It is hard to believe 2020 has finally came to a close. The year brought many challenges and adversities, but it also revealed how resilient and adaptable our community is. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the downturn of the U.S. economy, the number of homes HERS® rated increased and the home building market was robust. It is inspiring to see how the residential new construction community continued to drive energy efficiency in 2020. 2020 saw our organization and industry in sound health as demonstrated by: • Steady Demand for HERS® Ratings – Over 297,000 homes were HERS® Rated in 2020 (surpassing the record-breaking 241,000 homes that were rated in 2019) • RESNET in Sound Financial Footing – Despite the challenges RESNET was able to meet its 2020 budget with assistance through the federal Paycheck Protection Program. RESNET has been able to meet the demand for its services and expand its activities without the need to increase fees • RESNET Properly Managed – Received clean bill of health from the independent financial audit Notable accomplishments that were achieved in 2020 include: • Adopted emergency measures to allow the rating industry to remain safe while meeting the demand for HERS® Ratings during the COVID-19 pandemic • Adopted ANSI RESNET/Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)/International Code Council (ICC) Standard 310 – rating the installation of HVAC systems • Remote Quality Assurance field observations inspections of 24 RESNET Accredited Rating Providers in 16 States and Online QA Reviews of 24 Accredited Rating Providers • Updated RESNET Publication 001 “Procedures for Accrediting Software Tools for Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credits” and collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy in adopting the publication for approving software programs for the 45L federal tax credit for energy efficient homes • California Pilot HERS® Index Project Launched o CBECC-Res Compliance Software Modified to Calculate RESNET HERS® Index Scores o Agreement Entered with the California Accredited Whole House Rating Provider CalCERTS on Pilot Guidelines (Quality Assurance, RESNET Registry Fees, CalCERTS Rater RESNET HERS® Index Training) o API Developed to Feed Homes from HERS® Index CBECC-Res to RESNET National Registry • Collaborated with the Habitat for Humanity International in having their affiliate homes HERS® rated • Collaborated with the Appraisal Institute on educating real estate appraisers on how the HERS® Index is the key to valuing green homes • Collaborated with the International Code Council (ICC) in launching the new ICC HERS/IECC Compliance Specialist designation for HERS® Raters and Rating Field Inspectors • Launched HERSH2O® water efficiency rating program • Received the first Home Certification Organization recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the WaterSense and ENERGY STAR Homes programs • Collaborated with HERS® Rating Software developers on having all software programs based upon hourly calculations • Began collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council, California Energy Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency on development of a rating index on time of use of energy • Published policy white paper on “Introducing Rationality into the Home Financing Process” and shared it with staff of Senate Banking Committee, stakeholders, and the incoming Biden-Harris transition team You will soon be receiving a 2020 RESNET Annual Report that covers these and other achievements. We could not achieve these notable gains without the contributions of the HERS® Raters and Providers, builders, strategic allies, program sponsors and the RESNET network. Together we achieved much in 2020 to celebrate, but RESNET is not content to rest on its laurels. The RESNET Board of Directors has adopted a set of ambitious priorities for 2021. Read more at https://www.resnet.us/articles/2021-resnet-essential-activities-goals-and-priorities/ We look forward to your engagement in the RESNET Virtual 2021 Conference in February!
