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 INFO@RESNET.US

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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 INFO@RESNET.US

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 INFO@RESNET.US

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 INFO@RESNET.US

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 INFO@RESNET.US

"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 INFO@RESNET.US

"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 <2 ACH50 air leakage, and the spread of HERSH2O®, RESNET's water efficiency rating, now up over 50% from last year. Ryan also hints at future enhancements, such as tracking product-level data, and introduces RESNET's move to expand its analytics capabilities with a new data analyst.

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 INFO@RESNET.US

"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 INFO@RESNET.US