Reminders: January 18 Cut- Off for Discounts for RESNET Conference Registration & Hotel Rooms

"Early Bird" Conference Registration Discount

RESNET is offering an “early bird” discount for registering early for the 2010 RESNET Building Performance Conference. The deadline for this registration discount is January 18, 2010. The price of registration will increase by $100 after the date. Register today for the 2010 RESNET Conference online at http://www.resnet.us/conference/2010/registration.htm

Conference Hotel Registration Discount

The 2010 RESNET Building Performance Conference will take place at the Hilton North Raleigh. RESNET has arranged for a special RESNET Conference of rate of $129 per night. To take advantage of the special RESNET rate you must make your reservations by January 18, 2009. You can make your reservations online by clicking on: http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/RDUNHHF-RES-20100217/index.jhtml Be sure to enter the special RESNET Conference group code RES. If you have any difficulty with your reservation please contact Vincent Washington of the Hilton North Raleigh Hotel at 919-719-4938 or vincent.washington@hilton.com.

2010 RESNET Building Performance Conference Agenda and Session Descriptions Posted

RESNET has posted the agenda and description of sessions that will be offered at the 2010 RESNET Conference. To view the agenda and session descriptions click on http://www.resnet.us/conference/2010/2010_RESNET_Conference_Agenda.pdf

Reminder:

January 18, 2010 is the deadline for receiving the conference "early bird" registration discount. Register today at http://www.resnet.us/conference/2010/registration.htm

Changes to the ENERGY STAR for Homes Program

EPA has posted its proposed changes to the ENERGY STAR for Homes Program. The changes are a result of the input it received from the first round of the public review and comment process. EPA has opened a second round of public review and comment process through December 16, 2009. To view the proposed revisions, revised quality checklists, EPA's response to the first round of comments, and an online form to submit your comments on the proposed revision click on http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_2011_comments

RESNET Posts Preliminary Sessions to be Offered at the 2010 RESNET Conference

RESNET has posted the preliminary listing and descriptions of the breakout sessions that will be offered at the 2010 RESNET Building Performance Conference. The conference will offer 70 breakout sessions that will include special Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, North Carolina ENERGY STAR and Advanced Energy Building Science tracks. The sessions that were selected were result of a nomination process that resulted in over 160 nominations and an online vote in which over 430 persons participated. To view the preliminary listing of sessions click on http://www.resnet.us/conference/2010/sessions.pdf

RESNET Proposes Amendments to the National Home Energy Rating Standards

RESNET has submitted a set of proposed amendments to the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards for the standard amendment public review and comment process.

The proposed amendments are:

Editorial Revision of RESNET Quality Assurance Procedures
Proposed by the RESNET Quality Assurance and Ethics CommitteeThe RESNET Standards have quality assurance (QA) requirements stipulated throughout the various chapters, making it confusing for the Rating Industry to have a clear understanding of all of the RESNET QA requirements, how these requirements affect them and what, exactly, they are responsible for. To address these issues, the RESNET Quality Assurance and Ethics Committee has undertaken an extensive Standards revisions process with two goals in mind. The first goal is to consolidate all of the RESNET QA requirements into a new chapter in the Standards.
Rater Trainer Minimum Competencies
Proposed by the RESNET Training and Education CommitteeRequires rater trainers having minimum training in training adults.
Revision of Process of Amending RESNET Standards
Proposed by the RESNET Standards CommitteeAmends process for approving amendments to RESNET Standards.

Public comments on all of the proposals will be accepted until December 1, 2009.

To view the proposed amendments click on http://www.resnet.us/standards/mortgage/amendments/2009/2009-02/default.htm

To submit comments on any of the proposed amendments click on http://www.resnet.us/standards/mortgage/amendments/comment.aspx?SeriesID=18 Comments are posted real time and you will be able to review comments that were submitted by clicking on http://www.resnet.us/standards/mortgage/amendments/comments.aspx?SeriesID=18

At the completion of the comment period, the RESNET Training and Education Committee will review the comments and revise the amendment where appropriate. The amendment will then be submitted to the Amendment Revision Committee that is composed of three representatives of the rating industry and three representatives of state energy offices. The RESNET Board will then consider the recommendations of the revision committee and vote on whether to adopt the amendments.

U.S. Green Building Council Accepting Applications for LEED for Homes Providers

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes program is seeking LEED for Homes Providers. New LEED for Homes Providers will be selected based on a combination of criteria:

· Existing builder and multi-family developer relationships, with strong capabilities to gain market traction for LEED for Homes in their respective markets.
· The company’s demonstrated ability to train and supervise green raters.
· The organization’s knowledge, depth and experience in the fields of green homebuilding (including energy efficiency, IEQ, water efficiency, and sustainable use of materials and land).

The Request for Qualification (RFQ) application will be available on Monday October 19th. Interested organizations can download the RFQ documents at http://www.usgbc.org/homes.

Applications are due by Monday November 30th, 2009.

Exclusive Free Webinar for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Companies

Senate Climate and Energy Bill: Key Elements for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 2:00 to ~ 3:00 pm, EST

Go to www.efficiencycouncil.org/webinar.html to register

Please register by COB October 20th – only 500 companies/callers can be accommodated!

Registration is free, but you must register as information is intended only for energy efficiency and renewable energy companies

This webinar will discuss the Senate’s draft climate and clean energy legislation, the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (CEJAPA). Following a quick summary of the House’s American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) of 2009, we will provide an overview of CEJAPA. CEJAPA includes a pollution reduction and investment plan designed to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020. Other provisions include energy efficiency incentives, support for renewable energy, and grants for green jobs. CEJAPA is supported by the Obama Administration. The Senate is now reviewing the draft, and businesses like yours have a powerful voice to impact the contents of the final bill! Greg Nelson, White House Office of Public Liaison Associate Director of Energy, Environment, and Technology, along with industry experts will discuss the contents of the Senate bill; compare it to the House bill, with a focus on key energy efficiency and renewable provisions; discuss potential alternatives; and outline the expected timeline for legislative action. Industry representatives will also explain the importance of the legislation to the industry and invite participants to show their support and tell them how.

RESNET Adopts New Procedures of Proctoring of RESNET National Tests

In order to achieve the goal of allocating more time for rater candidates to be in the classroom and the field as part of rater training, the RESNET Training and Education Committee have adopted new procedures for the proctoring of the RESNET National Tests. Rater training providers will now be given the option for rater candidates to have their test proctored by an independent third party institution. In addition the committee restricted eligible third party proctoring institutions to:

Schools
Colleges
Libraries
Independent Testing Centers

The new procedures goes into effect immediately. The amended procedures for proctoring of RESNET tests are posted at http://www.resnet.us/programs/training/proctoring.htm

Rate homes from a greener perspective. 2-day training event - November 9-10, 2009 - Arizona

Grand Resort, Phoenix, AZ Course qualifies for BPI and RESNET CEUs.Discover the “bigger green picture” and get invaluable content to help you better rate a home’s durability and energy efficiency. Hear from building science experts as they discuss principles such as the control of heat, air, moisture and IAQ and how to apply them to homes you are rating. Take this course and start the process of becoming a representative for the Environments For Living® program. Details available at the training event. Presentation by: John Toley, Senior Building Science Consultant. Register Online at environmentsforliving.com Register by Phone: (866) 912-7233

Legislation Introduced in Senate to Extend Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives and Create Incentives

The $2,000 tax credit for energy efficient homes will expire on January 1, 2010 unless extended by Congress . Bi-partisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to extend the $2,000 credit to December 31, 2012 and create a $5,000 credit for homes that use 50% less whole house energy than the 2004 IECC (50 HERS Index). The bill was co-sponsored by Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM). In addition, the legislation: Creates a $200 tax credit for the cost of a home energy rating Creates a $500 tax credit for the cost of training and certifying home performance auditors to conduct home energy ratings
Increases the amount of the tax incentive for commercial buildings to $3.00 per square foot Click on http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:s1637is.txt.pdf to download the legislation. It is critical that your voice is heard in Washington. Contact your state's Senators and urge to support legislation to extend the tax credit for energy efficient homes.

Sustainable Buildings & Construction Initiative

To ensure that the building sector is adequately covered in the successor treaty, the United Nations has formed the Sustainable Buildings & Construction Initiative (UNEP SBCI) that will make recommendations to the UNEP and the national leaders that will be negotiating the new climate change treaty. RESNET is a member of the UNEP SBCI. Other organizations representing the U.S. on the panel are Natural Resources Defense Council and the US Green Building Council. The SBCI has issued a call for action for the industry to support efforts to include building energy performance in the international climate treaty. RESNET supports the call for action and urges the U.S. negotiating team to the climate talks to adopt the principals contained in the call. The SBCI has produced a PDF version of the call to action on buildings and climate change that is posted at http://www.resnet.us/UNEP-SBCI-Call_to_Action.pdf The RESNET network is urged to download the call for action and share it with their partners, peers and allies.

Associated Press Story

In a reflection of the growing interest in energy efficient mortgages the Associated Press released a feature story on the mortgage feature. The story was published on the front page of the Miami Herald's Business Section on Sunday. The story can be downloaded at http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/1229689.html

RESNET Message on Energy Labeling and Energy Billing Analysis

Discussions of building labels worldwide have pointed out the difference between “asset value” labels, which are based on how a building performs at standard operating conditions and “operational value” labels, which are based on measurements of energy consumption using the operating conditions that are in use at a particular time. Most products, such as cars or appliances, are rated using asset value labels with a standardized operational component—for example, cars are rating by EPA miles per gallon (mpg) but are not resold based on the mpg that the seller actually obtained. But for buildings, analysts generally recognize that both results are useful. These two types of labels are very distinct and different ways of characterizing energy use, with different purposes. There have been much discussion and some misinformation on this subject. RESNET has posted a message on this critical issue at http://www.resnet.us/hotnews/2009-09-04-EnergyLabeling_and_EnergyBillingAnalysis.pdf

RESNET Co-Sponsors Webinar on Energy and Climate Legislation

RESNET is co-sponsoring a webinar on the federal energy and climate legislation. This is a great opportunity to get a one hour summary of what is in the House bill and what is happening next - specifically related to energy efficiency companies. We are very fortunate to have a very senior staffer from the House Committee to take us through the situation as well as some industry leaders who have been engaged in the legislation.

Exclusive Free Webinar for Energy Efficiency Companies
Energy Efficiency Elements and Key Issues of National Energy and Climate Legislation

Thursday, September 3, 20092:00 to ~ 3:00 pm, ESTGo to www.efficiencycouncil.org/webinar.html to register
Please register by COB September 2nd – only the first 150 companies/callers can be accommodatedFor more information contact Brandon.Smithwood@csgrp.com
Registration is free, but you must register as information is intended only for energy efficiency companies

This webinar will provide background on the federal American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) of 2009, the Waxman-Markey comprehensive energy bill, known as "ACES". ACES includes a cap-and-trade global warming reduction plan designed to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent by 2020. Other provisions include energy efficiency incentives, new renewable energy requirements for utilities, and grants for green jobs. ACES is supported by the Obama Administration and has been passed in the House. Next stop is the Senate where final provisions and even passage are to be determined. John Jimison, Senior Energy Counsel, House Energy and Commerce Committee along with industry experts will discuss the contents of the House bill, and review possible changes, status and timing of legislation in the Senate. Industry representatives will also explain the importance of the legislation to the industry and invite participants to show their support and tell them how.Call agenda:o General provisions of ACESo The energy efficiency related provisions of ACESo Senate bill status - possible changes, status and timing of legislation in the Senateo What you can do to voice your opinion and/or support the legislationo

Answers to questions posed by participants Webinar coordinated by: The Save Energy Coalition: http://www.nationalsaveenergycoalition.org/Sponsored by:California Energy Efficiency Industry Council http://www.efficiencycouncil.org/Clean Economy Network – http://www.cleaneconomy.net/Efficiency First http://www.efficiencyfirst.org/about/ National Association of Energy Service Companies http://www.naesco.org/Northeast Energy Efficiency Council http://www.neec.org/Northwest Energy Efficiency Council - http://www.neec.net/RESNET - http://www.resnet.us/

RESNET Adopts Policy on Rating Field Inspectors Who Did Not Pass RESNET Test by Deadline of August 1, 2009

August 1, 2009 was the deadline for rating field inspectors to have passed the RESNET Rating Field Inspector Test. The RESNET Training and Education Committee has adopted the following procedures that accredited rating providers must follow with those rating field inspectors who did not pass the test:

"By September 1, 2009, all accredited rating providers must initiate the first stage of the disciplinary process, probation, on all certified rating field inspectors who have not passed the RESNET test. By September 15, 2009, each provider shall submit to RESNET the list of rating field inspectors that are not in compliance with the test requirement. The terms of the probation for rating field inspectors that have not passed the test should stipulate that if the rating field inspector has not passed the test within 60 days the rater inspector will be suspended until he or she passes."

RESNET Seeking Nominations for Sessions/Presenters at Conference

RESNET is seeking nominations for sessions and presenters to be offered at the conference. The growing interest in the RESNET Conference is reflected in the number, diversity and quality of the sessions that were nominated in the past. To be a success in 2010, RESNET needs your ideas. The nominations offered by the RESNET network are the backbone of RESNET's conference agenda. To nominate a session(s) to be offered at the 2010 RESNET Conference, click on http://www.resnet.us/conference/2010/nomination.aspx You are encouraged to submit more than a single session. Please complete one form for each session being nominated. Remember - The deadline for nominations is September 1, 2009.

RESNET Adopts Amendment on Quality Assurance Designee and Rater Trainer Professional Development Requirements

The RESNET National Home Energy Rating Standards have been amendmended to include new require new professional development requirements for quality assurance designees and rater trainers.

Section 209 of the standards states:

209 Professional Development: Rater Trainer and Quality Assurance Designee

209.1 Rater Trainers

Rater Trainers annually shall complete a two hour RESNET roundtable on current information and complete one of the following activities:

209.1.1 Document 12 hours of attendance at the RESNET Conference or

209.1.2 Complete 12 hours of RESNET approved CEU’s, or

209.1.3 Instruct a minimum of ten (10) rater certification classes.

209.2 Quality Assurance Designees

Quality Assurance Designees annually shall complete a two hour RESNET roundtable on current information and complete one of the following activities:

209.2.1 Document 12 hours of attendance at the RESNET Conference or

209.2.2 Complete 12 hours of RESNET approved CEU’s, or

209.2.3 Documented field QA reviews minimum of 25 homes

209.3 A person that is both a Rater Trainer and Quality Assurance Designee shall have to complete both the two hour RESNET roundtable for a rater trainer and the two hour roundtable for quality assurance designees. The person selecting one of options in 209.1.1, 209.1.2, 209.2.1, or 209.2.2 will have the requirement met by attendance of one of the options.

The new requirements will go into effect on January 1, 2010.

RESNET will be conducting the required two hour roundtables at the 2010 RESNET Building Performance Conference. The RESNET Conference roundtables will be followed up by webinars later in 2010. The RESNET Training and Education Committee will adopt the specifics of the Continuing Education options at its annual meeting at the 2010 RESNET Conference.