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Human beings are very good at adapting to what happens

-John Hurt

Building science is building science.

Science doesn't care. It just is.

Applications for a HERS Rater's knowledge of building science are out there.

Sometimes where you'd least expect them.

Recorded in April 2020, today's topic is tuned in to the current pandemic, perhaps, in an unexpected way.

Join us as we speak with Matthew Cooper, Senior Vice President at PEG, LLC about how his company is supporting the healthcare community by providing third-party isolation room monitoring.

Matthew starts with an overview of PEG's 22-year history and how the company evolved into the multifaceted organization it is today, including becoming a HERS Rating Provider and RESNET 100,000 Homes Club member.

We discuss the PEG team's previous experience in the healthcare setting and how they are now providing independent monitoring of hospital isolation rooms, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) rooms and Emergency Rooms where suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients are being cared for.

As to the point that science doesn't care, monitoring includes differential pressure, temperature and relative humidity which are all key factors in isolating airborne infection patients for the protection of both healthcare workers and other patients. These parameters should be immediately recognizable to the HERS rater.

For question or follow up please reach out to Matthew 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]

Changes and progress are very rarely gifts from above. They come out of struggles from below.

-Noam Chomsky

The code development process is complex and time consuming.

Yet the results drive much of the work done by raters.

Insights into this process from a knowledgeable guide are immensely valuable.

Join us as we speak with Ryan Meres, Program Director at RESNET, about the changes coming in the 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). He reviews for us the key results of the latest changes that will impact HERS Raters and the builders they work with.

Beginning with a quick overview of the code development process, we move into a discussion of the incorporation of the 2019 versions of Standards 301 and 380.

We get into a good discussion over the details on what is happen to the ERI including an insider's explanation of the voting process and why the Performance Path seems to be the trend. Cool note: Ryan was a co-author of the original ERI.

You will find some details on the differences between the ERI and HERS index scores in Ryan's blog post here:

https://www.resnet.us/articles/the-iecc-energy-rating-index-and-hers-index-whats-the-difference/

Or use this short link: www.bit.ly/ERI-HERS

We wrap the discussion looking some of the next tasks for Ryan in his role as Program Director at RESNET

For question or follow up you can always 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]

Follow effective action with quiet reflection.

From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.

-Peter Drucker

As RESNET looks towards the future, significant effort is being placed in recruiting and retaining members of the broader RESNET community.

There is no better way to do this than invite people to "the table".

The RESNET Board has done this in a big way by creating the Emerging Leadership Council Fellowship which deeply engages people new to the industry.

Joins us as we chat today with the three 2020 ELC fellows: Aaron Hope (Southern Energy Management, Raleigh, NC), Rachel LaMantia (EnergyLogic, Berthoud, CO) and Manon Shankle (Virdiant, Richmond, VA)

Come listen as each of the fellow shares with us their background, experiences and passion for their work. One common theme we heard was their unique responses and reactions to being named 2020 Fellows. They share with us their reflections and actions taken.

Learn more about this year's fellows by following this link

https://www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/fellows/

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 big picture doesn't just come from distance; it also comes from time.

-Simon Sinek

RESNET recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic will have a huge impact on HERS® Raters and Rating Providers.

The RESNET Board Executive Committee has swiftly stepped in to make important decisions.

RESNET is ever more diligent about how business is being done and working together with members of the HERS Industry to navigate through this.

It will take time.

RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden and Deputy Director Cardice Gray-Howard join us today in this special episode to discuss their reactions to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the actions that have been taken.

Various steps have already been put in place such as modifications to QA testing and Payment terms for rating fees. Other options are also being considered.

For complete and up to date information follow the "RESNET COVID-19 Updates" link at the top of the RESNET.us homepage.

RESNET has put in place a dedicated email address ([email protected] ) that will go directly to the Quality Assurance Team for QA questions and concerns. This email address is for specific questions to the QA team regarding remote QA, reporting, etc.

RESNET believes in the power of our tight knit community to get through this situation stronger and more united over time.

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]

It's very hard to complain about society if you don't get involved.

-George Prescott Bush

Getting involved.

Putting yourself out there, so to speak.

Leaving your comfort zone.

It doesn't have to be scary.

It can be quite thrilling and satisfying, especially if your new ideas are encouraged, listened to and acted upon.

In 2016, the RESNET Board created the Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) to help recruit, mentor and motivate the future leaders of RESNET and the home building performance industry.

Today we are joined by Leo Jansen, of Energy Efficient Homes Midwest, one of very few (the only?) rater/provider organizations operating in the second generation.

Leo has been the Chair of the ELC since February 2019 and is demonstrating his leadership by helping to nurture the next generation of RESNET Leaders.

Leo describes the goals of the ELC as focusing on recruitment of new raters, retention of existing raters and ELC membership opportunities afforded to those that join.

Made up of over 30 (and growing) diverse professionals, Leo stresses the group is for those new to the industry; age is not a determining factor for membership. Leo is managing to make great progress by using digital communication tools as well as forming limited task groups for members to manage.

The ELC is developing many unique activities, including conducting their very first video competition in 2019. You can learn more about it and look for the "call' for the 2020 video contest in updates on the ELC page of the RESNET site.

The group also hosts a fellowship opportunity for new professionals in the industry to attend the annual RESNET conference free of charge.

Additionally, the ELC coordinates a community related volunteer event in the host city of the conference each year.

If you would like to learn more check out the ELC page here:

www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/

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]

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.

-Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Most of us enjoy tackling challenges, especially creative people like architects.

Now combine a creative design challenge along with surpassing a HERS 30 score and other stringent criteria and things get interesting.

And then beat the target score with a Net Zero achievement and have the winning plans freely shared to the public; now that's joy in achievement!

In 2016 Mark Hartman, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Phoenix created a competition for Arizona architects to encourage the construction of ultra-low energy use homes. This is in support of the ambitious 2050 Sustainability Goals adopted by the Mayor of Phoenix and the Phoenix City Council.

Mark worked in partnership with Caroline Lobo, formerly leader of the American Institute of Architects, Arizona (AIA), to hold a Sustainable Home Design Competition. The goal was for a "near net-zero energy" single-family home with the best potential for wide-spread adoption in the region.

Marlene Imirzian of Imirzian Architects created the winning design of an affordable, three-bedroom home, that went beyond and achieved a HERS rating of zero.

She calls is HOME nz.

Lend your ears to this interesting story and feel the energy and joy that I sensed recording this podcast live at the RESNET 2020 Home Performance Conference.

Join over 5000 others and download the free plans at this link: https://www.phoenix.gov/sustainability/home

If you would like to learn more, please contact:

Mark Hartman, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Phoenix: [email protected]

Marlene Imirzian, Imirzian Architects: [email protected]

Caroline Lobo, American Institute of Architects, Arizona: [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 quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.

-Ray Kroc

There's usually only one chance in the life of a home to get the insulation right.

To get it right, insulation installers need training, experience and standards to adhere to.

What does it take to be the top in this field?

David Beam believes it comes from a company's leadership.

David Beam, President & CEO of Insulate America, shares with us his insights into what it takes to become America's best insulation installer.

David explains how important it is to balance time and quality efforts in order to run a successful insulation job and business.

For the last 2 decades, David has been involved the prestigious annual Insulation Installation contest that is co-sponsored by Insulate America and Johns-Manville. He tells us about the history of the contest and fierce competition and tight timelines involved for the 40 competitors. The winners walk away with trophies, bragging rights and cash prizes.

But, more importantly, David tells us of the impressive coaching, education and mentoring that goes on amongst the over 150 people that attend the event each fall.

Learn more about this year's event at this site: https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/meet-americas-best-installer

And look for the call to compete in the late summer of every year.

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]

To succeed today, you have to set priorities, decide what you stand for.

-Lee Iacocca

To move ahead, people, organizations, communities all need priorities to focus their attention and direct their energies.

RESNET has sharpened its focus on three topics for 2020.

In this Episode, Steve Baden shares with us the ambitious priorities that will lead towards the goals RESNET has set for 2020.

Steve gives us background and context for the initiatives which include:

Energy Code Compliance

Steve explains why it follows that HERS Raters are recognized by code officials as the "go-to-option" for code verification

HERS H2O Water Efficiency Rating System

Grading the Efficiency of the Installation of the HVAC System of a Home

These plans will be announced at the General Session of the at 2020 RESNET Conference and covered in detail in various breakout sessions. The conference is set for February 24-26, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ

Learn more and sign up for the conference at www.resnet.us/conference/scottsdale-2020/

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]

To study consumer behavior is to explore human nature at its most fundamental level using the modern world as a backdrop.

-Gad Saad

What is on the mind of the housing consumer?

How important is a rated home?

What kind of consumers are attracted to buy rated homes?

Listen in as Steve Baden shares details and insights into a new housing study conducted by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), a government enterprise more commonly known as Freddie Mac.

This study found that HERS rated homes sold for an average of 2.7% more than comparable unrated homes. And homes with lower HERS Index Scores selling for 3 – 5% more than homes with higher scores. The study also found that buyers of HERS rated homes also have more desirable mortgage profiles.

Steve covers the reasons and process involved in this study that merged HERS data from a random sampling of about 70,000 HERS rated homes with about 380,000 non-rated homes adding credit bureau data to gain insights into the profiles of buyers.

Learn how this study shows how so many stakeholders can win from the implementation of rated homes. Get the best perspective by attending the annual conference session on this topic.

Download a copy of the study here: www.bit.ly/FMStudy-RESNET

This study shows that the right kind of consumers are appreciating and responding to the way a HERS rating communicates the value of a home's energy performance.

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]

Collaboration is a key part of the success of any organization, executed through a clearly defined vision and mission based on transparency and constant communication.

-Dinesh Paliwal

Putting together a conference is no mean feat.

I know. I have tried.

Putting together a conference at the level of RESNET conferences, is an awesome challenge that is handled so well by the RESNET staff.

The annual conference is one of the largest communications and community building activities produced by RESNET.

Listen in as we talk with Emma Bennett and Steve Baden about the RESNET 2020 conference coming up February 24-26, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ

Hear how this interactive conference is built by the participants via session submissions and polling – a true grassroots effort of what the community finds of interest.

This is an unique chance to interact with the thought leaders and practitioners that shape the rating industry. Time for you to become an influencer and be influenced! This is an unrivalled chance to network.

Learn of the three initiatives that embody the RESNET 2020 plan:

Expansion of Raters into code Verification

The launch of the HERS H2O rating system

The launch of the HVAC system efficiency rating system

You'll also get a snapshot of the 120 session topics, including three offsite tours and the community give-back activity with Habitat for Humanity. Plus, a chance to see over 50 product & serivce exhibitors.

More details on the conference at www.resnet.us/conference/scottsdale-2020/

If you have any questions drop an email to [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]