendees can connect with peers and industry leaders. This is a unique opportunity to forge new connections and strengthen existing ones. Clara encourages listeners to stay informed through the RESNET mailing list and highlights the importance of feedback in shaping future events. The episode concludes with Clara expressing her passion for the event and her commitment to making it a success, thanking the RESNET community for their continued support and engagement.

 

Link to the conference RSVP form: https://www.resnet.us/2025-resnet-conference-rsvp/

Contact the conference team at: [email protected]

RESNET Newsletter sign up (the KEY to so much info): https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1878040/1889360/

RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.

Learn more at www.RESNET.us.

Or for more info on this topic, contact RESNET at [email protected]