RESTalk – Details, episodes & analysis

QUOTES from the episode:

"What raters do makes the difference. Supporting them protects the credibility of the entire ecosystem."

"Energy and water performance are not abstract. They are measurable, verifiable, and they matter to families."

"My role is to protect what works, listen carefully, and help RESNET adapt without losing what makes it special."

In the first RESTalk episode of 2026, Bill Spohn welcomes Shelby Gatlin, the new Executive Director of RESNET©, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, credibility, and the future of home energy ratings. Shelby shares her professional path from conservation-focused work and regulatory advocacy into the residential energy efficiency space, including years spent navigating operational growth and industry change.

Shelby explains why RESNET©'s voluntary standards, third-party verification, and ecosystem of trust matter now more than ever, especially as affordability, comfort, and long-term household costs take center stage. She emphasizes that energy and water performance are not abstract concepts, but measurable outcomes that directly impact homeowners. Throughout the discussion, Shelby underscores the critical role of raters and providers in protecting the integrity and credibility of RESNET© programs.

Looking ahead, Shelby outlines her leadership approach: build on what already works, listen closely to stakeholders, modernize systems where clarity and transparency are needed, and preserve what makes RESNET© unique. She also shares her excitement for her first RESNET© conference as Executive Director and her commitment to empathy, collaboration, and trust across the industry.

Shleby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-gatlin-59100926/

To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

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 QA modernization efforts to the market forces accelerating HERS adoption to the emerging leaders reshaping the industry 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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® ELC participants

• Raters, Builders & Habitat Teams from EP139, EP143, and others

To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.

For more info on this topic, contact RESNET® at INFO@RESNET.US

"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." 

– John F. Kennedy
 

In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes the 2025 Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) fellows—Jennifer Goldberg, Dorian Gothard, and Alex Haworth—for an insightful discussion on their career journeys, experiences at the RESNET conference, and their visions for the future of energy efficiency and building science.

Each fellow shares how they entered the industry, what drew them to the ELC program, and how they apply their knowledge professionally and personally. The conversation covers key takeaways from the RESNET conference, including the industry's ambitious goal of 1 million HERS ratings by 2028, the importance of HVAC grading, and the role of building science in improving homes and communities.

Throughout the episode, the fellows highlight the value of collaboration, education, and continuous learning, inspiring those new to the industry and seasoned professionals. Whether you're a rater, builder, or someone passionate about energy efficiency, this episode provides valuable insights into the next generation of industry leaders shaping the future.

Here are the LinkedIn profiles for our podcast guests:

Alex Haworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-haworth-aa1b90227/

Jennifer Goldberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-goldberg-4688b6107/

Dorian Gothard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-gothard/

To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.

For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

Human beings are very good at adapting to what happens

-John Hurt

Building science is building science.

Science doesn't care. It just is.

Applications for a HERS Rater's knowledge of building science are out there.

Sometimes where you'd least expect them.

Recorded in April 2020, today's topic is tuned in to the current pandemic, perhaps, in an unexpected way.

Join us as we speak with Matthew Cooper, Senior Vice President at PEG, LLC about how his company is supporting the healthcare community by providing third-party isolation room monitoring.

Matthew starts with an overview of PEG's 22-year history and how the company evolved into the multifaceted organization it is today, including becoming a HERS Rating Provider and RESNET 100,000 Homes Club member.

 
We discuss the PEG team's previous experience in the healthcare setting and how they are now providing independent monitoring of hospital isolation rooms, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) rooms and Emergency Rooms where suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients are being cared for. 

As to the point that science doesn't care, monitoring includes differential pressure, temperature and relative humidity which are all key factors in isolating airborne infection patients for the protection of both healthcare workers and other patients. These parameters should be immediately recognizable to the HERS rater.

For question or follow up please reach out to Matthew at MCooper@pegenv.com

RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional 

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

Changes and progress are very rarely gifts from above. They come out of struggles from below.

-Noam Chomsky

The code development process is complex and time consuming.

Yet the results drive much of the work done by raters.

Insights into this process from a knowledgeable guide are immensely valuable.

Join us as we speak with Ryan Meres, Program Director at RESNET, about the changes coming in the 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). He reviews for us the key results of the latest changes that will impact HERS Raters and the builders they work with. 

Beginning with a quick overview of the code development process, we move into a discussion of the incorporation of the 2019 versions of Standards 301 and 380.

We get into a good discussion over the details on what is happen to the ERI including an insider's explanation of the voting process and why the Performance Path seems to be the trend. Cool note: Ryan was a co-author of the original ERI.

You will find some details on the differences between the ERI and HERS index scores in Ryan's blog post here:

https://www.resnet.us/articles/the-iecc-energy-rating-index-and-hers-index-whats-the-difference/

Or use this short link: www.bit.ly/ERI-HERS

We wrap the discussion looking some of the next tasks for Ryan in his role as Program Director at RESNET

For question or follow up you can always reach Ryan at Ryan@Resnet.us

RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional 

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

Follow effective action with quiet reflection. 

From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.

-Peter Drucker

As RESNET looks towards the future, significant effort is being placed in recruiting and retaining members of the broader RESNET community.

There is no better way to do this than invite people to "the table".

The RESNET Board has done this in a big way by creating the Emerging Leadership Council Fellowship which deeply engages people new to the industry.

Joins us as we chat today with the three 2020 ELC fellows: Aaron Hope (Southern Energy Management, Raleigh, NC), Rachel LaMantia (EnergyLogic, Berthoud, CO) and Manon Shankle (Virdiant, Richmond, VA)

Come listen as each of the fellow shares with us their background, experiences and passion for their work. One common theme we heard was their unique responses and reactions to being named 2020 Fellows. They share with us their reflections and actions taken.

Learn more about this year's fellows by following this link

https://www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/fellows/

RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional 

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

The big picture doesn't just come from distance; it also comes from time.

-Simon Sinek

RESNET recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic will have a huge impact on HERS® Raters and Rating Providers.

The RESNET Board Executive Committee has swiftly stepped in to make important decisions.

RESNET is ever more diligent about how business is being done and working together with members of the HERS Industry to navigate through this. 

It will take time.

RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden and Deputy Director Cardice Gray-Howard join us today in this special episode to discuss their reactions to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the actions that have been taken.

Various steps have already been put in place such as modifications to QA testing and Payment terms for rating fees. Other options are also being considered.

For complete and up to date information follow the "RESNET COVID-19 Updates" link at the top of the RESNET.us homepage.

RESNET has put in place a dedicated email address (COVID19info@resnet.us ) that will go directly to the Quality Assurance Team for QA questions and concerns. This email address is for specific questions to the QA team regarding remote QA, reporting, etc.

RESNET believes in the power of our tight knit community to get through this situation stronger and more united over time.

RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional 

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

It's very hard to complain about society if you don't get involved.

-George Prescott Bush

Getting involved.

Putting yourself out there, so to speak.

Leaving your comfort zone.

It doesn't have to be scary.

It can be quite thrilling and satisfying, especially if your new ideas are encouraged, listened to and acted upon.

In 2016, the RESNET Board created the Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) to help recruit, mentor and motivate the future leaders of RESNET and the home building performance industry.

Today we are joined by Leo Jansen, of Energy Efficient Homes Midwest, one of very few (the only?) rater/provider organizations operating in the second generation.

Leo has been the Chair of the ELC since February 2019 and is demonstrating his leadership by helping to nurture the next generation of RESNET Leaders.

Leo describes the goals of the ELC as focusing on recruitment of new raters, retention of existing raters and ELC membership opportunities afforded to those that join.

Made up of over 30 (and growing) diverse professionals, Leo stresses the group is for those new to the industry; age is not a determining factor for membership. Leo is managing to make great progress by using digital communication tools as well as forming limited task groups for members to manage.

The ELC is developing many unique activities, including conducting their very first video competition in 2019. You can learn more about it and look for the "call' for the 2020 video contest in updates on the ELC page of the RESNET site.

The group also hosts a fellowship opportunity for new professionals in the industry to attend the annual RESNET conference free of charge.

Additionally, the ELC coordinates a community related volunteer event in the host city of the conference each year.

If you would like to learn more check out the ELC page here:

www.resnet.us/raters/emerging-leadership-council-elc/

RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional 

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.

-Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Most of us enjoy tackling challenges, especially creative people like architects. 

Now combine a creative design challenge along with surpassing a HERS 30 score and other stringent criteria and things get interesting.

And then beat the target score with a Net Zero achievement and have the winning plans freely shared to the public; now that's joy in achievement!

In 2016 Mark Hartman, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Phoenix created a competition for Arizona architects to encourage the construction of ultra-low energy use homes. This is in support of the ambitious 2050 Sustainability Goals adopted by the Mayor of Phoenix and the Phoenix City Council.

Mark worked in partnership with Caroline Lobo, formerly leader of the American Institute of Architects, Arizona (AIA), to hold a Sustainable Home Design Competition. The goal was for a "near net-zero energy" single-family home with the best potential for wide-spread adoption in the region. 

Marlene Imirzian of Imirzian Architects created the winning design of an affordable, three-bedroom home, that went beyond and achieved a HERS rating of zero.

She calls is HOME nz.

Lend your ears to this interesting story and feel the energy and joy that I sensed recording this podcast live at the RESNET 2020 Home Performance Conference.

Join over 5000 others and download the free plans at this link: https://www.phoenix.gov/sustainability/home

If you would like to learn more, please contact:

Mark Hartman, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Phoenix: mark.hartman@phoenix.gov

Marlene Imirzian, Imirzian Architects: mimirzian@imirzian-architects.com

Caroline Lobo, American Institute of Architects, Arizona: info@suoll.com

RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional 

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.

-Ray Kroc

There's usually only one chance in the life of a home to get the insulation right.

To get it right, insulation installers need training, experience and standards to adhere to.

What does it take to be the top in this field?

David Beam believes it comes from a company's leadership.

David Beam, President & CEO of Insulate America, shares with us his insights into what it takes to become America's best insulation installer.

David explains how important it is to balance time and quality efforts in order to run a successful insulation job and business. 

For the last 2 decades, David has been involved the prestigious annual Insulation Installation contest that is co-sponsored by Insulate America and Johns-Manville. He tells us about the history of the contest and fierce competition and tight timelines involved for the 40 competitors. The winners walk away with trophies, bragging rights and cash prizes.

But, more importantly, David tells us of the impressive coaching, education and mentoring that goes on amongst the over 150 people that attend the event each fall. 

Learn more about this year's event at this site: https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/meet-americas-best-installer

And look for the call to compete in the late summer of every year.

RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage.

Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional 

Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us

Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US