Clearing the Path for Sustainable Residential Construction
As homebuilders work to differentiate themselves and provide a high-performance home to their customers, RESNET’s Network of HERS Raters provide the guidance. Builders are facing many obstacles and the need to consider cost and value is paramount. With the numerous high-performance home programs available, how is a builder supposed to navigate which is best for them and what will resonate with their customers?
Enter Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), which developed the HERS Index for HERS Ratings. The HERS Index provides a standardized measurement of a home’s energy efficiency. A lower HERS score indicates a more energy-efficient home, with the scale typically ranging from zero, a home producing as much energy as it consumes, to 100, equivalent energy consumption of a home built to meet the 2006 IECC. Homes can receive more than 100 and less than zero, depending on how inefficient or efficient they are. By utilizing HERS ratings, with the assistance of a HERS Rater, builders and developers can identify areas for improvement and implement energy-efficient technologies that align with sustainable building practices they want to market to their customers.
One of the most stringent programs is PHIUS (Passive House Institute U.S.) design, a cornerstone of sustainable architecture, focusing on maximizing natural energy sources while minimizing energy consumption. This approach involves designing buildings to leverage sunlight, wind and thermal mass to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without relying heavily on mechanical heating and cooling systems. HERS Raters are encouraged to incorporate additional training into their portfolio to fully grasp the concepts. These passive strategies not only improve energy efficiency but also contribute to a home’s aesthetic appeal, creating spaces that are bright, airy and inviting.
Net Zero homes generate as much energy as they consume over the course of a year, making them a pinnacle of sustainable building. Achieving net-zero status typically involves a combination of energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources and advanced technologies. By focusing on net-zero construction, builders can create homes that not only reduce their carbon footprint but also provide long-term savings on energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready program homes are designed around the same principles but allow the homeowner to choose the renewable energy technology to add later.
Green certifications play a crucial role in promoting sustainable building practices. Programs such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), ENERGY STAR, PHIUS, Zero Energy Ready Homes and EarthCraft provide frameworks for evaluating and certifying the sustainability of buildings using a RESNET Certified HERS Rater.
Adding a HERS Rater to the team is the simplest method of meeting not only code compliance, but also the above code programs. These certifications not only provide credibility and marketability to builders but also offer homeowners peace of mind, knowing their homes have been constructed to meet high standards.
Bringing the HERS Rater on early during the design phase is imperative. This allows time for preliminary modeling to determine if the programs are achievable within the standards and via the planned methods of construction, and what other programs the home may be eligible for through utility or locally offered rebates of tax credits. Any modifications to the plans or materials used can be made at this point.
To ensure smooth workflow, the HERS Rater makes incremental inspections to document progress. The three basic inspections are framing, insulation and a final inspection. The incremental nature of the inspections allows for any necessary corrections before the wallboard is installed. Once the wallboard goes up, any poorly installed insulation or missed penetrations will be inaccessible and can lead to failures and costly rework. The final inspection includes diagnostics to confirm air tightness thresholds and that equipment is operating at its required minimums. Commissioning of mechanical equipment is common and is conducted by a trained HERS Rater.
The integration of RESNET HERS Ratings into sustainable building practices is a game-changer for the building industry. By embracing strategies such as passive design, net-zero construction and the use of high-performance materials, builders can create homes that are not only energy-efficient but also resilient, durable and comfortable. The adoption of green certifications further enhances the credibility of these practices, ensuring that homes are built with quality. These approaches not only elevate a home’s aesthetic value but also support long-term comfort, efficiency and livability, paving the way for a more sustainable future in residential construction.
By working behind the scenes, a RESNET certified HERS Rater provides the knowledge and guidance to help builders differentiate themselves and provide more sustainable and resilient homes to their customers.
By Michael Matthews. He is the RESNET Programs Engagement Specialist. He may be reached at www.resnet.us.
This article appears in our September issue
