In this special “Best of RESTalk 2025” episode, host Bill Spohn looks back at the ideas and conversations that defined the year across the RESNET ecosystem. Rather than a simple highlight reel, this episode weaves four major themes that kept surfacing—from sweeping Quality Assurance (QA) modernization efforts to the market forces accelerating HERS® adoption, to the emerging leaders reshaping the industry, and to the on-the-ground projects proving that high performance and affordability can coexist. Across conversations with QA directors, software leaders, conference fellows, builders, lenders, and RESNET founder Steve Baden, 2025 revealed an industry that’s both maturing and reinventing itself. The year’s strongest clips capture this mix of evolution and momentum: real-time QA replacing annual reports, financing that rewards low-carbon construction, programs nurturing new talent, and innovative housing models—from 3D-printed concrete to all-electric Habitat townhomes—delivering measurable results for families. Whether you’re a rater, builder, program manager, lender, policymaker, or simply someone who cares about the future of housing, this episode connects the dots on where RESNET is headed—and why the next few years will be pivotal for quality, credibility, and impact. Major Themes Covered 1. Quality Assurance as the Backbone: Apps, Automation & Trust Episodes: EP137, EP140, EP144, EP146 How RESNET is modernizing QA with real-time data, tech upgrades, stronger staffing, and clearer processes—protecting the credibility of HERS as volumes scale. 2. Market Signals, Money & Scaling HERS Episodes: EP136, EP138, EP142, EP145, EP146 Why HERS grows fastest where incentives and financing tools align—and how products like C-PACE and tax credits are turning performance into business value.3. The People Pipeline: Conferences, Emerging Leaders & New Roles Episodes: EP136, EP137, EP138, EP146 The next generation of raters, analysts, and QA specialists entering the field, and how programs like Emerging Leaders keep the talent pipeline strong. 4. High-Performance, Affordable & Innovative Housing in Practice Episodes: EP139, EP141, EP143, EP145, EP146 Real projects—3D-printed homes, ERV best practices, net-zero-ready Habitat homes—showing that innovation and affordability can move together. Featured Guests (Across 2025 Episodes) Scott Doyle – Managing Director of QA, RESNET Laurel Elam – Senior Director, RESNET Steve Baden – Executive Director & RESNET Founder Tricia Baker – Senior VP of Strategy & Impact, PACE Equity Carl Pier – In-house Engineer & HERS Modeler, PACE Equity Emerging Leaders & Fellows – RESNET Emerging Leadership Council participants Raters, Builders & Habitat Teams from EP139, EP143, and others Listen to the full episode here.
