RESTalk

QUOTES from the episode: "You absolutely belong here. There are many paths into this industry, and there's room for everyone to thrive." - Cindy Zeis "Patience, facts, and science always win the day." - Sharla Riead "The future of women in building science is unlimited." - Nancy St. Hilaire In this milestone 150th episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn marks Women's History Month by highlighting the voices of women from across the RESNET® community. Through a series of short conversations, industry leaders share how they entered the world of building science, the mentors who influenced their careers, and how the industry has evolved over time. Their stories reveal that there is no single path into the home performance and HERS® ecosystem. Some entered through construction, the mechanical trades, and hands-on field work, while others came through sustainability planning, academic programs, or early energy-auditing efforts dating back to energy crises of past decades. What they share is a passion for solving complex problems in buildings and translating technical building science into practical solutions that improve comfort, efficiency, durability, and affordability. The conversation also explores the experience of working in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Guests reflect on early moments of needing to prove their credibility, walking onto job sites where they were the only woman in the room, and overcoming stereotypes about fieldwork. At the same time, they highlight the strong mentorship, collaboration, and respect that characterize the RESNET® network. Many have seen meaningful progress over the years, with more women becoming HERS raters, modelers, quality assurance professionals, and industry leaders. Looking ahead, the guests point to one of the biggest remaining barriers: visibility. Many people simply do not realize that building science exists as a career path. Their advice to the next generation is to stay curious, seek hands-on experience, build strong communication skills, and ground their work in solid science and ethics. As building performance becomes increasingly interdisciplinary, blending field diagnostics, data, standards, and software, the opportunities for women to influence and lead the industry are expanding rapidly. Their closing reflections capture the spirit of the episode: the future of women in building science is impactful, influential, and ultimately unlimited. Guests this episode: Cindy Zeis, Technical Director with PSD https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyzeis/ Julie Christesen, Chief Administrative Officer/Building Scientist with ES Green & Co. https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-conn-christesen/ Nancy St. Hilaire, Co-owner of Builder i Group https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-st-hilaire-59161121/ Laurel Elam, Sr. Director Business and Standards Development for RESNET https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-elam-5404817/ Sharla Riead, Lead Instructor at the Energy Smart Institute https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharla-riead/ 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]

QUOTES from the episode: "The RESNET® Conference is where experience meets fresh perspective, and that's where the real progress happens." "This isn't just another conference. It's about shaping the next era of the HERS© industry." "If you want to understand where the industry is headed, this is where the conversations are happening." In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn sits down with Noah Kibbe from RESNET® to preview the 2026 RESNET® Conference coming to San Antonio's Riverwalk. Noah shares what goes into planning the event, from selecting the location and shaping the agenda to locking in what might be one of the most memorable receptions in conference history. Yes, at the Alamo. The conversation gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how the conference is intentionally designed to balance technical depth, networking, and community. Noah walks through the structure of the conference, including general sessions, expanded 90-minute breakout sessions, and clearly defined tracks like energy codes, building science, carbon reporting, RESNET® Quality Assurance, and RESNET® 101 for newcomers. The discussion highlights why RESNET® extended session lengths this year, putting more emphasis on Q&A, panel-style discussions, and practical takeaways that attendees can actually use when they return home. The episode also covers sponsorship opportunities, pre-conference training options, the Whova app for planning and networking, and new additions like session recordings available after the event. Noah closes by framing the conference theme, "The Next Era of the HERS® Industry," and sharing details about RESNET®'s Habitat for Humanity build day, reinforcing that this event is not just about education, but also impact and giving back. Conference link: https://www.resnet.us/2026-conference/ Sponsor Application: https://www.resnet.us/2026-resnet-conference-sponsor-application/ Learn more on the Habitat for Humanity Build day: email: [email protected] Noah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahkibbe/ WHOVA event scheudle: https://whova.com/embedded/event/lC-B89PmXiRbKBwCelSSr2arOUnE88wFAawUiW8ufLc%3D/?refer=undefined&day=1 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]

QUOTES from the episode: "What raters do makes the difference. Supporting them protects the credibility of the entire ecosystem." "Energy and water performance are not abstract. They are measurable, verifiable, and they matter to families." "My role is to protect what works, listen carefully, and help RESNET adapt without losing what makes it special." In the first RESTalk episode of 2026, Bill Spohn welcomes Shelby Gatlin, the new Executive Director of RESNET©, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, credibility, and the future of home energy ratings. Shelby shares her professional path from conservation-focused work and regulatory advocacy into the residential energy efficiency space, including years spent navigating operational growth and industry change. Shelby explains why RESNET©'s voluntary standards, third-party verification, and ecosystem of trust matter now more than ever, especially as affordability, comfort, and long-term household costs take center stage. She emphasizes that energy and water performance are not abstract concepts, but measurable outcomes that directly impact homeowners. Throughout the discussion, Shelby underscores the critical role of raters and providers in protecting the integrity and credibility of RESNET© programs. Looking ahead, Shelby outlines her leadership approach: build on what already works, listen closely to stakeholders, modernize systems where clarity and transparency are needed, and preserve what makes RESNET© unique. She also shares her excitement for her first RESNET© conference as Executive Director and her commitment to empathy, collaboration, and trust across the industry. Shleby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-gatlin-59100926/ 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]

In this special "Best of RESTALK 2025" episode, host Bill Spohn looks back at the ideas and conversations that defined the year across the RESNET® ecosystem. Rather than a simple highlight reel, this episode weaves four major themes that kept surfacing—from sweeping QA modernization efforts to the market forces accelerating HERS adoption to the emerging leaders reshaping the industry to the on-the-ground projects proving that high performance and affordability can coexist. Across conversations with QA directors, software leaders, conference fellows, builders, lenders, and RESNET® founder Steve Baden, 2025 revealed an industry that's both maturing and reinventing itself. The year's strongest clips capture this mix of evolution and momentum: real-time QA replacing annual reports, financing that rewards low-carbon construction, programs nurturing new talent, and innovative housing models—from 3D-printed concrete to all-electric Habitat townhomes—delivering measurable results for families. Whether you're a rater, builder, program manager, lender, policymaker, or simply someone who cares about the future of housing, this episode connects the dots on where RESNET® is headed—and why the next few years will be pivotal for quality, credibility, and impact. Major Themes Covered 1. QA as the Backbone: Apps, Automation & Trust Episodes: EP137, EP140, EP144, EP146 How RESNET® is modernizing QA with real-time data, tech upgrades, stronger staffing, and clearer processes—protecting the credibility of HERS® as volumes scale. 2. Market Signals, Money & Scaling HERS® Episodes: EP136, EP138, EP142, EP145, EP146 Why HERS® grows fastest where incentives and financing tools align—and how products like C-PACE and tax credits are turning performance into business value. 3. The People Pipeline: Conferences, Emerging Leaders & New Roles Episodes: EP136, EP137, EP138, EP146 The next generation of raters, analysts, and QA specialists entering the field, and how programs like Emerging Leaders keep the talent pipeline strong. 4. High-Performance, Affordable & Innovative Housing in Practice Episodes: EP139, EP141, EP143, EP145, EP146 Real projects—3D-printed homes, ERV best practices, net-zero-ready Habitat homes—showing that innovation and affordability can move together. Featured Guests (Across 2025 Episodes) Scott Doyle – Managing Director of QA, RESNET® Laurel Elam – Senior Director, RESNET® Steve Baden – Executive Director & RESNET® Founder Tricia Baker – Senior VP of Strategy & Impact, PACE Equity Carl Pier – In-house Engineer & HERS® Modeler, PACE Equity Emerging Leaders & Fellows – RESNET® ELC participants Raters, Builders & Habitat Teams from EP139, EP143, and others 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]

QUOTES FROM STEVE: "The challenge isn't how far we can push efficiency—but how affordable we can make it." "Give builders a clear target and the market will respond." "It's been a hell of a ride—thanks for the memories. Now it's your turn to take it to the next level." Steve Baden tells the story of RESNET®'s early days—from Alaska's energy-code back-and-forth to a market-based framework that encouraged builders with targets rather than rules. That experiment birthed home energy ratings, a national standard, and eventually RESNET® itself—formed with the Mortgage Bankers Association and state energy offices to create a uniform "MPG for homes." The payoff: 4.8 million HERS®-rated homes to date and 420k+ in the last year, with large production builders using the RESNET® HERS® score to compete on quality in down markets. Baden credits stepwise, consensus standards (HERS → ANSI©/RESNET® 301), rigorous QA, and healthy software competition for scaling with credibility. He highlights investments in the registry, virtual QA, and an "emerging leaders" pipeline to keep talent and ideas flowing. Looking ahead, he frames RESNET®'s million-ratings-per-year goal by 2028 against today's affordability crunch: performance gains must be paired with cost sensitivity, or we lock people out of housing. As Baden steps into a new chapter, he leaves a simple message behind: value the people, keep the partnerships strong, and keep RESNET moving forward. Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-baden-54080212/ 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]

QUOTES: "We created the CIRRUS Low Carbon program to speak to developers' pocketbooks — build a better building, and you get a better rate." — Tricia Baker "Early design is peace of mind — it saves you a buck or two and a lot of headaches later." — Karl Peer In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn is joined by Tricia Baker, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Impact at PACE Equity, and Karl Peer, an in-house engineer with deep experience in HERS ratings and energy modeling. Together, they unpack the power of C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing — a state-enabled program that helps developers and building owners access long-term, low-cost private capital for sustainable building upgrades and construction. Tricia introduces CIRRUS Low Carbon, a unique PACE Equity program that rewards better-performing buildings with lower interest rates. Buildings that meet a HERS score of 55 or better automatically qualify for discounted financing, offering developers meaningful savings — often 50 basis points lower than standard rates. She emphasizes how this program directly links building performance to financial incentive, creating a clear economic reason to pursue higher-efficiency, lower-carbon projects. Karl brings the technical depth, explaining how in-house engineering and RESNET© collaboration ensure rigorous validation. He describes case studies ranging from multifamily buildings in California to resilient coastal redevelopment in Florida, where C-PACE funding supported both energy efficiency and storm-hardening measures. Together, Tricia and Karl illustrate how early engagement in the design process yields the best outcomes — "early design is peace of mind," Karl says — showing how this innovative financing mechanism can drive sustainable change while improving property value and financial performance. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-kuse-marketing/ For our guests https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-peer-54878b86/ Pace-Equity Main: https://www.pace-equity.com/ Cirrus C-Pace: https://www.pace-equity.com/lowcarbon/ Case studies: https://www.pace-equity.com/case-studies/ CONTACT: https://www.pace-equity.com/schedule-a-meeting/ 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]

EP144 From Checklists to Real-Time Data: The QA Evolution at RESNET🄬 With Scott Doyle and Laurel Elam (September 2025) "If you're a professional and the rules of your profession change, you can't afford not to keep up." — Scott Doyle In this episode of the RESTalk podcast, host Bill Spohn sits down with two long-time leaders at RESNET🄬: Laurel Elam, Senior Director of Business and Standards Development, and Scott Doyle, Managing Director of Quality Assurance. Together, they unpack the evolution of quality assurance within RESNET🄬, culminating in the upcoming implementation of Addendum 75 to Chapter 9 of the RESNET🄬Standards. Laurel provides historical context, reflecting on the organization's steady improvements over the last decade and the dream of real-time QA tracking. Scott details how the QA team has expanded, the launch of the RESNET QA🄬 app, and how mandatory adoption beginning January 1, 2026, will transform consistency, feedback, and training across the provider network. Both emphasize how real-time, searchable data not only ensures compliance but also strengthens the feedback loop for raters and providers. The conversation closes with an invitation to the RESNET🄬webinar on September 24th (link below), where the QA team will review the details of Addendum 75 and other changes to appeals and disciplinary processes. Laurel also reminds listeners about the extended deadline for conference session nominations, underscoring RESNET's ongoing commitment to engaging its community and ensuring high-quality standards across the industry. Be sure to register for the webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3079588482659695965 This webinar will focus on the upcoming RESNET HERS🄬 Chapter 9 Standard updates, which will take effect January 1, 2026. (https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/FS-Addendum-75-Chapter-9-Update.pdf) The webinar will highlight the key changes, including substantial updates to remote field QA requirements, the requirement to do all QA reviews via the RESNET QA® app or API, and provide clarification on how the revised standard will impact verifiers, QADs, and Providers. The session will also offer guidance to help stakeholders successfully incorporate these changes. The session will also offer guidance to help stakeholders successfully incorporate these changes. Shortly after September 24, you can view a recording of the webinar on the RESNET YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@ResnetUs The deadline for submitting sessions for the 2026 RESNET® Conference has been extended to September 26, 2025! Conference website is here: https://www.resnet.us/2026-conference/ The theme of the conference is The Next Era of the HERS® Industry. RESNET is accepting nominations for 90-minute presentations in a variety of tracks, including Energy Codes, Tapping the Existing Homes Market, and Maximizing the Value of Energy-Efficient Homes. Submit nominations here! LinkedIn: Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-doyle-84750823 Laurel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-elam-5404817/ OTHER EPISODE QUOTES: "This has been a long-time dream—real-time tracking of quality assurance to improve consistency and feedback." — Laurel Elam "The checklist was great, but now it's in an app form." — Laurel Elam 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]

"When you're in construction, you're just building sticks and bricks—until you understand how a house actually performs." – Kevin Smith In this episode of RESTalk, Bill sits down with Kevin L. Smith, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, to explore a groundbreaking project: the Bennett Point Phase 1 homes, which earned both ENERGY STAR and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certifications. Kevin shares how his team collaborated with Energize Delaware and New Ecology to build high-performance, all-electric townhomes aimed at long-term affordability and health for first-time homebuyers. From redesigning floor plans to accommodate advanced HVAC systems to navigating volunteer labor and contractor training, Kevin explains the behind-the-scenes coordination needed to hit ultra-low RESNET® HERS® scores of 33–35—among the best in Delaware without solar. The conversation wraps with reflections on lessons learned, surprises in the process, and guidance for other Habitat affiliates looking to level up their housing mission. Other quotes from our conversation: "We want homeowners to walk into their house confident they can maintain it, save money, and breathe easier—literally and financially." "A tight house with smart systems isn't just efficient. It's transformational." Kevin's Bio: https://www.habitatncc.org/hfhncc-staff/kevin-l-smith/ His LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-l-smith-18360314/ New Ecology: https://www.newecology.org/ Other content on this project: https://www.facebook.com/HabitatNCC/posts/join-us-for-the-bennett-point-home-dedicationhabitat-for-humanity-of-new-castle-/1061661725998026/ https://www.habitatncc.org/news/2025/03/video-moving-in-homes-at-habitats-bennett-point-ready-for-occupancy/ https://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/2019/12/03/new-habitat-development-key-revitalizing-eastside/2588463001/ Listen to RESTalk Episode 139 where we meet with Jason Barlow President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona to talk about: Concrete Innovations: The Story of Arizona's First 3D-Printed Home: https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep139-concrete-innovations-the-story-of-arizonas-first-3d-printed-home-with-jason-barlow 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]

"RESNET members are now touching about a third of all new single-family homes. That's a big number — and it's only growing." -Ryan Meres In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes back Ryan Meres, Programs Director at RESNET®, to explore the key insights from the 2025 HERS® Rated Homes Data Trends Report. This sixth annual edition reveals both expected and surprising patterns in how homebuilders, energy raters, and policymakers are driving efficiency across the U.S. housing market. With over 436,000 homes HERS rated in the past year, the report reflects RESNET®'s growing impact — now touching a third of all new single-family homes and a rising share of multifamily projects. Ryan breaks down regional standouts: Massachusetts leads with 88% of new homes HERS rated due to its Green Communities program, while Texas tops the volume charts with 113,000 ratings. Notably, California showed the most improvement in HERS scores since 2013, driven in part by its solar mandate. Meanwhile, the report tracks construction practices, including the dominance of slab-on-grade foundations and the increasing prevalence of ductwork in conditioned spaces. Other notable topics include the growing adoption of heat pumps (especially in the Southeast), a dramatic increase in homes achieving Whether you're a builder, HERS rater, manufacturer, or policymaker, this episode offers a comprehensive view of the measurable progress and persistent challenges in residential energy efficiency, backed by robust data and thoughtful analysis. Quotes from the Episode: "Even in states with outdated energy codes, utility incentives and voluntary ratings are pushing builders to exceed code-level efficiency." "HERSH2O is up 50% from last year — and with multifamily eligibility and greywater tracking, it's poised for major expansion." Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-meres-58977110/ RESNET® Suppliers Advisory Board (SAB): https://www.resnet.us/about/sab/ Newsletter sign up: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1878040/1889360/ 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]

"As homes get tighter, ventilation isn't optional—it's essential." — Patrick Nielsen In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn sits down with Patrick Nielsen, Global Technical Products Manager at Broan-NuTone, to discuss the evolving world of home ventilation. With over two decades of experience, Patrick walks us through the major drivers shaping residential ventilation practices today—from tighter building envelopes to the growing emphasis on indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Patrick explains the importance of dwelling unit ventilation (DUV), spot vs. whole-house strategies, and the increasing role of energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) as builders and raters seek practical ways to meet stringent codes and achieve better HERS scores. He also touches on upcoming developments like capture efficiency standards for range hoods, automated balancing features in modern ERVs, and the implications of makeup air requirements. Whether you're a builder, rater, or HVAC pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights for navigating the ventilation challenges in today's high-performance homes. Patrick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-nielsen-48b93a3/ Broan's website: https://broan-nutone.com/en-us Broan Specficier tools (A variety of code-compliant specification tools for project applications.): https://broan-nutone.com/en-us/home/specifier-tools The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI): www.hvi.org Links to ASHRAE 62.1 and 62.2 standards: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/standards-62-1-62-2 One of many sites to find building codes by state: https://ibhs.org/public-policy/building-codes-by-state/ 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]

"You can't manage what you can't measure." — Peter Drucker In this insightful episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes Scott Doyle, RESNET's Managing Director of Quality Assurance (QA), for a comprehensive update on what's ahead in the world of RESNET QA®. Scott unpacks the most significant changes hitting the registry, Chapter 9 standards, and the QA app—all designed to modernize, streamline, and strengthen the QA process. The conversation delves into how these updates will affect HERS® raters and providers, with a major focus on the ENERGY STAR QA/QC program. Scott outlines the move toward increased documentation, real-time oversight, and the eventual integration of automation and AI into RESNET's workflow. With the industry's expectations for speed and accuracy climbing, these changes aim to ensure trust, defensibility, and better service. He also gives a call to action: start adapting now by reviewing ENERGY STAR Field Checklist Revision 14. Whether you're a provider, QAD, or rater, this episode equips you with both the "why" and the "what's next" behind the QA evolution—and how to stay ahead of the curve. Note: This episode was recorded on May 1, prior to the recent speculation that the Trump administration is planning to eliminate the EPA and ENERGY STAR. RESNET has been active in advocating for the preservation of the 45L tax credit and ENERGY STAR Homes and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-doyle-84750823/ Link to RESTalk Episode 134: Boosting Efficiency: How RESNET's QA App Is Transforming the Industry https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/33586437 Energy Star National Field Rater Checklist, Rev 14: https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/National%20Rater%20Field%20Checklist_Rev%2014.pdf RESNET QA Compliance Specialist Job Postings: 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]

"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]