Moving Towards the Integrated Home – Connected, Interactive, Interoperable, AND Efficient

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.

-John F. Kennedy

Tim Carter (Georgia Power) & Shon Richey (Alabama Power) join us today to discuss two very forward-thinking Smart Neighborhood projects that address grid balancing and consumer engagement amongst other objectives.

They reveal how new home programs are looking beyond just asset-based performance of homes by considering many other factors including the time and location-based value of efficiency as well as non-energy benefits that flow from an integrated, connected (two-way communication) home. 

We dive deep into the concepts of the home of the future, as well as the ‘utility of the future’ which will impact the design and methods used in new construction.

You will hear about utility offerings designed to achieve objectives beyond traditional energy efficiency, such as load management and behavior change.

You can download a copy of the slides from Tim and Shon’s session at the 2019 RESNET conference by following this link: http://conference.resnet.us/data/energymeetings/presentations/MovingTowardsIntegratedHome1.pdf

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

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional 

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

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

California Dreamin’ - RESNET HERS® Ratings Soon to be Recognized in California

It’s shown and proved that hard work pays off. Make goals, achieve them, make new goals.

-Lance Gross

Ryan Meres (RESNET) and Matt Christie (Associate Director, TRC) join us to review the five-year journey where RESNET and the California Energy Commission (CEC) have been working together to bring the California and RESNET energy rating standards into harmony. 

Listen in as we learn about the recent changes to the California energy code (Title 24), including a new compliance path called the Energy Design Rating (EDR), which move the two rating systems into closer alignment. 

Matt reviews the progress on the four major pillars are being addressed. For example, both systems need to use the same reference home (based on the 2006 IECC) to create a score.

We will also hear about some of the driving forces behind these changes as well as the variations that will make the EDR and RESNET HERS scores different. 

The discussion also touches on net zero energy buildings and the tie in with on-site power systems and batteries noted in the HERS score

These efforts will bring the RESNET HERS index closer into alignment with the California energy code as well as provide an example by which future versions of the IECC could be modeled to achieve a net zero energy code for the rest of the country. 

You can reach Matt through TC at www.TRCcompanies.com and you can reach Ryan at [email protected]

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

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional 

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

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

“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” – Jonathan Swift

Efficiency is invisible, yet energy efficiency represents the largest, cheapest and healthiest means of reducing the global temperature increase. Achieving good energy efficiency also results in better occupant comfort, health, and productivity as well as creating jobs and equity.

The United States is one of 190 nations that is committed to pursuing efforts to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. Even back-of-the-envelope analysis shows that this goal will be impossible to achieve without deep retrofits of almost all buildings. In this podcast David Goldstein explores how this might be accomplished, reviewing several options, given that such a program has never been undertaken at this scale before and inherently requires multiple and simultaneous plans and actions by a wide range of stakeholders.   

David notes the need to take a "whole building" approach to retrofits rather than more common approaches today which emphasize specific widgets or systems. He also emphasizes the need for new methods of approaching building valuation since energy cost savings alone often will not cover the entire cost of renovations. We discuss the need for technical innovation in building construction methods and for electric technologies for supplying heat and hot water to buildings. Finally, we consider the impact of deep retrofits on all buildings to the electricity grid as well as the natural gas system.

We also discuss the pathways to accomplish this goal with the minimal practical cost disruption and transfer payments from program administrators to property owners. The scale of this endeavor- very roughly $3-$4 trillion- would strain the budgets of current and prospective administrators. You’ll hear about a set of paths that, if rapidly implemented, could set us on a practical rather than political approach to meeting the Paris accord.

Follow this link for a copy of David’s slides on this topic from a presentation he gave at the 2019 RESNET conference: http://conference.resnet.us/data/energymeetings/presentations/Goldstein RESNET retrofits 2019 02.pdf

I'm not trying to 'cause a big s-s-sensation (talkin' 'bout my generation)I'm just talkin' 'bout my g-g-g-generation (talkin' 'bout my generation)

~ My Generation (The Who)

Generational differences: they can be hard to ignore, and sometimes cause unnecessary conflict.

However, those of different generations working together often speak of more enriching experiences.

Listen in as we talk about generations with Clint Shireman of Knauf Insulation. Clint summarizes for us what he has learned about the differences in the generations and how differences impact the work environment, especially the construction trades.

We discuss the definitions and group sizes of the five generations currently in the work force while noting the impacts made by historical, societal, and lately the technological and communication related changes that affect all generations in different ways.

From Baby Boomers, to helicopter parents, to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the conversation covers a lot of ground as these topics relate to hiring, setting expectations and retaining employees of all generations.

Follow these links for a copy of Clint’s’ slides and notes on this topic from a presentation he gave at the 2019 RESNET conference.

www.bit.ly/ClintSlides www.bit.ly/ClintNotes

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

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

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

As coaches say, it's about finding your role. We're coming together as a team. Brock Osweiler

“I learned no detail was too small. It was all about the details.” – Brad Grey

In this episode we speak with Ryan Meres, Program Director at RESNET about his experiences at the recent committee action hearings of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

Out of the 37 proposals identified for RESNET Board review, 13 were determined to be RESNET's top priorities. Ryan tracked and testified on these 13 priority proposals during the Spring 2019 Hearings.   

Listen in as Ryan shares an overview of the Code Development Process which include Committee Action Hearings followed by Public Comment Hearings.

He will also describe the proposals that RESNET focused on, from both the point of support and opposition.

You’ll hear updates on the incorporation of Standards 301 and 380 and gain an understanding of why and how RESNET looks to maintain similarities in the ERI path and HERS index.

Learn about an interesting proposal for a new compliance path based on BTUh targets for heating and cooling loads for each climate zone,

Follow this link to view Ryan’s blog post on this topic: https://www.resnet.us/blog/

If you want to receive updates on Ryan’s work with codes, email Ryan at [email protected]

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

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

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

The North Star - For some it is a compass direction. The direction to follow.

For others following your North Star means sticking to an important mission.

Let’s follow the important mission happening in green housing in the North Star State.

Listen in as we discover the team work that has been rallied to create the Minnesota’s Green Path.

Tom Gavaras of the BATC-Housing First Minnesota and Ross Anderson of the Energy Network Worldwide detail out the synergies they have created in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

They describe the strategies they have employed which have successfully brought together utilities, the builder community, and raters to grow recognition of green building techniques generally and more specifically, to promote the HERS rating.

We'll hear about Minnesota’s Green Path in which the utilities help the raters and the builder’s association highlight energy-efficient building techniques via the promotion of the HERS index through its Parade of Homes, home tours and related publications, website, marketing, and social media.

Green Path is the leading energy efficiency and green building program for the residential construction industry in Minnesota.

Created by BATC-Housing First Minnesota in 2011, the program has provided Home Performance Reports to more than 18,000 newly built homes highlighting RESNET’s HERS score and the tested air exchange rate.

Tom and Ross describe how you can leverage the connections of your local or state association to continue elevating energy-efficient building.

You can reach Tom and download the checklist he mentions at: www.MNGreenPath.org

You can reach Ross via www.MBPA.us, the Minnesota Building Performance Contractors Association.

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

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

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

As coaches say, it's about finding your role. We're coming together as a team. Brock Osweiler

Access to clean, abundant water is critical to the maintenance and growth of society. And this is not just a regional or US theme, it is a global issue.   In this joint podcast with ICC Pulse, RESTalk host Bill Spohn interviews RESNET Program Director Ryan Meres and Code Council Executive Director of Sustainability Programs Dave Walls about the new water ratings standard, water efficiency and conservation.   We learn about the upcoming joint RESNET ICC standard 1101: Water Rating index and How HERS H2O fits in the picture.   We cover a lot of ground on the topic: ranging from piping to conversation to rain water harvesting, including indoor and outdoor use.   You can learn more about ICC efforts at www.iccsafe.org/ and about the HERS H2O standard here: http://www.resnet.us/professional/about/resnet_to_develop_water_efficiency_rating_system   NOTE: The building that Dave mentions in the podcast is the Ziggurat Building in West Sacramento, CA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ziggurat  RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.   Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at [email protected]

Attention to detail is important in so many facets of life.

Certainly, in dealing with people.

And also, when dealing with things.

Listen in as we hear about how the details of proper air sealing can make such a difference in the comfort, performance and energy efficiency of the thing we all hold so near and dear; the home.

Our guest in this podcast, Charlie Haack is the Director of Technical Services for NAIMA, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.

Charlie’s background in architecture and in field work with energy star homes gives him great perspective to discuss the multifaceted aspects of moving the concepts of better air sealing into common practice.

Sometimes it amounts to not overlooking the big holes, as “air will find a way”. At other times, it’s a combination of factors that needs to be addressed.

Based on research work from Owens-Corning, NAIMA has put together a guide to the top 5 Priorities in Air Sealing Locations:

https://insulationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/N090-5-Air-Sealing-Locations-for-New-Homes.pdf

From state and national code hearings, to contractors’ guides, to technical presentations, and keeping up with green certification programs, NAIMA is tackling the good work that needs to be done in this area.

Go to www.insulationinstitute.org to learn more from the in-depth resources they provide.

Other interesting reference on their site include:

• What Builders want from Home Raters:

http://information.insulationinstitute.org/guide-to-understanding-builders-want-from-hers-raters

• Building Science 101:

http://information.insulationinstitute.org/free-building-science-101-guide

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

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

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

At times we all wish we had a crystal ball.

You know, something to help you see into the future.

What if the crystal ball was a gateway into your imagination, your own personal vision of what you could help accomplish in the future?

Pretty awesome, right?

That’s the spirit of our conversation today with these fine “fellows” in this podcast

Elizabeth Sanfelippo, Jonathan Gensler and Xavier Walter applied for and were selected to be the RESNET Emerging Leadership Council Fellows in 2019.

In today’s episode we will hear about the similarities and differences in their backgrounds, as well as contrasting the opportunities and challenges in the regions in which they work.

We also learn of their hopes and goals for the future of the industry and their concrete plans to achieve their goals.

One common theme developed was that of being an inspiration and offering to teach, train and educate on a regular basis to help their markets progress.

We close with a challenge given to them by the host of the podcast.

Listen in and be inspired.

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

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

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

Perspective.

While the first dictionary definition may come first to mind for our technical listeners:

the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point.

It is the second dictionary definition we will pivot from today:

a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

In this episode we chat with Terry Duszynski. Terry has been working in the fields of general contracting and energy auditing since the early 80s.

He has the honor of being the first HERS rater of record.

Terry has interacted with Steve Baden since before RESNET existed.

Listen in as we gain perspective on the field of energy rating and learn how much has changed over the decades and see what remains the same.

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

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

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