Tax Credits and Ratings, 2009.

RESNET has completed its survey on the number of tax credit verifications and ratings that were completed in 2009.

In 2009 97,495 homes were rated. This is down from 100,045 homes that were rated in 2008. But the reduction is not as great as the reduction in the number of homes built in the U.S. This means that while the housing market continues to dip the number of ratings is holding pretty steady.

The story is even better for the federal tax credit for new homes. In 2009 the numbers of homes verified as meeting the tax credit was 26,598. This is up from the 21,939 homes that were verified in 2008.

This demonstrates the effectiveness of the tax credit for energy efficient homes. While the housing market continues to be in a depression, more builders are seeing the economic value of building homes that are rated as high performing. It is appropriate that the extension of the tax credit has been approved by the U.S. Senate and awaiting approval by the House.

My congratulations to the nation's raters who have tirelessly worked with their builders to improve home performance even in these hard economic times.


Steve Baden
Executive Director
RESNET

2010 RESNET Conference Hotel Filled - Alternative Hotels Close to the Conference Hotel Posted

The 2010 RESNET Building Performance Conference will take place at the Hilton North Raleigh. The hotel is now filled. RESNET has secured a limited number of rooms at the Hyatt. You can call 919-877-9997 and use the group code RESN for a rate of $119/night. There are other hotel options close to the conference hotel to view these options click on http://www.resnet.us/conference/2010/hotel-alternatives.htm

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.