RESTalk

"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has the data."

Arthur Conan Doyle

Details make the difference to builders and their customers, really to the whole new home construction industry.

Trends emerge when one studies HERS rating details over a large national dataset and over time.

What kind of theories can we draw from data in "Trends in HERS Rated Homes, 2022"?

RESNET's Program Director Ryan Meres joins us to "crunch the numbers" in HERS rating trends for 2021. The data is compiled from the rating providers' data files.

We learn about trends in index scores and the basic characteristics of HERS-rated homes, for example, the number of bedrooms, conditioned floor area, annual energy costs, and energy savings.

The report also reveals summary data on foundation types, insulation, window U-Value and SHGC, envelope air leakage rates, ventilation types, heating, cooling, and water heating equipment, and the use of Solar PV on HERS rated homes.

We get an overview of climate zone and regional data, including states and cities that lead the pack in the number of HERS-rated homes. Ryan also shares some data highlights, as well as the percentage of new homes in the state that receive ratings, noting some of the possible reasons for the way the data plays out.

Members of the RESNET Suppliers Advisory Board get the first look at the report and can benefit from custom reports. Learn more about joining the SAB here: www.resnet.us/about/sab/

Look for an announcement in the RESNET newsletter regarding the final report "Trends in HERS Rated Homes, 2022 which will be published in Mid-June 2022.

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]

"The minute you decide to do what you love to do,

you have made a life plan for yourself and a career choice"

Huda Kattan

What are the perspectives of those new to the building industry?

RESNET's Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) Fellows program provides recognition for future leaders.

What are some of the reasons they got "noticed"?

How do this year's ELC Fellows feel about the work they do?

Do they love their work?

(The 2022 ELC Fellows are split into two groups: Raters and Rating Field Inspectors. In today's podcast we talk with the ELC Fellow Raters.)

Join us as the 2022 RESNET Emerging Leadership Council Fellows Noah Lawrence, Matt Jansing and Jared Kain-Woods share their thoughts and perspectives on the HERS industry.

All three fellows submitted video applications for the contest which you can view here: https://www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/fellows/

Matt describes his experience across several climate zones, his excitement about the "detective work" he does and his eagerness to spread the concepts of building science to technically minded people that might be new to or unaware of the field. He is very interested in connecting with people across the RESNET ecosystem and beyond.

Jared expresses a natural curiosity about the technical and energy aspects of the built environment. He wishes to learn more and close the gaps in understanding that people have when it comes to "building green." He talks about the impact of the human element- both of the people that build homes and those that live in homes. Jared is keenly interested in connecting with other "energy nerds".

Noah embraces the "ripple effect" when he thinks about the impact of the work and networking he does. He describes how he got into this field because of the intersection of science and buildings coming from his upbringing. We talk about how he encourages others to think differently.

We close with all three fellows giving their predictions on what the next 5 years might look like in the building industry.

RESNET's Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) strives to engage the next generation of leaders in the ratings industry as many current HERS Raters approach retirement.

Get more info on the ELC here: https://www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/

If you are interested in applying for next year's ELC fellows program there are two simple requirements:

1. Be a HERS® professional who wants to make a difference in the industry
2. Have 5 years or less of experience as a HERS Rater or Rating Field Inspector (RFI)

The fellowship winners will receive specific benefits as noted on next year's application. Look for more details in the RESNET Newsletter shortly before the next scheduled conference.

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]

"Anytime we step boldly to make changes, we take a chance that we might fail.

But the only way to get better is to try."

-Joyce Meyer

How do you define sustainable home building?

What will sustainable home building look like in 2022?

Where can you get a handle on data to help drive your decisions in this area?

What are the bold steps you can take?

RESTALK is pleased to welcome back Sara Gutterman, co-founder and CEO of Green Builder Media to give us insights about the state of sustainable building for 2022.

Sara highlights how over nearly two years, the pandemic has acted like a surprise jolt upon the building industry. She reflects on how this has changed the landscape.

She helps us understand that to create a meaningful impact on runaway Climate Change, we need to set our sights on the full-scale decarbonization of our economy, reaching net zero emissions across all sectors as boldly and quickly as possible.

She highlights this "perfect storm" of limited housing inventory, high material costs and labor shortages which have pushed competent building companies into high demand.

Sara also notes analysts expect the storm to continue in 2022—at first. Economic experts are forecasting early in the year growth in single-family home construction, sales and pricing at a pace that is about 40 percent to 50 percent the levels seen in 2021.

Look toward Green Builder Media's COGNITION smart data (www.greenbuildermedia.com/cognition-smart-data) for more depth of detail on the forecasts we discuss.

Sara has also published a blog post on this topic that can be found here:

https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/blog/the-state-of-sustainable-building-2022

While the Sustainability Symposium 2022: Roadmap to Decarbonization happened last month, you can still learn more at the comprehensive Housing2.0 Program found here:

https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/housing-2.0

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]

"A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve,

Not by the desire to beat others "

-Ayn Rand

What's it like in the rating world north of our border?

What are some of things that the Canadian Raters do that parallel or differ from what is done in the US?

What can we learn from our neighbors to the north though a cross border challenge?

The Cross Border Challenge is an annual event sponsored by RESNET and the Canadian Residential Energy Services Network (CRESNET) to recognize U.S. and Canadian builders who are pioneering the path to high-energy performance homes. CRESNET is RESNET's sister organization in Canada. The awards are issued to the U.S. and Canadian builders who built a minimum of 50 homes and had the lowest average HERS Rating.

Listen in as John Godden, Chair of CRESNET's technical committee describes the landscape of the raters' world in Canada. He also shares with us the history of the formation of CRESNET and the RESNET cross-border challenge. (www.CRESNET.CA)

This was the 9th year for the awards. Find out the details on who the winners were at this link:

https://www.resnet.us/articles/winners-of-the-2022-resnet-cross-border-builder-challenge/

You can learn more about the 2020 Cross Border Challenge at this link:

https://www.resnet.us/articles/winners-of-the-2020-resnet-cross-border-builder-challenge/

and read more on the internationalization of the HERSH2O water efficiency rating program here:

https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-water-efficiency-rating-program-hersh2o-program-goes-international/

Connect with John at [email protected] . You can review and consider subscribing to the magazine at www.betterbuilder.ca .

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]

"Science does not know its debt to imagination. "

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

More and more we hear of the impact of carbon on our society and environment.

Recent data says that operational carbon (the carbon that comes from energy, heat, lighting, etc. ) is becoming less of a factor.

Now. attention is now shifting to embodied carbon - the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the whole lifecycle of a building or infrastructure.

Today we are joined by Andy Buccino (Stephens & Company), Mike Browne (Advanced Building Analysis, LLC) and Sara DeVico (Building Efficiency Resources) are all very active in the NE HERS Alliance or NEHERS.

They form the core of the NE HERS Alliance Embodied Carbon Working group which is interested in collaborating with individuals and organizations that can help achieve the following goals:

1) Adaptation of the HERS index software to include embodied carbon in the calculations.

2) Conducting a baseline study for the Northeast.

Additionally, and simultaneously, they seek support from Energy Efficiency programs to help incentivize the market and adopt carbon tracking as a standard practice.

RESNET Certified Home Energy Raters already collect data to produce detailed reports defining Operational Emissions for the HERS Index. Much of the data collected for the HERS Index overlaps with the data needed to calculate Embodied Carbon Emissions.

They have developed a worksheet that outlines the approximately 65 data points already being collected in one of the RESNET Accredited HERS Rater Software Systems that apply to both operational and embodied construction carbon emissions, with a list of additional items that would need to be added for a comprehensive carbon outlook of the built environment.

With some simple software innovations, it is possible to produce an Embodied Construction Carbon calculation as a quantifiable output alongside the operational calculations already being used. Designers and builders can use these calculations to dial in both energy and carbon targets as they select building components for a given project.

You can learn more about and join with the activities of the NEHERS Embodied Carbon Working Group here:

https://www.nehers.org/embodied-carbon

It would be a big help if you sign on the letter of support at that link.

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]

"Leaders don't create followers; they create more leaders. "

-Tom Peters

Employee retention is a hot topic as 1/3 of new employees leave their job after about 6 months.

Additionally, over 70% of employers are having a tough time recruiting skilled candidates.

How does RESNET's Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) work to address these challenges?

How can membership in the ELC help to shape someone's career?

Today's podcast will attempt to answer these questions with the help of Dylan Tindall and Jacob Kamen, the new Chair and Vice Chair-elect, respectively, of the RESNET Emerging Leadership Council.

In addition to learning more about Dylan and Jacob's varied backgrounds, we hear about the work they are doing as the incoming leadership of the ELC.

Learn what motivates these emerging leaders and how a career in the home energy rating industry can be fulfilling from both technical and people-based perspectives.

The three major themes for the ELC include:

Recruitment of new Raters – With a focus on younger individuals still in school, helping them see the earning potential inherent with someone with a Building Science education

Retention of existing Raters – With a focus on those new to the Rating industry, creating content to help them succeed in the Building Science Industry

ELC membership opportunities – With a focus on networking within RESNET; working to plan, organize and implement signature ELC events and activities; and to collaborate to troubleshoot common challenges and propose solutions utilizing RESNET's existing Standards Development Process

We wrap up the conversation learning of Jacob and Dylan's outlook for the future of the HERS industry.

You can learn more about the Emerging Leadership Council by following this link: https://www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/

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]

"I hope to continue to inspire our nation's youth to pursue careers in science, technology engineering, and math so they, too, may reach for the stars." -Ellen Ochoa (American engineer, former astronaut, and former director of the Johnson Space Center)

The percentage of women in the construction industry grew from 9.9 percent in 2018, to 10.9 percent in 2020 marking a recent steady increase in women's employment. Women now take on more roles in the industry that range from work in the trades to project management. In honor of Women's History Month, we asked: "So what's it like to be a woman working in the HERS industry? What inspires women to take this career path?" In today's podcast, we hear from Elizabeth Sanfelippo of Brayn Consulting, and Beth Ainsworth of Performance Point about their career journeys leading to roles in the HERS world. They share their stories both coming from aspects of the fields of art and design. We learn of some of the challenges, large and small, as well as how they manage self-doubt and bias. Elizabeth attended Middlebury College in Vermont where she received her BA with a major in studio art. While attending Samford University for a Masters in Environmental Management, she homed in on her passion for residential energy efficiency and home performance. She became a HERS Rater in 2016 (not really knowing much about HERS) and now works as a senior engineering associate for Brayn Consulting where she focuses on the 45L tax credit for energy-efficient new construction homes. She was a 2019 RESNET ELC Fellow and recently received the Jo-Ann Golden Humanitarian Award in 2021 from the National Association of Women in Construction Southeast Region. Beth attended Appalachian State University, where she obtained a master's degree in building science. After being immersed in the sustainable environment of Boone, NC for 10 years, she decided to follow her passion and pursue a career in green building design. She began working for Performance Point in 2010 and has been in the industry as a HERS rater for almost 15 years. She specializes in the modeling and design of custom housing and assists in the plan review phase and design for multifamily projects with her NGBS Verifier certification. In recent years, she has become a Quality Assurance Designee. We wrap up the conversation by sharing thoughts on how the concept of women in the trades needs to be made "normal" in society's thinking. You can also hear more perspectives on this topic by listening to RESTalk Episode 85: "The House that She built." You can get in touch with our guests here: Elizabeth Sanfelippo: [email protected] Beth Ainsworth: [email protected]

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]

"You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data.

-Daniel Keys Moran

Time marches on. And so do the changes in the demographics of buyers.

What are the characteristics of home buyers, especially those that buy HERS rated homes?

How can those in the HERS industry align with the factors important to the new wave of home buyers?

We are back with Ryan Meres, Program Manager at RESNET, who is known for doing his research, collecting the data and turning that data into useful information for us.

Listen in as Ryan dives into the characteristics and culture of Generation Y; they now make up the largest (37%) category of home buyers.

It will be no surprise that Gen Y's use of internet research factors large in the discussion. From understanding the process of home buying, to learning about home features, equipment, and materials, to checking the environmental aspects of housing and the builder, there is a lot going on!

You can learn more about app we discussed that helps you align with your values at this link: https://ecountabl.com/

You can learn about this topic by visiting these reports noted in the podcast:

Ryan's blog post on cracking the millennial code:

https://www.resnet.us/articles/cracking-the-millennial-code-what-home-builders-need-to-know-about-millennials/

The National Association of Realtors 2021 Generational Trends Report:

https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-home-buyers-and-sellers-generational-trends-03-16-2021.pdf

Morgan-Stanley's Sustainable Signals Report:

https://www.morganstanley.com/press-releases/sustainable-signals

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]

"The fun for me in collaboration is, one, working with other people just makes you smarter; that's proven."

-Lin-Manuel Miranda

There are some distinct megatrends that will increase the number of NetZero homes.

How is the ICC facilitating the drive to Net Zero homes?

How is RESNET collaborating with ICC on this topic?

We are joined today by two executives from the International Code Council (ICC) to discuss NetZero homes and collaboration with RESNET.

Dominic Sims, CEO shares with us his insights into the research and trends that led the ICC down the Net Zero road. Learn more about the ICC energy pathway at: www.iccsafe.org/energy

Mark Johnson, Executive VP and Director of Business Development describes the critical engagement of HERS raters & providers in this process and the benefits derived from the shared knowledge.

We learn how this collaboration between RESNET and ICC came about and details on how it will work.Mark and Dominic also tell us of the role of governments in this process and the roles for RESNET and HERS Raters.

We also discuss the topic of affordable housing and how Net Zero homes address typically the second most costly housing budget category: utilities.

You also can learn more about the Joint RESNET ICC HERS Rating Company Membership in Episode 71 of RESTalk. https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/18989738

You can learn about this topic by visiting: https://www.resnet.us/articles/international-code-council-adopts-pathway-to-net-zero-energy-homes-by-2030/

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]

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

-Dinesh Paliwal

In simplest terms, what path is RESNET on? What is the RESNET mission?

How are the goals crafted that align with and fulfill the mission?

How are priorities and budgets set so these goals are achieved?

Both John Hensley, President of the RESNET Board of Directors, and Steve Baden, RESNET Executive Director join us to describe the priorities for RESNET's activities in 2022.

We learn the process of setting the priorities and how they lead to the goals that have been set by the Board to achieve the mission.

John describes the RESNET mission and details out the goals while Steve describes how the goals and priorities shape the budget that has been adopted by the RESNET board.

John recaps the challenges and achievements for RESNET in 2021 and Steve follows with his predictions for 2022.

You can learn about the RESNET Mission, along with the 2022 Goals and Priorities by visiting: https://www.resnet.us/articles/2022-resnet-mission-goals-and-priorities/

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]