Across the nation the RESNET HERS® Index Score is fast becoming a mainstream in the housing market. Homebuilders are having their homes energy rated and marketing the HERS® Index Score of their homes, Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are incorporating the HERS® Index Scores in their listings, and code jurisdictions are recognizing a HERS® Index Score as a building energy code compliance option. With the increased visibility of the HERS® Index Score, RESNET is obligated to ensure that HERS® Index Scores are as consistent as possible. This need has been made more important with the International Code Council’s recent adoption of an Energy Rating Index option in the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. RESNET has begun a transparent process to adopt changes to the RESNET rating quality assurance standards and procedures. RESNET has posted a new web site to provide the rating industry with the latest information on this process. To view the web site go to RESNET Process for Enhancing the Consistency of HERS® Index Scores. The first step in this process will be for the RESNET Quality Improvement Working Group and Rating Software Technical Fixes Working Group to develop options on implementing the policies on improving the consistency of ratings that were adopted by the RESNET Board of Directors. Before the Working Groups begin their deliberations, RESNET would like your input and recommendations on options for implementing policy recommendations, RESNET has posted an online forum for you to submit your input. To submit your options on the implementation of policy recommendations 1 and 2, go to Online Input for Options on Improving Quality Assurance. Recommendations regarding quality assurance should be limited to options for how RESNET could implement quality assurance so that Quality Assurance Designees can best serve as agents of RESNET and also not have a financial interest or an employee/employer relationship with the entity performing the rating. To submit your options for implementing the sub-points under policy recommendation 3 related to software fixes, go to Online Input for Options on Software Fixes. The working groups will use your input in considering the options they will identify for the RESNET Board. Suggestions will be accepted through Monday, April 28, 2014. Only input made through the online system will be accepted. This online forum is not for commenting on the policies adopted by the RESNET Board of Directors, but rather to submit your ideas on options for implementing the Board policies. An Opportunity to comment on the policies adopted by the Board will come later, during the standard amendment review and comment period at the end of this process.
