RESNET and netPLUS Energy School have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together in evolving best practices for high-performance construction. netPLUS Energy School educates builders, designers, and owners on both the ‘Why’ and ‘How To’ of high-performance building. netPLUS integrates building science, practical technical details, and program management – in an engaging, cohesive way. Andrew McCoy, Ph.D., who is the Director of the Virginia Center for Housing Research, and Associate Professor with the Department of Building Construction at Virginia Tech, has been instrumental in guiding the curriculum development of this unique program. “We realized there was not much available to building practitioners in the way of interpreting housing performance in a holistic, practical format that is applicable to industry stakeholders at all levels”, said Dr. McCoy. netPLUS Energy School Directors Al Cobb and Rich Backus agree, and added that HERS® Raters will be seen as valued Consultants who are critical to success: “Our industry is evolving at a much faster pace; the world has changed. A new paradigm exists now – that of the HERS® Consultant, with the power to unite fellow stakeholders in successful, high-performance residential construction: owners, builders, designers, appraisers, lenders, and investors. And the linchpin to this success – is education.” Steve Baden, RESNET Executive Director adds, “With the growing market demand for high energy performance homes, builders need the latest information on how to build homes with the lowest HERS® Index Score cost effectively. This training along with a HERS® Consultant will provide builders and raters a great opportunity” Through this agreement, netPLUS will demonstrate with its education curriculum how HERS® Consultants are integral to the entire design/build/ development process. RESNET will provide support by connecting its members with the owners, designers, builders, appraisers, lenders and investors that will benefit from netPLUS education. Both RESNET and netPLUS recognize the need for education focused on best practices for achieving energy efficiency, comfort, health-promoting environments, cost optimization, and durability. netPLUS Energy School was founded by builders and educators passionate about better building, and committed to raising the standard of industry professional education. www.netPLUSenergyschool.org The next netPLUS class modules, sponsored by the Virginia Center for Housing Research will be held in August at the Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech.
