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 INFO@RESNET.US

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: Valerie@RESNET.us

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 INFO@RESNET.US

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