HERS® Raters and Energy Codes

HERS® Raters can play a vital role in the verification of compliance to energy codes. Across the nation, building code officials are relying on certified RESNET HERS® Raters to undertake the inspections and testing to verify whether a home complies with the energy code.

Why HERS® Raters?

Certified RESNET HERS® Raters bring the following qualifications to assist building departments:

Successfully completed stringent training and certification process following industry-recognized national standards that demonstrate knowledge in the applications of building science
Completes air leakage and duct tightness testing in accordance with the ANSI RESNET/International Code Council Standard 380.
Standard 380 is recognized in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
Adheres to strict quality assurance oversight standards set by RESNET

ICC IECC/HERS® Compliance Specialist Certification

The International Code Council (ICC) in cooperation with RESNET has developed a new ICC certification, the IECC/ HERS® Compliance Specialist. The new ICC certification is for certified RESNET HERS® Raters and Rating Field Inspectors who also hold the ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner Certification. This new certification combines the energy code knowledge of code officials with the energy efficiency knowledge of HERS® Raters to identify experts in energy plan review and inspection. The certification leverages the strengths of both organizations to increase the number of qualified individuals available for evaluating energy code compliance and home energy performance. For more information go to ICC IECC/HERS® Compliance Specialist

The ICC IECC/HERS® Compliance Specialist designation verifies competence in energy performance measurement and energy code proficiency. These certified specialists can supplement the work of jurisdictions facing resource constraints that affect their ability to conduct the necessary reviews. IECC/HERS® Compliance Specialists may now be used for both code compliance and energy performance rating services.

In order to receive this designation, a certified RESNET HERS® Rater or Rating Field inspector must pass the ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner examination. To assist HERS® Raters and Rating Field Inspectors to pass the examination ICC has posted an online Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner Online Prep Course.

The IECC/HERS® Compliance Specialist training is based on 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and will serve as base training for future updated versions of the IECC and amended state-specific versions of the code. The content of this course is focused on the Residential Provisions of the IECC. The objective of this course is to provide a thorough understanding of the IECC code by guiding students through each chapter.

Topics include the history and future of energy codes, understanding of the administration and documentation requirements, an overview of the compliance options, and a detailed review of specific thermal envelope and systems provisions. In addition, students will learn about how the IECC relates to existing buildings and solar readiness. of specific thermal envelope and systems provisions. In addition, students will learn about how the IECC relates to existing buildings and solar readiness.

Course Objectives…

• Provide detailed descriptions of energy efficiency provisions for compliance with the IECC
• List and discuss the three compliance options and how the provisions apply to each
• Discuss how the IECC is relevant to different building types (ex. new construction, existing buildings, etc.)

To sign up for the training go to Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner Online Prep Course

Building Code Officials’ RESNET’s HERS Affiliate Designation

Increasingly code jurisdictions are either recognizing HERS Index Scores or certified RESNET HERS Raters for energy code compliance.

Many building code officials ask, “what is a HERS rating” and why a “HERS rater?”

To answer these questions, RESNET has launched the “HERS Affiliate” designation.

The purpose of the designation is to provide code jurisdiction staff, contractors and builders with an understanding of how RESNET’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) works.

To receive the designation, one only has to successfully complete the RESNET online training.

The course has a $50 charge for the course. The course is less than two hours in length and consists of the following 9 modules:

RESNET and the HERS® Index
HERS® Raters and Rating Field Inspectors (RFIs)
Why Builders Should Get their Homes Rated
HERS® Rater Training and Quality Assurance
Conducting a Home Energy Rating
Basics of Building Science
Building Components Covered in a HERS rating
HERS and Energy Codes
HERS in Green Building Programs

There is a short exam at the end of the 9 modules. Successful completion of the training will result in a designation of HERS® Affiliate.

The HERS Affiliate is loaded into RESNET’s online training portal. Once you register an account you will have access to the HERS® Affiliate and all other courses that get loaded into the portal.

Sign-up for the training portal here: https://portal.resnet.us/