“Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and initiative, leaders change things.” – Jesse Jackson The advent of a new year naturally brings broader thinking, more introspection, and the creation of future goals. What future goal has RESNET’s board recently adopted? What near-term initiatives create the path to that goal? How confident is RESNET in meeting that goal? What is the “embodied passion index?” In 2024’s inaugural episode of RESTalk, RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden and RESNET Board of Directors President Mark Johnson (and Executive Vice President and Director of Business Development, Western Regional Office of the International Code Council (ICC)) discuss RESNET’s ambitious goal of achieving one million ratings by the end of 2028. This goal represents a significant shift towards a goal-driven budget, breaking away from traditional year-to-year budgeting. The board’s decision to set such an audacious goal is based on several factors, including the increasing demand for housing, the need for energy efficiency in homes, and the availability of new tools and initiatives. One key initiative is the collaboration between RESNET and the ICC to improve compliance with energy codes. This involves training and certifying RESNET HERS (Home Energy Rating System) raters who can play a crucial role in ensuring compliance. The extension and amendment of the 45L tax credit also provide incentives for builders to focus on energy efficiency in homes. Additionally, the use of HERS index scores as a matrix for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting by production builders and the growth of green bond programs by finance organizations further demonstrate the industry’s commitment to sustainability. The interview also highlights RESNET’s efforts in developing a HERSH2O®, its water efficiency index, the RESNET Carbon Index for homes, and the promising build-to-rent movement, which addresses the housing shortage while promoting energy-efficient homes. The conversation concludes with both Steve and Mark expressing confidence in RESNET’s ability to achieve its ambitious goal, driven by the passion and commitment of the industry and the growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable homes. Hear the full episode here.
