RESTalk

"For me, conferences are like little mental vacations: a chance to go visit an interesting place for a couple of days, and come back rested and refreshed with new ideas and perspectives."

-Erin McKean

Con-fer-ence: a large official meeting, usually lasting for a few days, at which people with the same work or interests come together to discuss their views. Check.

From the Latin conferre or 'bring together'. Ok, check.

How will the team at RESNET fulfill the goals of, and definition of a conference, actually 2 conferences, in 2022?

Emma Bennett, RESNET's Standard & Events Manager, joins us to share details about the two, yes, two conferences conducted by RESNET in 2022.

The first conference will be held February 21-23, 2022 in Austin, TX. This will be an in-person event with a limit of 400 attendees, so sign up now! There will be 7-8 tracks and 40-50 sessions taking place over the course of the three days.

The second conference will be all virtual and held March 10-11, 2022. There is no limit to the number of attendees but sign up now for an early bird discount! The tracks will align with those of the in-person conference, however, there will be about 100 sessions including recordings of the in-person sessions.

In-person attendees will have the automatic benefit of access to the all the virtual sessions which will be available all year on demand. Social events are planned for both the conferences built upon the experiences of previous conferences of both types.

Emma shares with us the in-person safety requirements developed in conjunction with a consultant, including vaccine verification required for all attendees.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and there will be exhibitors at both events.

You can learn about the 2022 RESNET Building Performance Conferences at www.resnet.us/2022 or by emailing [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]

"Whether it's the best of times or the worst of times,

It's the only time we've got."

- Art Buchwald

23 episodes, 23 topics and 22 different guests.

We covered a lot of ground in the RESTalk podcast in 2021.

We hope we stimulated your thinking and moved you into action in this sometimes complex world of home energy ratings.

If you'd like to dig a little deeper into the topics covered in these episodes, see the list mentioned in each section below.

PART A: Organization. Systems & PeopleEP64 RESNET 2021 Conference with Steve Baden and Emma BennettEP66 A Conversation with 2021 RESNET Board President John HensleyEP67 RESNET 2021 Priorities with Steve BadenEP80 HERS Software Consistency with Neal KruisEP76 Meet the 2021 RESNET Emerging Leadership Council FellowsEP78 RESNET 2022: Into the FuturePart B: Politics & TaxesEP65 Review of 2020 Election with Steve Baden and Carl ChidlowEP84 Update on 45L Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficient HomesPART C: CommunityEP68 How low can you go? How we achieved 2020's lowest average HERS score with Gene Myers- Thrive Home Builders,EP69 Behind the Scenes at the 3 millionth HERS rated homeEP70 One Tree Pledge & RESNET collaborationEP72 The future of the building industry resides in low carbon buildings.EP73 Bill Spohn's Home Building Experience (hosted by Laurel Elam)EP81 Stanley Martin Homes & PEG- A Successful Builder and Rating Company Partnership with DJ Lawson & Matthew CooperPART D: Codes & StandardsEP71 Joint RESNET ICC HERS Rating Company MembershipEP82 Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems- ACCA/RESNET/ICC Standard 310 with Wes Davis & Scott DoyleEP79 "California Dreamin'" Collaboration Between RESNET & California Rating Providers on HERSH2OEP77 Taking Water Efficiency Efforts To New Heights with Jonah Schein (EPA) and Ryan Meres

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]

"Most decisions are not binary, and there are usually better answers waiting to be found

if you do the analysis and involve the right people."

-Jamie Dimon

The topics of real time data and data analytics are discussed in many businesses circles these days.

As the RESNET Board and Quality Assurance (QA) team charts a path to move RESNET QA from the gold standard to platinum, data analytics will pay a large role.What strategic initiatives are being considered to advance the QA function?

We welcome back RESNET's multifaceted QA Team - Laurel Elam, Billy Giblin, and Scott Doyle for an interactive overview of the QA team's activities, achievements, and plans.

We learn how they are looking at data to help determine how much quality assurance is required as well as to track rating activity more easily in the RESNET National Registry.

We hear of efforts to convert the Quality Assurance Review Checklist into an online form/app to make updates to the RESNET National Registry more easily available through continuous maintenance.

Also underway is the creation of a system to track the entire chain of custody among HERS Raters, RFIs and Energy Modelers in the RESNET National Registry.

The RESNET QA Team will also carry out an educational campaign aimed at the industry, builders, and program sponsors to continue to improve consistency through quality assurance oversight.

The team closes the conversation by commending the spirit of the people in the industry who continued to get the job done in 2021.

The RESNET QA Team remains available for technical assistance and technical questions at the following email addresses:

[email protected] [email protected] [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]

"Women are the real architects of society."

-Cher

By some estimates, women make up only about 10 percent of those employed in the construction industry.

What would it take to design and build a home solely by women?

Would there be enough interest, enough women available in one area?

We are joined by Natalie Miles (project manager and designer for Wardley Homes) and Katy Higgins (owner of Blue Best Heating and Air) to learn all about The House that SHE Built, a home construction project recently completed (and sold!) in Saratoga Springs, Utah.

The Utah Chapter of the NAHB Professional Women in Building began work last year to design and build a home that was showcased in the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes. The goal for this home was to highlight and utilize women professionals, skilled tradeswomen, and woman-owned companies for all stages of the project.

The proceeds from the sale of the home will be divided between scholarships, women-run charities, and future home projects like The House That SHE Built.

The home is a 3,200 sq ft 2-story home with an eclectic, farmhouse style. Additionally, the home also includes many high-performance details including a HERS score of 59. Listen in as we share the story of this project and its impact on the local community and future generations of women in building.

In addition to hearing about the impact this project has had on younger girls, we learn a children's book has been written to share the story more broadly. https://www.amazon.com/House-That-She-Built/dp/0867187859

To learn more about the project check out the links below:

https://www.utahpwb.com/the-house-that-she-built/

https://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/dream-big-women-build-an-entire-house-for-utah-valley-parade-of-homes/

https://nahbnow.com/2020/11/all-female-built-home-taking-shape-in-utah/

https://nahbnow.com/2021/06/nahb-leaders-celebrate-all-female-built-home-in-utah/

You can reach Katy at [email protected] and Natalie via: [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]

"Good legislation should bring clarity, not confusion."

-Bill Haslam

The Federal Tax Credit for Builders of Energy Efficient Homes, commonly known as 45L, in some ways remains an artifact of old thinking.

How much has technology and performance in housing advanced in the last 15 years?

What can you do to stay informed, aware and exert influence to improve what could be a significant motivator for building more energy efficient homes?

NOTE: This episode as recorded in late September 2021 yet will air in late November 2021. Consequently, some factors and details may have changed in the interim.

Steve Baden joins us to share updates and possible changes that are coming in the 45L federal builders' tax credit with the advent of a new administration and changes in Congress in the last year.

In past Episodes of RESTalk (#57 & 62) we have learned of the on-again, off-again nature of 45L and how this pattern makes it hard for builders to count on it and invest via engagement in their planning cycles. Steve also notes that its basis is "ancient as a 2006 flip phone".

Unfortunately, this legislation is again scheduled to expire, this time on December 31, 2021. Steve covers the proposed changes that include giving more credit to more energy efficient homes via two tiers of performance with two corresponding levels of tax credits.

As he covers the intricacies of how this is moving through Congress Steve remains hopeful that the legislation may receive a much needed "upgrade" and perhaps be extended to last for 5 or even 10 years.

The RESNET community is encouraged to learn more and engage with their legislators to drive home points such as local jobs, the progress made in construction technology and how builders must put skin in the game to participate.

Learn more about how to advocate for this via resources on the RESNET site found here: https://www.resnet.us/about/advocacy/45l/ and here: https://www.resnet.us/about/advocacy/

Builders can review details on the IRS FORM 8908: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8908

In closing Steve notes, if 45L is revised or extended, this topic will be covered in depth at the RESNET 2022 conference: Learn more here: https://www.resnet.us/conference/conference-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]

"I'm an instant star. Just add water (rating) and stir."

-David Bowie

Housing consumers show increasing interest in environmental impact.

Logically, builders are following this trend to serve their customers.

How can raters and RFIs build on this momentum to become a star serving both builders and their customers?

We welcome back RESNET's program director Ryan Meres to fill us in on why raters should become certified for HERSH2O. We discuss the increasing interest by builders in environmental reporting and how raters can help builders tune in to this growing trend.

In addition to reviewing how and why RESNET Standard 850 was developed, Ryan reviews the field testing he took part in to refine the resources and methods used for water efficiency rating.

We walk through the complete process: from training and testing requirements to conducting an evaluation, to data entry and exporting to RESNET. He also explains how this rating can also apply to existing homes and retrofits.

SPECIAL OFFER: Ryan offers FREE HERSH2O training to the first 50 raters that email him. He will also extend bulk discounts to companies that contact him with more than 10 raters seeking the training. Contact Ryan at [email protected]

Water is a critically important resource, and you can gain further insight via past episodes of RESTalk: Episodes 3, B-1, 50, 62, 77 and 79.

You can get more background on the topic of HERSH20 and download resources (e.g. a checklist and the guidance document and more) at: www.resnet.us/about/hersh2o/

If you are ready to take the training, go to https://portal.resnet.us and navigate to the HERSH2O section.

Or if you are ready to use the HERSH2O calculation spreadsheet, contact Ryan at [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 expect what you inspect."

-W. Edwards Deming

Which "appliance" in a house usually consumes the most energy?

Which "appliance" in a house is constructed from multiple components that have never run before they are assembled on site?

Wouldn't it be great if a terrific installation of said "appliance" gained you some HERS points?

(Forgive my relative misuse of the word appliance – I needed to get your attention.)

We are joined today by Wes Davis (Director of Technical Services at ACCA) and Scott Doyle (Technical Director at RESNET) to learn more about the first voluntary standard for additional rated features – Standard 310, Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems.

While the standard was just published in June 2020, you can jump back to RESTALK Episode 20 to hear more about the early days of the development of this standard.

While HVAC defaults can be used in a rating, builders will be excited to learn that in some cases up to an additional six (6) points may be available for an HVAC system installation rated according to Standard 310.

The standard evaluates five (5) key aspects of an HVAC system: Design Review, Total Duct Leakage, Blower Fan Airflow, Blower Fan Watt Draw and Proper Refrigerant Charge. There are usually a couple options for evaluation of each aspect.

Each aspect can get a Grade 1,2, or 3, which of course affects the final system grade.

Raters can expand their skills in this important area by taking part in the free 4.5-hour training program followed by a field practical assessment.

You can get more background on or review a copy of the standard 310 at the links below:

https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/ANSIRESNETACCA_310-2020_v7.1.pdf

https://www.resnet.us/raters/hvac-310-grading/

https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/DRAFT_RESNET_Std310HVACGrading_infographic_v01.pdf

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]

"Words are but the pictures of our thoughts."

-John Dryden

Stanley Martin Homes was founded in 1966 utilizing fresh new designs and continues to innovate today.

They focus on people, via constant training and clear communications, including continual dialog with PEG, their partner rating firm.

How do both companies benefit from a relationship such as this?What are some of the inner workings that are employed?

We are pleased to welcome to RESTALK our guests DJ Lawson (Manager of Corporate Field Operations at Stanley Martin Homes) and Matthew Cooper (Senior Vice President at PEG).

DJ and Matthew will share with us what it takes to develop a very successful builder/rating company partnership yielding high-quality, energy-efficient homes.

With the emphasis on training, communication, and process that we hear about in the podcast, it is no surprise that Stanley Martin Homes was recently recognized as 2021 Builder of the Month by Builder Magazine.

Matthew shares with us how the relationship started and blossomed while DJ describes some of the pointers that other builders can look for in a good "energy partner" like PEG.

They also share a glimpse into some trends that may impact the future of residential construction.

You can learn more about the Builder Magazine award and the two companies in the links below:

https://www.stanleymartin.com/news/article/builder-magazine-names-stanley-martin-homes-the-2021-builder-of-the-year#

www.StanleyMartin.com

www.PEGenv.com

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 man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure."

-Segal's Law

Consistency is important when it comes time to rely on…anything.

A key to ensuring the quality of HERS ratings is the software calculation consistency of the HERS score.

Too often in the past, the same home could receive a different score based upon the software program being used.

What actions has the RESNET Board taken to enhance the consistency of calculation of HERS Index Scores?

Neal Kruis, Vice President of Big Ladder Software joins us on the RESTALK podcast to discuss his role as the RESNET Energy Modeling Director. With a doctoral degree in building systems engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder Neal has extensive experience with computational software for building energy analysis. Neal will act as the arbitrator of the Software Consistency Committee (SCC) established by the RESNET Board.

Neal gives us a great overview of this very complex topic. He acknowledges that while the goal is not to be disruptive to the HERS Scoring process, the necessary improvements can be disruptive to an extent.

To this end, bi-directional communication is the key. Below you find links to the real-world FAQS on this topic along with a link to a form to report software inconsistencies.

Some of the other roles for the SCC include researching and identifying major drivers that cause inconsistency, as well as propose resolutions that will enhance consistency between software tools.

Links discussed in the podcast:

Reporting

https://www1.resnet.us/consistency/?layout=1

FAQs

https://www.resnet.us/about/standards/committees/software-consistency-committee/software-consistency-frequently-asked-questions/

Neal's presentation from the 2019 RESNET Conference

https://conference.resnet.us/data/energymeetings/presentations/Enhancing%20Consistency%20Kruis-SCC-20191.pdf

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 key to everything is patience.

You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it."

-Arnold H. Glasgow

The ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 850 was developed over the course of years via consensus input from over 75 organizations.

The standard was first issued in 2020 and is now seeing increasing use.

Several steps needed to take place before the California Energy Commission's accredited rating providers were approved by RESNET as HERS-H2O providers.

At the same time, the demand for the H2O rating service had to be built along with the ability to provide the service itself.

We are joined today by Russ King (Sr. Director of Technical Services for CalCERTS, Inc) and Ryan Meres (Program Director for RESNET) to learn more about the rollout of HERS H2O in California.

Ryan shares background on the HERS H2O Standard and how it is being used to achieve the EPA Water Sense Label along with RESNET's efforts to get the standard recognized as a compliance method for California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).

Russ describes for us the CalCERTS network of California HERS Raters and how they can get certified for H2O and WaterSense through CalCERTS.

Russ and Ryan will improve your understanding of the topic leveraging their extensive and diverse backgrounds.

Learn more on how this all works at www.calcerts.com/water/ Also, inquiries can be sent to [email protected]

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

Learn more at www.RESNET.us/

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

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