2002 RESNET Conference

Conference Sessions

March 4-6, 2002
Florida Solar Energy Center
Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
Cocoa, Florida

The RESNET Conference is the premier national forum on residential energy efficiency financing and home energy ratings. The 2002 RESNET Conference will feature the following sessions:

Pre Conference Sessions
March 3, 2002

National Energy Raters Association Annual Meeting
1 - 4 p.m.
For information contact Dennis Stroer, National Energy Raters Association at 941-439-0919 or djstroer@home.com.

"How to Produce the Best Raters" - A National Round Table on Rater Training
Facilitator: Kathy Spigarelli, RESNET Education Coordinator
1 - 4 p.m.
High quality rater training is a key to a credible national home energy rating industry. RESNET has recently adopted a national rater training accreditation standard. Join the nation's rater training providers in a Round Table to explore how to produce the best raters.

RESNET Rating Software Task Force Meeting
Facilitator: Steve Baden, RESNET
1 - 4 p.m.
The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) adopted a national set of technical guidelines for home energy ratings. RESNET has formed a task force to develop an accreditation standard for rating software providers to demonstrate compliance to the national home energy rating technical guidelines. Join in this discussion of what an accreditation process should be.

Conference Sessions
Monday, March 4, 2002

Registration/Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Exhibit Area

Opening General Session
9 - 10:45 a.m. - Auditorium

"Pilgrim's Progress" - Accomplishments of the Home Energy Rating Industry - Steve Baden, Executive Director, RESNET

"How Ratings Fit in the Bigger Picture" - A Comprehensive Approach to Improving the Energy Efficiency of Buildings and Appliances - Philip Fairey, Deputy Director, Florida Solar Energy Center

"Hitch Your Wagon to a Star" - Update on the EPA Residential Programs - David Lee, Chief of EPA ENERGY STAR Residential Programs

Break-Out Sessions #1
10:45 a.m. - Noon

"Building Ratings as a Profit Center" - A Rater Peer Exchange Auditorium
Presenters:
Ken Fonorow, Florida H.E.R.0.
Kathy Howard, Energy Sense
Don Michael Jones, Residential Building Analysis
This session will focus on the "secrets of the trade" of how to make rating services profitable. The session will feature raters whose marketing savvy created a dynamic market for their services.

"Turn on the Lights and Let the Sun Shine In" - Integrating Lighting, Appliances and Renewable Energy Sources in Home Energy Ratings
CCTS Conference Room
Moderator:
Steve Baden, RESNET
Presenters:
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Dave Roberts, Architectural Energy Corporation
There is a great amount of interest in the home energy rating industry on integrating lighting, appliances and photovoltaic systems into the rating score. This could increase the value of ratings in utility efficiency programs and allow the financing of the improvements in the mortgage loan. RESNET will be facilitating a national dialogue on this issue. There have been two technical papers developed on the issue and are posted on RESNET's web site. Learn what these studies recommend and the national implications to the home energy rating industry.

"It is Never Too Old to Become Green" - Incorporating Existing Homes into a Green Building Program
Room 202
Moderator:
David Wilson, Utah Energy Conservation Coalition
Presenters:
Mike Barick, Southface Energy Institute
Mark Newey, EarthCraft House Renovation Program
The Atlanta EarthCraft Homes Program has recently launched a renovation program, the first of its kind in the nation. Energy ratings are to be the foundation of the program. Learn what this potential presents to the home energy rating industry.

Alternative Business Models for Home Energy Rating Providers and Raters
Lab Building
Moderator:
Jonathan Passe, EPA
Presenters:
Jill Gilmore, Roger Woods Associates
Ed Minch, Energy Services Group
Kelly Parker, Guaranteed Watt Saver Systems
Daran Wastchak, D.R. Wastchak, L.L.C.
Across the nation a number of rating providers and raters have forged innovative strategies to create market acceptance to home energy performance. Join this lively discussion of these alternative business models.

Lunch
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Exhibit Area

Break-Out Sessions #2
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

"Building a Solid Business Foundation" - Elements that should be Considered in a Rater Business and Marketing Plan
Auditorium
Moderator:
Dennis J. Stroer, President, National Energy Raters Association
Presenter:
Barbara Collins, Energy Rated Homes of America
A key element of any successful business is having an effective business and marketing plan. Learn the elements that should be considered in developing a plan to make your rating services profitable.

EPA Existing Home Program
CCTS Conference Room
Moderator:
Rick Gerardi, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Presenters:
David Lee, EPA
Mike Rogers, EPA
EPA has recently launched a energy efficiency program for existing homes that emphasis home performance services. Learn all about this exciting initiative from the program's managers.

"A Carrot and a Stick" - Using Home Energy Ratings to Improve Energy Code Performance
Room 202
Moderator:
Megan Edmunds, E-Star Colorado
Presenters:
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Richard Faesy, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Thomas Hamilton, California Home Energy Efficiency Rating System
The RESNET Task Force on Code Performance found that home performance programs, such as home energy ratings, can be an effective tool to increase compliance to residential energy codes. Ten states have incorporated or merged home energy ratings or have specifically approved the use of home energy rating software programs in their code compliance process. This season will feature case studies of how states have used energy ratings to drive code compliance.

How to Increase Business through Partnering with Real Estate Agents Lab Building
Moderator:
Tei Simmerman, Energy Gauge Program
Presenter:
Pattie Glenn, GreenSmart
Real estate agents represents the point-of-contact for more consumers when purchasing homes. They could have a great impact in promoting the energy efficiency of homes. Learn from professionals on how energy efficiency and green building can be a profit center for real estate agents, how to motivate agents in partnering with your rating service, and what the elements of a partnership could be.

Break-Out Sessions #3
3:15 - 4:45 p.m.

National Round Table on Creating a Dynamic Market for Home Energy Ratings
Auditorium
Panelists:
Brian Binash, Emerald Homes
Pattie Glenn, GreenSmart
Kathleen Guidera, Energy and Environmental Building Association
Michael Holtz, Architectural Energy Corporation
Join this lively discussion on how the home energy rating industry can poise itself to jump-start the market for home energy rating services.

"Green is also the Color of Money" - The Potential of Partnerships with Green Building Programs
CCTS Conference Room
Moderator:
Mark Vanderlinden, Fannie Mae Southwestern Regional Office
Presenters:
Lindsay Chism, Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico
Dennis Creech, Southface Energy Institute
Robin Vieira, Florida Green Building Coalition
There should be a direct linkage between Green Building Programs and home energy ratings and energy efficient mortgages. This session will present case studies of robust green building programs and explore how rating programs can be a key component in this effort.

"Being a Lean and Mean Rating Machine" - Streamlining Rating Field Inspections Without Sacrificing Quality
Room 202
Moderator:
Chris Maher, Thermo-Scan Inspections
Presenters:
Bruce Harley, Conservation Services Group
Don Michael Jones, Residential Building Analysis
Kelly Parker, Guaranteed Watt Saver Systems
Learn from practitioners on how to increase profitability be reducing the time in the field inspection without sacrificing the quality of the rating analysis.

"Networking by the Beach" - RESNET Reception
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Hotel

Conference Sessions
Tuesday, March 5, 2002

Registration/Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Exhibit Area

General Session
9:00 - 10:45 a.m. - Auditorium

"We Can Show You the Money" - What's New with Fannie Mae's Suite of Residential Energy Financing Products - Robert Sahadi, Vice President, Fannie Mae

Break-Out Sessions #4
10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

"Does Every Home Have to be Rated?" - The Results of the Ohio Batch Sampling Pilot
Auditorium
Moderator:
Malcolm Barnes, Florida Power, A Progress Energy Company
Presenters:
Don Michael Jones, Residential Building Analysis
Paul Rimelspach, Energy Designed Homes
RESNET, EPA, and the Ohio Office of Energy Efficiency has entered into a pilot program on batch sampling of ratings. Learn the results of the pilot program and its implications nationally.

Inside Building America
Moderator: Subarto Chandra, Florida Solar Energy Center
Presenters:
George James, U.S. Department of Energy
Pat Love, Oakridge National Laboratory
Ken Fonorow, Florida H.E.R.O.
The U.S. Department of Energy is sponsoring the Building America Program. Building America works with members of the home-building industry to produce quality homes that use less energy without costing more to build. This session will introduce the program to the rating industry, discuss what role energy raters could play in future expansion of the program, including new energy efficient mortgage products offered by Fannie Mae.

"Taking it to the Streets" - Update of ENERGY STAR Marketing Strategies and Marketing Materials
Room 202
Moderator:
Mark Jansen, Energy Rated Homes Midwest
Presenters:
Jonathan Passe, EPA
Sam Rashkin, EPA
The ENERGY STAR Homes has launched a major national awareness program to increase awareness of and expand the program. EPA is eager to partner with energy raters and rating provider in this effort. Learn about the new marketing strategies and materials and how you can increase your business opportunities.

Understanding and Marketing Energy Mortgages
CCTS Conference Room
Moderator:
Stephanie Harmon, Rocky Mountain Mutual Housing Association, Inc.
Presenters:
Steve Baden, RESNET
Michelle Desiderio, Fannie Mae
Access to the incentives offered by energy mortgages is a key reason why builders and consumers should invest in rating services. The secondary mortgage has developed workable and streamlined energy mortgage products. This session will present an overview of these new financing products and how as raters use these products to enhance your business.

Lunch
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Exhibit Area

"Lunch with Steve" - Brown Bag Discussion on Accreditation
CCTS Conference Room
Steve Baden, RESNET
RESNET has adopted accreditation standards that cover rating providers, rater training providers, and rating software providers. The rating provider accreditation standard was recently amended to require on January 1, 2003, the use of accredited rater training providers and accredited rating software programs. Come to this informal lunch session and ask your questions regarding applying for accreditation. Learn about these changes and tips on becoming accredited.

Break-Out Sessions #5
1:15 - 2:45 p.m.

Existing Homes Energy Improvement and Financing
Auditorium
Moderator:
Douglas Walter, Kansas Building Science Institute
Presenters:
Barbara Collins, Energy Rated Homes of America
Richard Faesy, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Rick Gerardi, New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority
The greatest potential market for home energy ratings and residential energy efficiency financing is improving the energy efficiency of existing homes. There are a number of exciting products that can assist consumers reduce their energy costs. This session will focus on practical applications of energy improvement mortgages, non-recourse direct consumer loans, and building performance contracting.

How to Develop Dynamic Partnerships with Fannie Mae Partnership Offices
CCTS Conference Room
Moderator:
David Wilson, Utah Energy Conservation Coalition
Presenters:
Marcella Anderson-Roberts, Fannie Mae Alabama Partnership Office
Marci Milligan, Fannie Mae Utah Partnership Office
Nancy Sharifi, Fannie Mae Central Florida Office
Mark Vanderlinden, Fannie Mae Southwestern Regional Office
Fannie Mae has established partnership office across the nation to assist in developing coalitions to promote affordable housing. One of the priorities of the partnership offices is increasing the energy efficiency of homes. In a number of states the Fannie Mae offices have been a key partner in effective marketing home energy ratings and energy mortgages. This session will feature Fannie Mae Partnerships to discuss how raters can develop marketing partnerships.

How to Keep Your Office Going When You are on the Road
Room 202
Moderator:
Linda Perry, Energy Rated Homes of the South
Presenter:
Randy Martin, R. L. Martin Associates
The rating business requires a lot of time out of the office. Critical time is spent on inspection homes, meeting with clients, marketing, and training. Learn how you can keep your office going efficiently when you are not there.

"Is it a Marriage that can Work?" - Aligning Chapter Four of the International Energy Conservation Code and the Home Energy Rating Guidelines"
Lab Building
Moderator:
Wade Byrd, Louisiana Department of Energy
Panelists:
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Bruce Harley, Conservation Services Group
Michael Holtz, Architectural Energy Corporation
Bill Prindle, Alliance to Save Energy
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has become the national benchmark for defining the entry level of energy efficiency. Should the HERS� guidelines be aligned with IECC. This is a contentious issue within the home energy rating industry. Attend this lively panel discussion and judge for yourself.

General Session
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

National Dialogue on Batch Testing of Ratings
Facilitator:
Kathy Spigarelli, RESNET
Panelists:
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Ken Fonorow, Florida H.E.R.O.
Mark Jansen, Energy Rated Homes Midwest
Kelly Parker, Guaranteed Watt Saver Systems
Paul Rimelspach, Energy Designed Homes
The Environmental Protection Agency has developed a protocol for sampling of homes to be labeled as ENERGY STAR homes. Raters have used the sampling protocol for production builders in the Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Dallas markets. RESNET is participating in a batch rating testing pilot program in Ohio. Join this facilitated dialogue on this key issue.

Conference Sessions
Wednesday, March 6, 2002

Networking Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Exhibit Area

General Session
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. - Auditorium

Washington Update: Status of Legislation to Provide a Federal Tax Credit for Residential Energy Efficiency
Moderator:
Richard Faesy, Energy Rated Homes of America
Presenters:
Steve Baden, RESNET
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Bill Prindle, Alliance to Save Energy
Legislation has been introduced in Congress to create federal income tax credits for energy efficient homes and improving the efficiency of existing homes. The U.S. Senate is expected to consider energy legislation soon. Join this informative panel discussion and learn RESNET positions on federal tax credits, what are the differences of the various proposals being considered by Congress, and what is the chances of passage this year.

Post Conference Sessions
Wednesday, March 6, 2002

"Tools of the Trade" - Industry Round Table on Products and Tools for the Performance Diagnostics Professional
Room 202
Facilitator:
Russ Rudy, Energy and Environmental Alliance
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lively and fun discussion to jump-start best practices and development of new diagnostic tools and practices for raters. Gather your ideas on how to push the envelope on measuring building performance and share them with your colleagues.

RESNET Task Force on Energy Code Performance Meeting
CCTS Conference Room
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Learn of the findings of the White Paper on Using Home Energy Ratings to Improve Energy Code Performance and how you can become involve in implementing its findings.

Florida Green Building Coalition Annual Meeting
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
For more information go to http://floridagreenbuilding.org/events.htm.

Tours of Florida Solar Energy Center
1 p.m.