So much of the work we do is built on relationships. From getting to know our clients, understanding their needs and priorities to securing contracts, and helping their businesses thrive, relationships are at the heart of our industry. The same is true within our own organizations. Building a successful business means hiring and supporting employees, understanding their individual needs and motivations, and leading a team that works together to deliver quality services. Yes, it’s business, but it’s also personal. Behind every business are people with different goals, responsibilities, and motivations. Some are working to support their families, build financial security, pursue a passion, make a difference or simply earn a paycheck. These personal motivations shape how our clients, builders, trades and employees approach their work and remind us that the relationships we build matter. Strong relationships help us navigate both the good times and the challenging ones. This becomes especially important as our industry continues to evolve and new standards and codes introduce changes to the way we do business. Having established relationships allows us to communicate openly, work through challenges, and help our clients prepare for what’s ahead. ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301–2022 completed the standard development process and was published several years ago. Originally scheduled to become mandatory for RESNET HERS® Ratings on July 1, 2025, implementation was postponed to provide the industry with additional time to prepare for changes that presented challenges to many stakeholders. Now a year and a half later, the mandatory compliance date of January 1, 2027 is quickly approaching. The updated standard introduces changes to field verification, performance testing, documentation, and energy modeling. For some builders and trades, these updates may also require adjustments to existing building practices. For some stakeholders, the transition to ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2022 may bring challenges, uncertainty, and a learning curve. However, the relationships we have cultivated with our clients, trade partners and employees will play an important role in helping everyone navigate these changes. By continuing to strengthen these relationships, we can build greater trust, encourage collaboration, and establish a stronger foundation for adapting to future advancements in industry standards. Voluntary use of 301-2022 has been permitted since January 1, 2025 and many Rating providers and Rating companies have already begun transitioning and incorporating new processes into their operations. To better understand how the updated standard may affect builder clients and their trade parters, HERS Raters should proactively evaluate multiple energy modeling scenarios across their projects. This approach can help identify potential impacts, anticipate necessary adjustments, and provide builders with the information and guidance they need to prepare for the changes ahead. For example, in certain climate zones, central fan integrated supply (CFIS) systems located in unconditioned space may significantly increase a home’s HERS Rating. Evaluating these scenarios in advance can help identify potential concerns and determine whether adjustments to system placement or design may be beneficial. It is important to recognize and acknowledge that some of these updates may present challenges for builder clients and their trade partners. Continuing to strengthen relationships and maintain open communication will encourage a more collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to understanding and adapting to 301-2022 as well as future standard updates. With the implementation of 301-2022, field data verification and collection processes will need to be updated to capture additional information. These updates include roof type, roof shape and eave geometry; additional data points for domestic hot water systems, clothes dryers, and ceiling fans; expanded CFIS system data, home battery storage information, and dimensions of through wall HVAC equipment, including applicable mini-split heat pump installations, to accurately account for exterior wall area. Wall orientation will remain optional for verification and energy modeling. 301-2022 also introduces updates to performance testing requirements, including blower door testing setup for attics, basements and crawlspaces, as well as revised testing procedures for attached dwelling units. Additional guidance addresses the proper handling of mechanical openings during blower door and duct testing and clarifies the criteria for applying duct testing exceptions. And lastly, 301-2022 introduces updated and additional energy modeling requirements, including procedures for modeling untested duct systems and incorporating new data collected through expanded field verification processes. The standard also includes documentation verification requirements related to REC status of on-site renewable energy production and supporting documentation for fenestration efficiency ratings. Building strong relationships with your team and streamlining your processes for your field verifiers and energy modelers will help create a more collaborative and efficient transition to 301-2022. It is important to recognize that these updates may introduce additional responsibilities and increase workloads for employees. By provided clear guidance, effective training, and streamlined procedures, you can help minimize confusion, reduce unnecessary stress, and ensure your team feels supported and prepared to adapt to the new requirements. At a time when new home construction activity has slowed and many businesses are carefully managing expenses, some of these changes may feel like an additional burden. However, with the January 1, 2027 mandatory compliance date for 301-2022 standard is quickly approaching, preparing for the transition is more important than ever. By continuing to nurture strong relationships with clients, builders, trade partners, and employees, we can foster open communication, encourage collaboration, and work together to navigate these changes more smoothly. Ultimately, a successful transition is about more than meeting new technical requirements. It is about supporting one another, strengthening our industry, and advancing RESNET’s mission: To make the energy use of all homes transparent, thereby driving residential sector energy use toward net zero. Article 1 in the ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2022 series Article 2 in the ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2022 series
