Pre-Conference Sessions
Saturday, February 26, 2005
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RESNET National Rater Challenge Test
Kansas Building Science Institute
Conference Center Room B
RESNET's national home energy rating standards require that all currently
certified raters must successfully pass the RESNET national home energy
rater test by January 1, 2008. The Kansas Building Science Institute will be
offering a tutorial session and proctoring of the RESNET rater test.
Individuals interested in taking the challenge must register in advance with
the Kansas Building Science Institute. For more information contact Doug
Walter at kbsi@flinthills.com
Sunday, February 27, 2004
10:00 a.m. - Noon
RESNET Rating Software Testing Committee Meeting
Latienda Room
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
"HERS Industry 101" - Introduction to the Rating Business
Lead Presenter:
Daran Wastchak, D.R. Wastchak LLC
Conference Center Room B
Will provide to new to the rating industry a "rating as a business 101" and
cover such topics as: what HERS® and RESNET are, overview of rating
standards, difference between a rater and provider, overview of the
accreditation procedures, overview of the rating software options, and an
overview of the rating code of ethics and standards of practice.
How to Effectively Communicate Enhancements to the National Rating
Standards to Your Clients
Presenters:
Claudia Brovick, RESNET
Lee O'Neal, NSpects
Latienda Room
In 2006 there will be a number of changes to the national home energy rating
standards. The changes will effect on points are assigned in many parts of
the nation.
RESNET has adopted and is implementing an outreach effort to provide tools
to raters in explaining the changes to their clients. This session would be
a "train the trainer" opportunity for the rating industry.
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
REM/Rate Advanced Users Workshop
Presenter:
Dave Roberts, Architectural Energy Corporation
Conference Center Room C
This session is specifically designed for those raters who have previous
experience using Architectural Energy Corporation's (AEC) REM/Rate home
energy rating software. The session will be led by David R. Roberts, P.E., a
Senior Engineer at AEC who has been involved with the development of the
REM/Rate software for over 13 years. The session will cover some of the more
obscure, yet powerful features of the software - batch processing,
customizing reports, data output options, library management, and more.
Bring your questions and suggestions, there will be opportunities to address
both.
American Lung Association Health House Training
Presenter:
Steve Klossner, American Lung Association
Conference Center Room D
The American Lung Association is sponsoring the Health House Project that
takes a whole house approach to ensuring a new home is free from polluting
materials that can create poor indoor air quality.
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
RESNET Board of Directors Meeting
Cavalier Room
Monday, February 28, 2004
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Registration & Continental Breakfast - Exhibits Open
Exhibit Area - Hidalgo Ballroom A
8:30 a.m. - Noon
Opening Session
Hidalgo Ballrooms B & C
Welcome from RESNET President
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
"Prospering in a Time of Change"
Steve Baden, RESNET
Presentation of RESNET Leadership Awards
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Fannie Mae Update
Robert Sahadi, Fannie Mae
Winning with ENERGY STAR Homes
David Lee, Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Department of Energy Update
Edward Pollock, Department of Energy
Overview of Enhancements of National Home Energy Rating Standards
Steve Baden, RESNET
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Dave Roberts, Architectural Energy Corporation
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Conference Center Courtyard
NE HERS Alliance Board Meeting
Conference Center Room B
Special Lunch Session
"Home Performance Protocols for Training and Quality Assurance"
Presenter:
Greg Thomas, Performance Systems Development, Inc.
Conference Center Room C
This session will review the detailed set of Home Performance protocols that
resulted from the California Energy Commission's PIER Whole House Contractor
research project. The materials were developed by Performance Systems
Development in a joint effort with the coordinators of the California
Building Performance Contractor's Association Home Performance with Energy
Star program. These protocols incorporate all the functional aspects of
whole house building performance, including technical investigation, data
interpretation, installation, remediation, and a full range of related
business practices. They are designed to disseminate critical information on
building performance techniques in a way that allows for practical
application in the field by contractors and as a foundation for trainers or
program managers. This session is appropriate for both technical and
non-technical audiences.
Break Out Session 1
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
"Selling A Higher Quality Home" - The Power of Adding Value Through The
Energy Efficient Mortgage (Builder Track)
Moderator:
Michelle Desiderio, Fannie Mae
Presenter:
James Taylor, Fannie Mae
Hidalgo Ballrooms B & C
The focus on energy efficient mortgages in the past has centered on
increased loan qualification for purchasing an energy efficient home. Too
often the added value in purchasing an energy efficient home is overlooked.
This added value is a tool for builders to offer more upgrades to a home
buyer. Through an energy efficient mortgage one can afford upgrades as
higher quality cabinets because of a home's energy efficiency. This session
will explore this feature that is too often overlooked.
The House as a System (Affordable Comfort Track)
Presenter:
David Keefe, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Cavalier Room
An improvement to one part of a home can sometimes cause unanticipated
effects on another part of the house system. This session focuses on
becoming able to predict and/or diagnose these effects, primarily in order
to prevent the negative ones.
Affordable Housing and ENERGY STAR: A Good Sell?
Moderator:
Stephanie Harmon, Progress & Associates
Presenters:
Les Bluestone,
Blue Sea
Construction
Andrew Padian, Steven Winter Associates
Conference Center Room D
What are the positive selling points of ENERGY STAR to an affordable housing
developer in the South Bronx, or are other urban areas? Learn how a veteran
affordable housing developer went to ENERGY STAR kicking and screaming, and
came out of the process with the highest rated homes in New York state in
2003 and continues to build at or above ENERGY STAR standards in all of his
affordable housing. What are the selling points, and how do you present this
to an affordable housing developer?
"Leading in a Time of Change" - How the Amendments to the Rating
Standards Effect the Responsibility of Rating Providers
Moderator:
Kelly Parker, Guaranteed Watt Saver Systems
Presenters:
Mark Jansen, Energy Efficient Homes Midwest
C.T. Loyd, The Nelrod Company
Greg Nahn, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation
Conference Center Room C
The proposed changes to the national rating standards involves a number of
changes in the administration of rating programs including clearer defined
quality assurance procedures. This session would provide an overview to
rating providers on the added responsibilities that are required.
High Rise Multifamily, Affordable Housing, and Public Housing
Authorities: New Markets for Multifamily Rating Services
Moderator
Brannon King, DPIS Engineering
Presenters:
Charles Erlich, Heschong Mahone Group, Inc.
Richard Faesy, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Julieann Summerford, Heschong Mahone Group, Inc.
Conference Center Room B
This session would begin with a brief review of the changes to California's
Title 24 energy standards taking effect on October 1, 2005, as they affect
the work of new construction HERS raters in California with an emphasis on
multifamily dwellings. Presenters include energy efficiency experts and
housing authority representatives. The presentation will describe new market
opportunities revolving around affordable multifamily housing across the
country. It will describe the unique role that Public Housing Authorities
play. The presentation will also cover the California Public Utilities
sponsored program that defines the vital role that HERS raters play in
establishing the baseline and upgraded energy efficiency levels of existing
affordable housing. The presenters will also cover the efforts of the High
Rise Residential National Working Group in its collaboration with EPA to
develop and ENERGY STAR label for buildings greater than 3 stories tall.
Break Out Session 2
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
"Where Do We Go From Here?" - What Happen to the Residential Energy
Efficiency Tax Credits and What is the Prospects for the Future (Builder
Track)
Moderator:
Kathy Spigarelli, RESNET
Presenter:
David Goldstein, Natural Resources Defense Council
Hidalgo Ball Rooms B & C
Despite broad bi-partisan support, residential energy efficiency tax credits
did not pass this Congress. This session will explore what happened, what is
expected to take place in the new Congress, and discuss what role the rating
industry should play in molding this issue.
Missed Opportunities for Comfort and Efficiency: Understanding Thermal &
Pressure Boundaries (Affordable Comfort Track)
Presenter:
David Keefe, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Cavalier Room
What does it mean to have a continuous air barrier? How can you make sure
that a home isn't drawing its "fresh" air from the garage or attic? Learn
what to look for to determine if insulation is effective. Get design details
and installation tips on how to address boundary boondoggles.
"Making It Work In Texas" - San Antonio Energy Efficiency Mortgage
Initiative
Moderator:
Mark Vanderlinden, Fannie Mae
Presenters:
Patricia Goolsby, Criterion Mortgage, Ltd
Chip Henderson, CONTECTS - Consultants & Architects
Daniel Lopez, Fannie Mae San Antonio Partnership Office
Conference Center Room D
As part of Fannie Mae's is participating in a $ 2 billion housing investment
commitment to address the housing needs of the greater San Antonio area,
this session will focus on the Energy Efficiency Initiative, which goals
include producing 5,000 energy efficient homes over five years. Over $500
million has been budgeted for energy efficient mortgages by Fannie Mae for
the San Antonio Energy Efficiency Initiative, which is a partnership with
the Greater San Antonio Home Builders Association, the San Antonio Board of
REALTORS, and Metropolitan Partnership for Energy. for the program.
Successes of the Initiative include energy efficient homes being added as a
feature of the Affordable Showcase of Homes, an annual partnership of the
Greater San Antonio Home Builders Association and the City of San Antonio.
"Enhancing the Quality of Our Product" - RESNET's Enhanced Quality
Assurance Procedures
Moderator:
Ben Adams, MaGrann Associates
Presenters:
Adam Gifford, Conservation Services Group
Lee O'Neal, NSpects
Daran Wastchak, D.R. Wastchak, LLC
Conference Center Room C
There is a growing emphasis on maintaining the quality of rating services as
the market demand for ratings increases and new players are entering into
the field. To ensure this quality and to enhance the credibility of the
rating industry RESNET has improved the rating quality assurance procedures
and more clearly defined the rating quality assurance responsibilities of
rating providers. This session will explain these changes and discuss
options for rating providers to cost-effectively implement these improved
quality assurance procedures.
"An Affordable Investment in Peace of Mind" - New Affordable Rater
Insurance Coverage
Moderator:
Mark Jansen, Energy Efficient Homes Midwest
Presenters:
Claudia Brovick, RESNET
James Parck, J.R. Parck
Conference Center Room B
RESNET has arranged for affordable general business and professional
liability insurance coverage for the rating industry. This session will
describe the features of this coverage and explore the risks that the rating
industry is exposed to and why proper coverage is critical.
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
RESNET Reception
The Gazebo
Tuesday, March 1, 2004
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Registration & Continental Breakfast - Exhibits Open
Exhibit Area - Hidalgo Ballroom A
Break Out Session 3
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
"What It All Means" - Quantifying the Changes to the Rating Score in 2006
and How They Will Affect ENERGY STAR Homes (Builder Track)
Moderator:
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Presenters:
David Lee, Environmental Protection Agency
David Meisegeier, ICF Consulting
Dave Roberts, Architectural Energy Corporation
Hildago Ball Room B & C
The changes to the International Energy Conservation Code and the federal
air conditioner manufacturing efficiency standards that will go into effect
in 2006 will affect the rating scores in many regions of the nation. This
session will quantify what effects the changes will in the rating score in
regions across the nation. The session will conclude with a presentation by
the Environmental Protection how the changes will affect ENERGY STAR Homes.
Home Performance Diagnostics: Better Solutions & Better Sales (Affordable
Comfort Track)
Presenter:
Joe Kuonen, Comfort Diagnostics & Solutions, Inc.
Cavalier Room
Learn how home performance contractors use diagnostics to appeal to
customers' hot buttons for comfortable, healthy homes, and thrifty utility
costs. REAL customer service really sells solutions, and plenty of them!
"Rater Training Providers Workshop" - How to Effectively Work with New
RESNET National Rater Core Test
Moderator:
Kathy Spigarelli, RESNET
Presenters:
Michael Andreyuk, Southface Energy Institute
Mark Jansen, Energy Efficient Homes Midwest
Douglas Walter, Kansas Building Science Institute
Conference Center Room D
In 2005 RESNET will begin administering the national rater core test through
its internet server. This will create challenges to rater training providers
in fitting the test into its class schedule. This interactive session will
develop innovative solutions to meeting this challenge.
ACCA Manual J Load Calculation - An Overview for the Energy Rater
Moderator:
Kristin Shewfelt, E-Star Colorado
Presenters:
Dennis Storer, Calcs Plus
Ken Summers, The Comfort Institute
Conference Center Room C
A key element in a high performance home is the proper sizing of the HVAC
system. The industry standard for HVAC load calculations is the Air
Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J. This session will
provide an overview of this tool for raters and discuss the impacts that the
tool can have ratings and the business opportunities it presents to raters.
"Completing the Circle" - The Builder - Rater - Utility Relationship and
Energy Codes
Moderator
Thomas Hamilton, CHEERS
Presenters:
Cece Barros, Pacific Gas & Electric
David Blanke, Southern California Gas
Elisa Clifford, Southern California Edison
Conference Center Room B
Change in state energy codes have a significant impact on the rating
industry as well as the building industry. It is important that raters be
current on the code and the verification requirements that are necessary in
order to function as an effective liaison to the builder. Utility
residential energy efficiency programs support changes in the energy code
but are most effective when they prepare and educate the builders and raters
for these changes. Additionally the rater serves an important function as a
link between the builder and the utility. This presentation will review the
success of the California Energy Star New Homes Program and its
effectiveness in preparing builders for code changes and the impact the
program has had on the rating industry in California and the future outlook
of the program in California.
Break Out Session 4
10:30`a.m. - Noon
"Zero Energy Homes Performance" - A Sacramento, California Case Study
(Builder Track)
Moderator:
Charles Segerstrom, Pacific Gas & Electric
Presenter:
Michael Keesee, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Hildago Ballroom B & C
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is involved in a 95 unit
Zero Energy Home community. As part of the project SMUD is conducting an
extensive monitoring project in which the Zero Energy Homes will be compared
to a non-Zero Energy Home community of homes of comparable size and home
buyers. The two communities that are being evaluated are literally across
the street from each other. In this session SMUD's project manager will
present the results of the performance evaluation and discuss the
ramifications to the rating industry.
Preventing and Solving Moisture Problems (Affordable Comfort Track)
Presenter:
Doug Garrett, Building Performance and Comfort, Inc.
Cavalier Room
Learn to analyze moisture problems and generate solutions from a "whole
house" perspective. Understand what conditions support mold growth and how
to prevent its occurrence or re-occurrence. Gain a better appreciation for
how well-intentioned efforts to solve problems can produce negative
side-effects.
"Truly Going to a Systems Engineering Approach" - The Expansion of the
Rating Method to Account for Lighting, Appliances, and On-Site Energy
Production
Moderator:
Tei Simmerman, Florida Solar Energy Center
Presenters:
Richard Faesy, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Dave Roberts, Architectural Energy Corporation
Conference Center Room D
Currently only the energy used for heating, cooling, and providing hot water
for a home is considered in the rating score. It is well established that
these end uses represent only a part of a home's energy use. With the
emergence of the Zero Energy Home there is a need to account for all of the
factors that consume energy in a home. In its effort to bring the national
home energy rating standards into the 21st Century RESNET has adopted a
change to the national technical standards that will allow raters to take
these features into account. This session will discuss these improvements
and explore their implications to the rating industry.
"Keeping Everything on the Level" - RESNET's New Rater Codes of Ethics,
Standards of Practice and Financial Interest Disclosure
Moderator:
Bill Lilly, California Living and Energy
Presenters:
Ben Adams, MaGrann Associates
Steve Baden, RESNET
Conference Center Room C
Maintaining the consumer's trust in the rating service is a key factor in
maintaining the health and growth of the rating industry. In order to
maintain this credibility RESNET has adopted a Rating Codes of Ethics and a
standard Rating Financial Interest Disclosure Form. In addition by the time
of the conference RESNET will have adopted a Rating Standards of Practice
that all raters and rating providers will be required to subscribe to. This
session will explain these new elements and what they will require the rater
to do. It will also explore how raters can use these new tools to market
their services.
"Taking Care of Business" - Best Practices for Running and Growing a
Rating Service Company
Moderator
Douglas Walter, Kansas Building Science Institute
Presenters
Steve Byers, BuiltWright
Kathy Howard, Energy Sense
Isaac Savage, Home Energy Partners
Conference Center Room B
This session will provide a "real world" example of the secrets of the trade
of running and growing a successful, profitable rating business. The session
will address such issues as hiring, training and retaining quality rating
staff, record keeping, pricing, managing growth, staff responsibilities,
etc.
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Conference Center Courtyard
RESNET Quality Assurance Committee Meeting
Conference Center Room B
RESNET Membership Services Meeting
Conference Center Room C
Special Lunch Sessions
"Learn About Enhancements to TREAT"
Presenter:
Greg Thomas, Performance Systems Development, Inc.
Conference Center Room D
Lots of new enhancements to the TREAT energy rating and home performance
contracting software tool are in the works, including rapid building
prototyping. Also learn about some of the advanced features available in
TREAT like matching your model to partial year energy bills, predicting
energy use month-by-month post construction or post retrofit, and how to
track the rating, savings and usage prediction information for large numbers
of buildings using online databases that link to TREAT.
Special Affordable Comfort Session
Crawl Spaces: Challenges & Solutions
Presenter:
Joe Kuonen, Comfort Diagnostics & Solutions, Inc.
Cavalier Room
Recent research and practical applications in the field are diametrically
opposed to conventional crawlspace "wisdom." See how ventilation causes
uncontrolled humidity, wood moisture, and encourages mold growth and termite
activity. Find out why and how progressive contractors and building
scientists are installing 100% vapor barriers, sealing off vents, and moving
the thermal barrier location. Learn how to create dry, durable, "healthy"
crawlspaces while generating over 15% energy savings.
Break Out Session 5
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
"Giving Credit to Quality Installation" - New Insulation Inspection
Procedures (Builders Track)
Moderator:
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Presenters:
Mark Jansen, Energy Efficient Homes Midwest
Kelly Parker, Guaranteed Watt Saver Systems
Hildago Ballroom B & C
Everyone knows that the energy performance of a home's insulation is
effected by the quality of the installation of the insulation. To improve
the way that the rating industry accounts for the quality of the insulation
installation, RESNET has adopted clearer insulation inspection procedures.
This session will provide the details of the new procedures and discuss the
effects it will have on the rating process.
Do No Harm: Combustion Safety (Affordable Comfort Track)
Presenter:
Rich Moore, Invisible Energy
Cavalier Room
Effective insulation and air sealing treatments can make a huge difference
in the tightness of a home. In some cases, well-intentioned work can cause
undesirable and dangerous consequences. Understand the conditions that
contribute to back drafting, spillage, or carbon monoxide production. Be
better able to recognize visual indicators of combustion problems. Learn how
integrating combustion safety testing can lower your liability and increase
your profit.
"Taking It to the Streets" - Principles Needed to be Considered in
Developing a Successful Rating Business
Moderator:
Carrie Ann Wall, Metro Code Analysis
Presenters:
Steve Baden, RESNET
Claudia Brovick, RESNET
Conference Center Room D
Will present the key elements that successful rating businesses have
employed in making their services profitable. This session will address such
strategic considerations as defining your services, customers, marketing
strategies and developing strategic partners.
"Setting the Standard for Sampling" - The Path of Developing an Industry
Sampling Standard
Moderator:
Daran Wastchak, D.R. Wastchak, LLC
Presenters:
Steve Gleaves, HomeEnergy Fix
Lee O'Neal, Nspects
David Wilson, Energy Rated Homes of Utah
Conference Center Room C
RESNET has formed a Rating Sampling Standard Task force. The purpose of the
task force is to develop an industry standard for sampling and create an
accreditation process for sampling providers. The RESNET effort is built
upon the new EPA sampling protocol developed by EPA.
Designing Effective Rating Quality Control Programs to Influence Positive
Changes in the Rating Industry: Colorado, Texas and Louisiana Case Studies
Moderator:
Jonathan Passe, Environmental Protection Agency
Presenters:
Megan Edmunds, E-Star Colorado
Buddy Justice, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
Brian Smith, ICF Consulting
Mike Stockard, TXU Electric Delivery
Conference Center Room B
The Dallas utility, TXU Electric Delivery's ENERGY STAR Homes Program has
undertaken a comprehensive rating quality control and assurance program.
This program has influenced the substantial growth of the rating industry in
north central Texas where over 39,000 ENERGY STAR Homes have been labeled in
3 years. ICF Consulting, on behalf of TXU established a unique QC/QA program
that identifies discrepancies in home analysis and inspection and testing
procedures among the certified raters and rating providers. The findings
then are used to stimulate continuous improvements in the rater training and
home verification process while encouraging the implementation of industry
standards and adoption of best practices through the Texas Home Energy
Rating Organization, an organization of the accredited rating providers in
the state. The presenters of the session would be representatives of TXU and
ICF Consulting. E-Star Colorado has developed an innovative and
comprehensive rating quality assurance program. The Louisiana state energy
office has also launched an aggressive rater quality assurance program. A
representative of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources will present
their state's effort.
Break Out Session 6
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
"A New Environment for Builders Raters" - Changes to the International
Energy Conservation Code and Minimum Air Conditioner Manufacturing
Efficiency Standards (Builder Track)
Moderator:
Dave Roberts, Architectural Energy Corporation
Presenters:
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Michael Holtz, Architectural Energy Corporation
Hildago Ballroom B & C
2006 will see a number of improvements for defining energy efficiency that
will a dramatic impact on builders. The 2006 version of the IECC will
incorporate the most robust performance path for the IECC. In addition the
new minimum efficiency manufacturing for air conditioners will move from 10
to 13 SEER. The 2006 version of the IECC will require the base efficiency of
air conditioners to be 13 SEER. This session will quantify the effects of
these changes and discuss the effects this will have to the ENERGY STAR
Homes Program.
Central Air Conditioning System RX (Affordable Comfort Track)
Presenter:
Doug Garrett, Building Performance and Comfort, Inc.
Cavalier Room
In recent field research, sixty percent of residential air conditioning
units had either the incorrect charge or incorrect airflow. Find out how
system design, sizing, air balancing, duct location, and duct system
tightness can impact comfort, equipment life, system efficiency, and
surprisingly, building durability and safety.
"Keeping Things Tight" - The Latest in Blower Door and Duct Testing
Technology
Moderator:
Steve Byers, EnergySmiths, Inc.
Presenter:
Gary Nelson, Energy Conservatory
Conference Center Room D
This session would feature Gary Nelson of the Energy Conservatory and
feature the latest advancements in blower door and duct testing equipment.
Building America Implications For the Rater
Moderator:
George James, U.S. Department of Energy Building America Team
Panelists:
Tracy Fogelsong, EnerCalc Nevada
Ken Fonorow, Florida H.E.R.O.
Lee O'Neal, NSpects
Conference Center Room C
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program is the leading
force for the engineered systems approach to building. The program has made
major made major technical advancements in building performance. This
session will focus on how the program has worked with certified raters and
what role a home energy rater can play in deploying the technologies and
building practices pioneered through the program.
"Keeping Things Above Board" - New EPA and RESNET Consumer Complaint
Protocols
Moderator:
Mike Baker, TXU Electric Delivery
Presenters:
Steve Baden, RESNET
Sam Rashkin, Environmental Protection Agency
Conference Center B
A key element of providing quality assurance is the way that consumer
complaints are addressed. The process must be transparent, accessible, fair
and deliberative. RESNET and EPA have adopted protocols for addressing
consumer complaints. This session will review these protocols, explore how
they will be aligned and explain how impact raters and builders.
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
RESNET's Beer and Margarita Fiesta
Exhibit Area
Wednesday, March 2, 2004
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Registration & Continental Breakfast - Exhibits Open
Exhibit Area - Hidalgo Ballroom A
Break Out Session 7
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
"Home Energy Ratings and Green Buildings" - U.S. Green Building Council's
Residential LEED Program (Builder Track)
Moderator:
Richard Faesy, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Presenters:
Anne Edminster, Design AVEnues
Jay Hall, U.S. Green Building Council
Kristin Shewfelt, E-Star Colorado
Hildago Ballroom B & C
The U.S. Green Building Council is in the process of developing a
residential green building rating program. As part of this effort the
organization is conducting a program to pilot the effort in targeted housing
markets. This session would focus on its ramifications for the home energy
rating industry and what relationship should RESNET have with the LEED
residential program. It will also provide an update of the pilot program and
explain how raters can become involved in the effort.
Establishing a Home Performance Contracting Business (Affordable Comfort
Track)
Presenter:
Mike Woodson, Practically Free Energy
Cavalier Room
Learn how two entrepreneurs were able to start up a home performance
business which broke even on their initial investment within three months,
and generates an 80+% profit margin. This session is for those interested in
starting their own home performance business, or improving their existing
business revenues through "value-added" services and products.
"Putting the Internet to Work for You" - Using a Web Site to Market Your
Rating Business
Moderator:
Chris Maher, Thermo-Scan Inspections
Presenter:
Randy Martin, R. L. Martin Associates
Conference Center Room D
The Internet presents a powerful tool for a rating service company to
project its image and services to the market place. This session would
feature RESNET's web master Randy Martin who will describes the benefits of
a web site, how to build the site into a rater's business and marketing plan
and how to start your own web site.
"Taking A New Way Look at Duct Leakage" - Issues Related to Delta Q and
Other Duct Tightness Tests
Moderator:
Steve Saunders, TexEnergy Solutions
Presenter:
Ian Walker, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
Conference Center Room C
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) has developed a Delta Q protocol for
measuring duct tightness. Many members of the rating industry are not aware
of this method for protocol. This session would present a forum on this new
method. It would be started with an explanation of what Delta Q is, what the
benefits are, what the LBL research has found, and where is the protocol in
terms of commercial product availability. The session then would involve an
open forum in which the merits can be discussed and questions answered.
Rating Business Model: Serving the Production Builder Needs
Moderator:
John "Chip" Henderson, CONTECTS - Consultants & Architects
Presenters:
Kelly Parker, Guaranteed Watt Saver Systems
Daran Wastchak, D.R. Wastchak LLC
Conference Center Room B
The ENERGY STAR Homes Program is attracting more and more production
builders. From Arizona to Texas ENERGY STAR Homes has become mainstream in
many housing markets. This session will focus on how successful rating firms
have captured this dynamic market by adding builder training into their
rating services. This session would be a follow-up to the popular session by
Kelly Parker and Daran Wastchak.
Break Out Session 8
10:30 a.m. - Noon
"Let the Word Go Forth" - ENERGY STAR Homes New Marketing Tools (Builder
Track)
Moderator:
Steve Gleaves, HomeEnergy Fix
Presenter:
Sam Rashkin, Environmental Protection Agency
Hildago Ballroom B & C
EPA has developed a series of new marketing tools to promote ENERGY STAR
Homes. In this session Sam Rashkin of EPA will introduce new tools such as
the "Sales Tool Kit" and "Home Calc, explain how the work, why raters and
their builder partners should use them, and their potential benefits as
tools for growing their rating business.
Introduction to Home Performance with ENERGY STAR ® (Affordable Comfort
Track)
Presenters:
Megan Edmunds, E-Star Colorado
Andrew Fisk, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Mike Rogers, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
Cavalier Room
Explore results and lessons learned over the last four years, and new
directions planned for the coming year with Home Performance with ENERGY
STAR®® program implementers. The session will be of primary interest to
states, utilities, and other program implementers interested in pursuing a
comprehensive approach to improving the efficiency of existing homes. It
will be most useful for those seeking an introduction to, or quick update
on, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®.
"It Can be Done" - Quality Assurance and the Small Rating Provider
Moderator:
Robby Schwarz, BuiltWright
Presenters
Chip Henderson, CONTECTS - Consultants & Architects
Chris Johnson, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative
Ryan Oldfied, Appreciated Energy
Conference Center Room D
The new RESNET rating quality assurance procedures can prove to be a
challenge to the rating provider that only has one or two raters. This
session will present a case study of a Colorado rating provider's quality
assurance provisions and feature a discussion of how rating providers with
this business model can cost-effectively comply with the new RESNET
procedures.
"Ensuring National Consistency" - Verification Protocols for Rating
Software Programs, Tax Credits and Energy Code Compliance
Moderator:
Michael Holtz, Architectural Energy Corporation
Presenters:
Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center
Dave Roberts, Architectural Energy Corporation
Conference Center Room B
Working in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy, the Renewable
Energy Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest Laboratory, RESNET has developed a
software testing and verification standard to ensure national consistency in
the way software programs calculate energy savings for home energy ratings,
tax credits, and the International Energy Conservation Code. This session
would discuss the proposed standard, the technical issues involved, and the
implications to the rating industry.
"Career Path for Raters" - Developing New Definitions for Rater
Certification
Moderator:
Steve Baden, RESNET
Presenters:
Ken Fonorow, Florida H.E.R.O.
Kristin Shewfelt, E- Star Colorado
Gayle Sampson, Mid-West Building Diagnostics
Conference Center Room C
RESNET has formed a Definitions of Rater Certification Task Force. The task
force is exploring establishing categories of certification of raters above
the basic rater certification. The goal is to provide raters a career path
and for recognizing of knowledge, skills, and experience above and beyond
the basic rater certification. This session will provide an update on the
task force's deliberations and will be interactive to attendees on the
issue.
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Conference Center Courtyard
RESNET Technical Committee Meeting
Conference Center Room B
RESNET Training and Education Committee Meeting
Conference Center Room C
Break Out Session 9
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
New Business Opportunities with ENERGY STAR (Builder Track)
Moderator:
Ed Carr, Comfort Home Corporation
Presenter:
Sam Rashkin, Environmental Protection Agency
Hidalgo Ball Room B & C
EPA has introduced two new components of its suite for ENERGY STAR Homes,
the "ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package" and the "ENERGY STAR for Homes
Indoor Air Quality Label". In this session EPA will explain these two new
components by explaining what they are and explore how they can add value to
a rater's services.
"Creating a Level Planning Field" - Making Blower Door Duct Leakage
Testing Consistent Among Raters
Moderator:
David Meisegeier, ICF Consulting
Presenter:
Kelly Parker, Guaranteed Watt Saver Systems
Cavalier Room
In 2006 the national home energy rating standards will require that raters
must use the protocol contained in ASHRAE Standard 119 Section 5.1 for
blower testing and ASHRAE Standard 152 Annex D for duct tightness testing.
This session will provide a overview of the new requirement and explain what
it will mean in terms of consistency of the results of the diagnostic
testing.
Case Studies of Rating Business Model of Rating Services With Applied
Building Science Consulting
Moderator:
Gayle Sampson, Mid-West Building Diagnostics
Presenters:
Tracy Fogelsong, EnerCalc Nevada
Ken Fonorow, Florida H.E.R.O.
Lee O'Neal, Nspects
Conference Center Room D
A successful rating business strategy is to combine building science
consulting with rating services. This session would focus on how successful
rating companies have added building science consulting as a profitable
added value service.
"And Now for Something Completely Different" - The Power of the Internet
Blog and Introduction to RESNET's Blog
Moderator:
Randy Martin, R.L. Martin Associates
Presenter
Claudia Brovick, RESNET
Conference Center Room C
The Internet's blog is increasingly being relied upon for the latest
information in an interactive format that is not filtered by news editors
and agendas. The 2004 presidential campaign has shown the power of the blog
to energize people and draw like-minded people into a "virtual community"
not confined by geography. RESNET has recently launched "RESBlog" that posts
the latest developments in the rating industry and facilitates an on-line
dialog on issues featured. This session will introduce the emerging
information power of the blog, how to tap into RESBlog and how you can
create your own rating blog.
Training and Certification of Rating Data Collectors: A Texas Model
Moderator:
Mark Curry, Energy Sense
Presenters:
Michael Andreyuk, Southface Energy Institute
John Ashe, ICF Consulting
Conference Center Room B
Many rating business models use data collectors to inspect the home and
provide the certified rater the data collected to produce the rating. There
are currently no training or experience or training requirements for these
data collectors. RESNET is considering adding a category of certified data
collector to the rater certifications. In Texas ICF Consulting and Southface
Energy Institute conducted a special data collector training and testing
course targeting these data collector needs. This session will explore the
results of this pilot effort and discuss the national implications of
certifying rating data collectors.
Break Out Session 10
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Rater Trainer and Rating Provider Quality Assurance Designee National
Test
Hidalgo Ball Room B & C
Beginning on April 1, 2005, the RESNET national home energy rating standards
require that rater trainers and rating provider quality assurance designee
must pass a RESNET administered test. RESNET will be conducting the test at
this time on-line. Those interested in taking the test must register prior
to the test. To register for the test and for more information contact
Claudia Brovick at 651-398-7929 or e-mail
cbrovick@natresnet.org.
"Towards Tomorrow" - Development of a Rating Path to Energy Codes
Moderator:
Tom Fitzpatrick, Energy Systems Laboratory
Presenter:
David Wilson, Energy Rated Homes of Utah
Cavalier Room
Home energy ratings provide an outstanding opportunity to increase the
performance of energy codes. Already 11 states have recognized this and have
incorporated ratings as a compliance option in their energy codes. Home
energy ratings will become even more viable as the 2006 version of the
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) becomes adopted. Bill Prindle
of the American Council of an Energy Efficient Economy has proposed an
amendment to the IECC that explicitly recognizes ratings as a compliance
tool. This session will explore the opportunity of a home energy rating path
to energy codes and what would be involved in a rating mapping analysis.
"Multifamily ENERGY STAR" - A Facilitated Discussion
Moderator:
C.T. Loyd, The Nelrod Company
Presenters:
John Jennings, Conservation Services Group
Andrew Padian, Steven Winter Associates
Conference Center Room D
This would present a facilitated session that will put together the most
important parts of testing for multifamily buildings to meet ENERGY STAR
standards. Subjects would include: air tightness testing protocols that are
cost effective and work; dealing with large central heating, DHW, and
cooling equipment; learning how to test during construction; getting a
multi-family developer on board; and what items are integral to multifamily
ENERGY STAR that needs to be addressed in addition to those items in single
family ENERGY STAR. Suggested presenters include John Tooley (Advanced
Energy), John Jennings (CSG) & Andrew Padian (Steven Winter Associates).
"Moving ENERGY STAR to the Great White North" - Canada and ENERGY STAR
Moderator:
Sam Rashkin, Environmental Protection Agency
Presenter:
Bruce Gough, Energy Building Group
Conference Center Room C
Following the 2004 RESNET Conference a group of interested parties began
working with existing government agencies in Canada to develop an Energy
Star for Homes program for the Province of Ontario (40-45% of all housing
starts in Canada). The development work has been undertaken by Bruce Gough
of Energy Building Group and by Tim Mayo - a former manager of the R2000
Program in Canada, and was supported by the EnerQuality Corporation, an
efficiency delivery agency of housing programs in Ontario, with backing from
our major gas utilities and the provincial government. The project is also
supported by Natural Resources Canada, a department of the Government of
Canada which provides various efficiency programs in Canada including R2000,
EnerGuide (for appliances and homes) and Energy Star for appliances and
windows. Natural Resources Canada has negotiated the license agreement for
the use of Energy Star for Homes in Canada with the US EPA. The official
announcement of a two year pilot is scheduled for 12th January, 2005 at the
Ontario Builder Forum in Toronto. Completions of the first Energy Star
Ontario homes should occur in early summer, 2005.