"Advocacy is the mirror reflecting the voices of the community into the corridors of power."

- Unknown

In today’s podcast we cover the topic of advocacy and public policy in the context of the residential energy sector learning from our guests Robert Pegues, General Manager of Technical Delivery at US Ecologic, and RESNET board member, and Carl Chidlow, a lobbyist representing RESNET. Robert shares his background in the sector, highlighting his experience at last year’s policy forum and his involvement with regional and national energy councils. Carl provides insights into RESNET's efforts to engage with policymakers through the RESNET Policy Forum, emphasizing the importance of practitioner involvement in legislative processes and the positive outcomes from bipartisan support on issues like the 45L tax credit and VA home loans.

Our main discussion revolves around the upcoming 2024 RESNET Policy Forum, where industry professionals will convene to advocate for energy efficiency and housing policies. Carl explains the event's objectives and the practical aspects of participating, such as scheduled meetings with Congress members and the importance of constituency in policy advocacy, a truly turnkey process for the participant. Our narrative underlines the significance of direct engagement in shaping policies that affect the residential energy sector.

The conversation also touches on the practical and personal aspects of participating in such an event, with Robert sharing his initial apprehensions and eventual satisfaction from influencing policy and advocating for industry concerns. Both Carl and Robert encourage listeners to participate in the policy forum, highlighting the opportunity to affect change and the foundational American right to petition the government. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to consider attending the policy forum and engaging in the democratic process to advocate for their industry and interests.

Robert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-pegues-785622a7/

Carl’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-chidlow-7816ba37/

Link to the 2024 Policy Forum: https://www.resnet.us/2024-policy-forum/

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

"I never dreamed about success. I worked for it."

- Estée Lauder

We welcome Sharla Riead, Lead Instructor at Energy Smart Institute and Emelie Cuppernell Glitch, VP Programs at Performance Systems Development to focusing on the recognition of women in the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating industry. Sharla shares her extensive background, beginning with founding an energy auditing company in 1979, which evolved into a HERS rating company, and subsequently into roles in quality assurance and training within the industry. She emphasizes her company's impact and the shift she has observed towards greater female involvement in the sector.

Emelie details her journey in the industry, from her initial interest in science and residential energy to her current role as vice president of Performance Systems Development. She discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in the field, including overcoming assumed biases and the importance of establishing credibility. She reflects on the changing landscape for women in the industry, noting improvements and sharing a personal anecdote illustrating past gender assumptions.

The conversation concludes with advice for women entering the industry, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, self-trust, and getting outside one’s comfort zone. Both guests underline the evolving nature of the industry, noting an increase in female participation, the growing list of role models and encouraging more women to join. They stress the value of diversity and the need for different perspectives in building science and energy efficiency, illustrating the industry’s ongoing transformation and the significant contributions of women.

Links To Sharla and Emelie on LinkedIn are below along with a Press Release from the RESNET’s Inaugural Class Recognizing Women Pioneers in the HERS Industry during the 2023 conference held in San Diego, CA.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharla-riead/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emelie-cuppernell-glitch-a8647b26/

https://www.resnet.us/about/inaugural-class-of-resnet-recognition-of-women-pioneers-in-hers-industry/

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

The best way to predict your future is to create it.

- Abraham Lincoln

Data is king, they say. How can the RESNET Quality Assurance (QA) app's data insights revolutionize how we rate energy-efficient homes?

Imagine a world where getting your home energy rating was made easier by using a smartphone app. Is that the future the RESNET QA app promises?

Our trio of guests, Quality Assurance Designees (QADs) Cassandra Wright from Strand Systems and Leo Jansen from Energy Efficient Homes Midwest, and RESNET Quality Assurance Field  Specialist Billy Giblin, help us to understand the development and application of the new RESNET QA app, a tool designed to improve the quality and consistency of home energy ratings. Here are some key points:

Background:

• The QA checklist was created to address concerns about inconsistencies in quality assurance (QA) reviews.

• The checklist evolved through several versions and became a mandatory provider requirement.

• The need for better data access and tracking led to development of the QA app.

The App:

• Available on the Apple Store, Google Play, and as a web app.

• Streamlines the QA process by pulling data from the RESNET Buildings Registry.

• Saves time and reduces manual entries.

• Allows providers to control access for their QADs.

Future Plans:

• Integrate with other energy efficiency programs like Energy Star Indoor airPlus and Zero Energy Ready Homes.

• Create a forum for QADs to ask questions and share best practices.

• Develop dashboards for providers and QADs to track their QA and performance.

• Implement an API for providers who want to use their own tools for QA.

Benefits:

• Improves transparency and consistency in QA reviews.

• Provides valuable data for tracking and improving performance.

• Reduces the workload for QADs and providers.

Challenges:

• Providers who use a retroactive QA model may need to adjust their process.

• Learning curve for using the new app and API.

Overall, the RESNET QA app is a positive step towards improving the quality and consistency of home energy ratings. Everyone will need time to adjust to the new system, but the potential benefits are significant.

Link to RESNET site with info on the QA app: www.resnet.us/about/qa/resnet-qa-app/

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