Attention Certified RESNET Home Energy Raters: Background In January, RESNET announced that ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019 and ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380-2019 had been approved by RESNET and ANSI. The 2019 versions of these standards have improved and expanded the previous procedures for conducting Home Energy Ratings and performance testing for attached units in multifamily buildings, including those in buildings that are 4 stories or higher. With that in mind, in May, RESNET announced that MINHERS® was in the process of being updated such that HERS® ratings could use these new standards, according to the timeline below. Timeline As mentioned in May, these two Standards will be allowed for use on HERS® Ratings beginning on October 1, 2019, and required for use on HERS® Ratings of units with Building Permit Dates* on or after July 1, 2020. How does this affect you? 1. Accredited Software Versions The changes in ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019 will require significant updates to RESNET accredited HERS® Software Tools. For ratings with Building Permit Dates* on or after July 1, 2020, Raters must use versions of accredited HERS® Software Tools that have been updated and accredited. During the Transition Period, October 1 through June 30, Raters choosing to use the 2019 Standard must confirm with their software provider, which versions, if any, have been updated and accredited for use with that Standard. Software versions that are compliant with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019 will be posted here once they are accredited. No software tools are accredited at this time. Raters may not use software accredited for use with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2014 to rate units in buildings four stories and higher, except as currently allowed in Exception 2 of MINHERS. 2. Mandatory Training Additionally, Raters must complete training on these new Standard provisions. A training series of 3 recorded webinars is required for HERS® Raters that want to upload HERS® Ratings of attached units in multifamily buildings of any height. These videos may be viewed at your own pace but all three are required before you can upload multifamily ratings using software that uses ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019. The total time for all three is less than 3 hours. You must watch all three videos until the end so you will be prompted to enter your RTIN so you can get credit for them. To access the training videos, log into the portal at https://portal.resnet.us/ If you are new to the portal click on “New User? Register Now” then on the next screen click on “Training Portal” *Currently, “Building Permit Date” is defined in MINHERS® as “The date on which the permit authorizing the construction of a building is issued by the authority having jurisdiction to issue such permits.” Other options are being proposed and considered through the amendment process, but are not available for use until approved
