Advertise on podcast: RESTalk

QUOTES from the episode: "A well-run permitting system treats time as a part of affordability." — Phil Crone "If we hadn't had our ears to the ground, we might not have even known that was going to happen." — Paulette McGhie, on preserving blower door testing in Utah  "Be yourself. Be the constituent that they want to hear from." — Phil Crone What role can HERS® Raters play in shaping better energy codes and housing policy? More than they may realize.   In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn talks with Phil Crone, Vice President of Leading Builders of America (LBA), and Paulette McGhie, Programs Manager at RESNET®, about the intersection of energy efficiency, housing affordability, code adoption, and advocacy.   Phil frames effective housing policy around a practical test: Does it result in homes that are safe, durable, efficient, buildable, and still within reach of the families who will own them? Rather than prescribing a growing list of products and requirements, he argues for clear performance outcomes, reliable verification, and flexibility in how builders achieve those outcomes.   Paulette explains why HERS® Raters are uniquely positioned to contribute. Raters work every day between builders, contractors, code officials, utilities, and homeowners. That field experience gives them an important perspective when proposed code changes may have unintended consequences. She shares an example from Utah, where early awareness and engagement helped preserve blower door testing that was at risk of being removed from legislation.    The conversation also explores Texas' performance-based ERI pathway, California's efforts to bring greater predictability to code requirements, and Southern Nevada's collaborative approach to permitting and inspections. One recurring theme is that time itself is part of housing affordability. Predictable permitting, consistent enforcement, and qualified third-party verification can all help reduce unnecessary delays and costs.   The takeaway for HERS® Raters is simple: you don't need to be a policy expert to participate. Get involved with your local HBA, pay attention to code and legislative activity, and bring what you know from the field. Good policy needs people who understand how buildings actually get built, tested, verified, and ultimately lived in.   Phil Crone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-crone-49455514 Emaol: [email protected]   Leading Builders of America:l https://leadingbuilders.org/   Paulette McGhie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulette-mcghie-559a212ba RESNET contacts mentioned: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]   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 HERS Index isn't just a score. It's somebody out there in that home throughout the build, making sure that the promises are proven. — Shelby    "The better our rating industry does, the better our boots-on-the-ground rating companies and RFIs and modelers are doing their job, RESNET®wins. We all win." — John    "RESNET® needs to look at themselves and say, 'How can we do this better?' And do that often.  — John  RESNET®is entering a new chapter. With Shelby Gatlin stepping into the executive director role and John Hensley serving as board president, the organization is navigating a softer housing market, major policy changes, and the transition from longtime executive director Steve Baden, while seeking new ways to strengthen the HERS community. In this episode of RESTalk, Bill talks with Shelby and John about what is changing and, perhaps more importantly, what RESNET® intends to preserve. A major theme is communication: providing raters, providers, builders, and other stakeholders with more education and guidance while continuing to rely on the regional expertise of the RESNET® provider network. Shelby discusses the HERS-IQ campaign, RESNET®'S newly released manufactured homes program, and the continued growth of HERS H2O as water availability becomes an increasingly important consideration for builders and communities. They also discuss the expiration of the 45L tax credit and why the HERS Index remains valuable even when a particular financial incentive disappears. Another significant change is RESNET®'S 2027 Professional Development Program. Rather than concentrating education primarily around one annual conference, RESNET plans to provide live and recorded learning opportunities throughout the year, including technical education as well as business, leadership, workforce, and growth topics. The conversation also explores something broader than individual RESNET®programs: the infrastructure behind them. Trained field professionals, consensus-based standards, quality assurance, registries, and verified data together create a system capable of supporting programs involving energy, water, codes, utilities, and existing homes. John also reflects on the carefully planned two-year leadership transition from Steve Baden and the growing interest in serving on RESNET®'s volunteer board. The takeaway is a RESNET®looking forward while asking a useful question of itself and its community: How can we do this better? Shelby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-gatlin-59100926/ John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hensley-a56a84a1/   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: "We're not just checking boxes. We're helping builders build better homes." – Matthew Cooper "The conversation needs to shift from price per square foot to value per square foot." – Steve Byers "Professionalism, curiosity, and partnership are what make great HERS Raters." "Five million homes is impressive, but it's the quality behind those ratings that really matters." Five million HERS-rated homes is more than a milestone. It represents decades of collaboration between builders, HERS Raters, Rating Providers, manufacturers, and RESNET® to improve the quality, comfort, efficiency, and durability of America's homes. Bill Spohn is joined by Marra Ingram of PEG, whose routine field inspection became the official five millionth HERS® Rating, along with PEG COO Matthew Cooper and EnergyLogic CEO Steve Byers to reflect on what this achievement says about the industry's past and future. The discussion explores how dramatically the HERS Rating process has evolved. Early raters performed only final inspections with relatively simple software, while today's professionals navigate increasingly sophisticated building assemblies, energy codes, digital tools, and quality assurance requirements. Matthew and Steve describe how Rating Providers have grown alongside the industry, managing hundreds of thousands of homes while developing advanced scheduling, automation, and data systems to keep pace with modern construction. The conversation also highlights the human side of building science. Marra shares how her Air Force construction background prepared her for a career built on technical expertise, professionalism, and builder relationships. Together, the guests discuss why successful HERS Raters are trusted partners rather than inspectors, how the industry can attract the next generation of talent, and why helping consumers understand the value of high-performance homes may be the next great challenge after reaching five million ratings. LinkedIn Profiles for our guests: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebyers/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-cooper-peg/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chamarra-i-b14275196/ 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]

"Water efficiency is moving from a nice feature to a development necessity." "HERSH2O® helps turn water conservation into something builders can measure, verify, and communicate." "Water is a precious resource—and unlike energy, we cannot simply produce more of it." Water efficiency is becoming an increasingly important part of homebuilding, particularly in regions facing drought, rising tap fees, and development restrictions. In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn speaks with Ryan Meres and Jacob Atalla about the continued evolution of HERSH2O® and the expansion of the standard to include multifamily housing. Ryan explains how HERSH2O® evaluates both indoor and outdoor water use, including fixtures, appliances, irrigation, landscaping, and emerging strategies such as graywater recycling. He also discusses how the rating works alongside a traditional RESNET® HERS® rating and supports qualification for the EPA WaterSense label. Jacob shares the builder's perspective, explaining how water availability can affect land acquisition, permitting, infrastructure costs, and customer value. Together, the guests make the case that water efficiency is no longer merely an environmental consideration—it is becoming an important operational, financial, and market issue for builders and raters. Jacob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobatalla/ Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-meres-58977110/ The US EPA WaterSense study we mentioned: Assessing Water Use WaterSense Labeled Homes Quantifying Savings https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-08/ws-Journal-AWWA-2022-Assessing-WaterUse-WaterSense%E2%80%90Labeled-Homes-Quantifying-Savings.pdf   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 people closest to the work often have the clearest view of what needs to change."   "Codes do not become practical until field experience finds its way into the conversation."   "Better data leads to better codes, and HERS® Raters are sitting on some of the most useful data in the industry."   "The future of energy codes will be shaped not only in committee rooms, but also in crawlspaces, attics, and blower door tests." In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes Nathan Kahre of the National Association of Home Builders, Alex Smith of the International Code Council, and Kris Stenger of ICC for a practical discussion on the 2027 IECC, the emerging 2030 framework, and how energy codes move from model language to real-world adoption. Together, they explain how the IECC is developed, how consensus committees and public comments shape the process, and why input from HERS® Raters, builders, subcontractors, code officials, and consumers matters. The conversation highlights several important 2027 IECC updates, including clearer blower-door testing provisions, expanded recognition of ANSI/RESNET®/ICC 380, tighter ERI targets, performance-path changes, improved fenestration values, expanded energy credits, and a new energy audit requirement for large additions. The guests also discuss how state and local adoption varies widely, from formal code councils and rulemaking processes to state-specific pathways like Texas HB 1736. Most importantly, Nathan, Alex, and Kris encourage HERS® Raters to get involved. Whether through local home builder associations, RESNET® program engagement, ICC interested-party lists, or future participation in the 2030 IECC subgroup, raters can bring field data, practical experience, and clarity to a process that increasingly depends on verified performance. Kris's contact info: [email protected] Alex's contact info: [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsmithenergy/ Nathan's contact info: [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-kahre-94a779108/   ICC Committees: https://www.iccsafe.org/committees/energy-iecc/ https://www.iccsafe.org/membership/councils-committees/icc-committee-application/   The code adoption kit we discussed: https://www.nahb.org/advocacy/top-priorities/building-codes/code-adoption-kits/2024-International-Energy-Conservation-Code   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: "Utilities are no longer just incentive providers. They are becoming design partners." "High performance is not a luxury in affordable housing. It is a necessity for predictable living costs." "If you want this to scale, it starts with early coordination and shared goals."  In this episode of RESTalk, we head to Tempe, Arizona, where extreme heat, rising energy costs, and housing needs are converging, and where a standout project is redefining what ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction can look like in a hot, dry climate. Bill is joined by Rebecca Smout of Salt River Project (SRP), Joe Keeper of Copa Health, and Jacob Alvarez of Desert Skies Energy to unpack the story behind La Victoria Commons, an ENERGY STAR–certified multifamily development designed with both performance and people in mind. At the center of the conversation is a powerful idea: utilities are no longer just incentive providers; they are becoming design partners. Through early collaboration, flexible program design, and deep involvement from HERS® raters, this project demonstrates how technical rigor and cost awareness can coexist. The team walks through how early modeling, integrated design, and verification helped align multiple programs and certifications while still delivering a practical, buildable project. But the real impact shows up at the resident level. As Joe explains, high-performance construction is not just about energy savings; it is about creating predictable, manageable utility costs for families in affordable housing. Combined with transit access, EV infrastructure, and community services, La Victoria Commons becomes more than a development. It becomes a replicable blueprint for housing equity and market transformation in some of the most demanding climates in the country. Rebecca's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-smout-31a08644/ SRP: https://www.srpnet.com/   Jacob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-alvarez125/ Desert Skies: https://desertskiesenergy.com/   Joe's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-keeper-183aa13ab/ https://copahealth.org/   LaVictoria Commons in the news: https://www.tempe.gov/Home/Components/News/News/18749/   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: "You can't fix what you didn't catch early. Thoroughness upfront saves everything downstream." "It's a young industry. That's what makes it exciting, we're still shaping what it becomes." "If you don't have a reason for being in this work, it's going to be hard to stay in it." In this episode of RESTalk, Bill sits down with 2026 Emerging Leader Fellows Courtney Holland and Hayden Cantoni fresh off their experience at the RESNET® Conference. Both guests share how they found their way into the HERS® and building performance industry, often unexpectedly, and what has kept them engaged ever since. From fieldwork to modeling, their stories highlight a career path that blends purpose, technical skill, and variety. Courtney and Hayden reflect on what accelerates learning in the field, the importance of mentorship, and the real-world challenges of tasks such as ventilation verification and HVAC grading. They also offer honest insights into early mistakes, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections, documentation, and speaking up when something is off. Their perspectives reveal a maturing industry that still has room to improve in training pathways and awareness. Looking ahead, both see a future where HERS® ratings become standard practice in homebuilding, not a premium add-on. They make a compelling case for why new talent is critical to that future, bringing fresh ideas and energy to a still-evolving field. Whether motivated by sustainability, health, or hands-on work, their message is clear: this is an industry worth paying attention to. Hayden's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydencantoni/ Courtney's bio: https://southern-energy.com/celebrating-women-in-construction/#courtney-foulis RESNET's® announcement: 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellow: https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-announces-the-2026-emerging-leader-fellows/   To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage with you. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at [email protected]

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]