“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 INFO@RESNET.US

RESTalk

EP81 Stanley Martin Homes & PEG- A Successful Builder and Rating Company Partnership with DJ Lawson and Matthew Cooper

“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. 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 INFO@RESNET.US

EP80 Maintaining HERS Software Consistency with Neal Kruis

“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 training@calcerts.com    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 INFO@RESNET.US

EP 79 California Dreamin’ Collaboration Between RESNET and California Rating Providers on HERS-H2O with Ryan Meres and Russ King

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” -Steve Jobs    Events of the last year or so have it made it challenging for organizations to host live events.  Many events, including the RESNET Conference went to a virtual format in 2021. What will the future hold for conferences in 2022? What will upcoming conferences look like?  Will connecting the dots of the past conferences help us to know?   Steve Baden and Emma Bennett join us to describe the plans for the 2022 RESNET Conference.   We learn how the decision was made to deliver in a hybrid mode; that is both in person and virtual, as well as what a “hybrid event” looks like in detail.    As we explore the conference theme - Into the Future – we also hear how participant health and safety is stressed and will be considered   To learn more, visit the RESNET home page and check under the conference drop down. Or follow the details in the RESNET newsletter or reach out to Emma at Conference@RESNET.us   The event is scheduled for Feb 21-23, 2022 in Austin, TX- with room blocks open now.   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 INFO@RESNET.US

EP 78 RESNET 2022 Conference- Into The Future with Emma Bennett & Steve Baden (RESNET)

“Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man.” -Stuart Udall    There’s no way around it. Water is essential to life. Water, like energy, is an environmental resource and requires (demands?) more attention from all. In fact, we’ve talked about water in 4 previous episodes of RESTALK over the last 4 years. How does the EPA WaterSense program address this topic? What are the updates in WaterSense Labeled Homes 2.0? How does the HERS H2O rating work?   Seasoned water efficiency professional Jonah Schein (US EPA) and Ryan Meres (Program Director RESNET), return to the podcast to give us updates on the EPA WaterSense Labeled Homes V2.0 and HERS H2O programs.  Jonah and Ryan share their thoughts and help us learn more about: The move from a prescriptive to a performance-based approach How to handle projects that started using Version 1.0 The ease of access to proper training Why water is important to the building industry Catch up with the “backstory” via previous episodes of RESTalk: Episode 3 (2018), Bonus-1 (2019) and Episodes 50 & 62 from 2020. You can purchase the ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 850-2020 at the ICC Store: https://shop.iccsafe.org/ansi-resnet-icc-850-2020-standard-calculation-and-labeling-of-the-water-use-performance-of-one-and-two-family-dwellings-using-the-water-rating-index.html The standard can be viewed for free at this link: https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/resnet-icc - just select "View as Basic" for a view only version of the standard.  For updated information on the RESNET HERSH20 program, visit: https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-rating-providers-and-raters-can-verify-epa-watersense-labeled-homes/ You’ll find information on the EPA’s WaterSense program at https://www.epa.gov/watersense   If you have access to the RESNET 2021 conference you can learn more about this topic in Sessions RES-12 and EPP-16.   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 INFO@RESNET.US

EP 77 Taking Water Efficiency Efforts to New Heights with Jonah Schein (US EPA) & Ryan Meres (RESNET)

 “Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see farther.” - J.P. Morgan  Starting off a career in a new or even a related industry can be challenging as there is so much to learn.   It’s not often a newbie gets a chance for “a seat at the table” at an early stage in their career.   What industry perspectives do RESNET’s Emerging Leaders in have? Join us as the 2021 RESNET Emerging Leadership Fellows Stewart Soleman and Drew Lynch share their thoughts and perspectives on the HERS industry.   Both Drew and Stewart submitted applications for the contest and were both thrilled and pleased to be selected this year.   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.    If you are interested in applying for next year’s ELC fellows program there are two simple requirements:  Be a HERS® professionals who wants to make a difference in the industry Have 5 years or less of experience as a HERS Rater   The fellowship winners receive: A 100% waiver on the next RESNET Building Performance Conference registration and automatic membership on the 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 INFO@RESNET.US  

EP76 Meet the 2021 RESNET Emerging Leadership Fellows with Stewart Soleman and Drew Lynch

 “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” - Benjamin Franklin How important are mortgage loans to the home performance industry?   What could be the impact on single family home buyers if home energy costs were factored into the mortgage payment?   How does this process make energy efficient homes more affordable for families?     Most homeowners have heard of the term PITI – the summary of costs in a mortgage payment – principle and interest on the loan plus property taxes and insurance.   And most all of us know the cost of energy to run a household, and of the energy savings possible if best practices are followed.   In todays’ podcast Steve Baden (RESNET) describes for us the proposal put forth by RESNET to incorporate Energy Savings (ES) into the “mortgage equation”. This transforms the equation to PITI-ES   Interestingly, the main driver for this is simply education; no legislation is needed.   Listen in to hear how this also impacts mortgage lenders, builders, and HERS Raters and how you can get more people interested in pursuing this.   For more information see the policy white paper released by RESNET: www.bit.ly/RESNET-EnergyCosts   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 INFO@RESNET.US

EP75: RESNET Proposal on Factoring in Energy to Mortgage Loans with Steve Baden

“We learned that economic growth and environmental protection can and should go hand in hand.” - Christopher Dodd How do the financial investment criteria of ESG- Environmental, Social & Governance – relate to the HERS rating world?   What are FANNIE MAE Single Family Green Mortgage Backed Securities and what makes this program so unique?   How could such a program help to elevate the recognition of HERS raters and the work they do? At long last, the HERS Index is breaking into the new homes mortgage market!    Matthew Cooper from PEG joins us to help explain this program launched by PEG, Fannie Mae, and Ekotrope. The program allows Fannie Mae to package ENERGY STAR Certified New Homes into distinguished socially responsible mortgage securities.    This is an important first step in moving toward better mortgages for better HERS Rated homes; this is likely to be a game changer for the industry.   Matthew explains the background of this initiative, including timelines, how to participate, and what it means for your rating business.   To learn more about the topic you can review the video on demand session (NAV-5) from the RESNET 2021 virtual conference site: RESNET.VirtualByVario.com or read up at the Fannie Mae site: http://www.bit.ly/GreenMBS You can also reach Matthew at mcooper@pegenv.com   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 INFO@RESNET.US  

EP74: HERS ratings and the PEG Fannie Mae Green MBS Program with Matthew Cooper

 “The first step is clearly defining what it is you’re after, because without knowing that, you’ll never get it.” - Halle Berry How does a person deeply engaged in the world of home performance handle matters when it comes to building their own home?   When it is “your own” you must strive to see the forest through the trees.   What’s it like actually living inside your theories? In this podcast we spin the microphones around the table and welcome guest host, Laurel Elam (RESNET) who interviews Bill Spohn (normally the RESTalk host) on the journey he and Marilyn have taken setting out to build a high performance, likely NetZero, home.   Listen in to hear what influences he used in making design and construction decisions. Hear of the goals he and his wife set at the beginning and how close they came to achieving them.   Bill openly describes his thoughts on the challenges they encountered and how well the plans worked out.   To learn more about the project you can follow Bill’s blog at www.SpohnHome.com   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 INFO@RESNET.US

EP73: Bill Spohn’s High Performance Home Journey hosted by Laurel Elam

“The details are not the details. They make the design.” - Charles Eames Interest in net zero and low carbon homes is sweeping across the country.   What drives customers in some smaller cities to ask for a net zero (plus) home?   How can a small builder achieve these customer desires in a city that limits the options to energy retrofits of homes that are up to a century old? In this podcast we chat with Dan Welch founder of Bundle Design Studios – a business that grew out of his Masters work in architecture school.   Dan walks the talk, living and working from a net-zero energy, water, and waste home – the first residence in Bellingham Washington which elected to include no water or sewer connections.   Dan is driven by strong ethics of environmental and social equity, he enjoys synthesizing client goals, clean aesthetics, and rigorous building science into beautiful and cohesive projects.    In 2020 Bundle proudly delivered a home with a HERS score of a -51.    Dan shares with us some of the methods that he uses to achieve these low scores, as he takes us on a tour through the way he does business in his market, including factors in customer education, products and skilled labor.     To learn more about Bundle Design visit their website: http://www.bundledesignstudio.com/   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 INFO@RESNET.US  

EP72: The future of the building industry resides in low carbon buildings with Dan Welch- Bundle Design

 "The whole point of collaboration is that you give and take from each other, and that’s how you create things that are totally new."   - Virgil Abloh There is a logical tie between energy codes and HERS ratings.   What is the value proposition for HERS rating companies to be involved with ICC?   What qualifications do HERS raters bring to assist code officials?   Laurence Genest (ICC) and Laurel Elam (RESNET) join us to describe the role that HERS raters can play in the verification of compliance to Energy Codes.   We learn how a RESNET HERS Rating company’s membership in RESNET has now doubled in value.   We also cover how this ties in with the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist designation. To learn more or get engaged to get engaged on this topic you will find Resources available here https://www.resnet.us/about/energy-code/    Rater can see the benefits of this arrangement here: https://www.iccsafe.org/membership/membership-benefits/ 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 INFO@RESNET.US  

EP71: Joint RESNET ICC HERS Rating Company Membership with Laurel Elam and Laurence Genest

 "Conservation is a state of harmony between men and the land."   - Aldo Leopold Many of us reflect on the beauty and awe of nature.   The images of clear skies and clean water are quite powerful.   How did these powerful images put a builder on mission to make a difference, one tree at a time?   Michael Ziman joins us on the podcast to describe the thoughtful research and personal reflection that drove him to create the One Tree Pledge.   The One Tree Pledge is an easy way for anyone (builder, rater, homeowner, etc.) to make a low cost ($1) contribution to offset carbon in the atmosphere using the most natural of methods: planting a tree.   Learn more at www.OneTreePledge.org/RESNET to see how RESNET will engage with this project by launching a campaign with the goal of planting 300,000 trees to combat climate change by the end of January 2023.   The site includes a Carbon Math calculation where Michael shares the total carbon Vs potential offset with trees.   You can learn more about Michael's company at www.ZimanDevelopment.com. 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 INFO@RESNET.US

EP70: ONE TREE PLEDGE and RESNET Collaboration with Michael Ziman

 "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible;  and suddenly you are doing the impossible"   - Francis of Assisi How does the honor of HERS rating the 3 millionth home befall you?   Tim Smith and CR Herro have been on a quiet mission of building relationships, honoring commitments, and executing with excellence.   Steady as they go. That's how it goes.   Join the conversation with CR Herro (Meritage Homes) and Tim Smith (15 Lightyears Foundation) as they discuss went on behind the scenes in the 3 millionth HERS rated home.   We learn of their commitment to energy-efficient homes as well the processes involved in achieving this milestone home in Winter Garden, Florida.   All levels of builders and raters will learn why their recipe for success has education at its core.   To learn more about Tim's company, 15 Light Years Foundation go to: https://www.15lightyearsfoundation.com   And to learn more about CR's company, Meritage homes go to: https://www.meritagehomes.com/ 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 INFO@RESNET.US  

EP69: Behind the scenes at the 3 millionth HERS rated home with CR Herro (Meritage) and Tim Smith (15 Light Years Foundation)

 “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world.  For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” - Margaret Mead       Winning national housing awards year after year, comes with focused effort.   However, the efforts put forth by Thrive Home Builders are NOT focused on winning awards.   What are the simple concepts that Thrive executes so well that have put them in such a special group and allowed them to flourish (or thrive)?   What advice does Thrive have for builders who wish to start the journey to high performance and even Net Zero homes? Our guest today is Gene Myers who founded GreenTree Homes in the Denver area in 1992, well before green was a thing. Under his leadership the company has grown into the very successful and award winning Thrive Home Builders.   Gene has developed this award-winning green building program to meet the highest standards of LEED®, Indoor airPLUS, Zero Energy Ready Homes and Energy Star®.    In 2020, Thrive also achieved the lowest average HERS score (26.9) in the country for a builder completing more than 50 homes.   Recognized as 2019’s EPA Indoor airPLUS Leader of the Year, Thrive tells potential customers they “can breathe easy knowing their Thrive home was built to the highest health standards with superior air quality.”   Gene has created a recipe for success that he shares with us in this conversation.   One of the key points is education, first of his team, then of his customer. He uses the resources of programs, and his HERS rater in this continuum of education.   To learn more about Thrive Home Builders visit their website: www.ThriveHomeBuilders.com   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 INFO@RESNET.US

EP68 How low can you go? Achieving 2020's lowest average HERS score with Gene Myers - Thrive Home Builders

 “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” - Tony Robbins       Each year RESNET develops their list of priorities to tackle.   A specific four-step process is used which engages both the board and staff.   Where did this process (which started in August 2020) lead to for 2021? How do the essential activities goals and priorities all work together in a cohesive fashion? Steve Baden gives us an overview of the RESNET priorities for 2021.    You’ll want to listen in to hear the process used, the outcomes, and the big three takeaways for 2021.   RESNET focuses on transparency and credibility in achieving its goals.    You can learn more about the activities, goals, and priorities in noted in an easy to digest infographic found here:   https://www.resnet.us/articles/2021-resnet-essential-activities-goals-and-priorities/ At the time of the recording the RESNET 2021 virtual conference had yet to occur. You can still log in for register to access well over 100 hours of amazing conference content at this link:    https://resnet.virtualbyvario.com/   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 INFO@RESNET.US

EP67 RESNET Priorities 2021 with Steve Baden

RESTalk, produced by RESNET.us is the best way to stay up-to-date on everything going on in the world of Home Energy Ratings (HERS), including initiatives, standards, marketing, and more. Hosted by building performance veteran Bill Spohn, the show features interviews with the RESNET team and prominent guests from throughout the rating and home building industries, discussing a wide range of topics, current events and new technologies.

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RESTalk

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