RESNET’s Quality Assurance process is currently seen as the Gold Standard for the inspection, testing, and labeling of a home’s energy and water performance. As part of its dedication to continuous improvement, RESNET management recently met with the RESNET Quality Assurance Team to chart a path on moving RESNET’s quality assurance forward to a higher level. Through this effort, the RESNET Quality Assurance Team adopted the following strategic initiatives: • Relieve the administrative burden for RESNET staff and Providers by making it easier to determine how much quality assurance is required • Set up a system to be able to track the entire chain of custody among HERS® Raters, RFIs and Energy Modelers in the RESNET National Registry • Provide the RESNET Quality Assurance Team with analytic support to be able to more easily track rating activity in the RESNET National Registry • Recruit a contractor or team of contractors to investigate compliance complaints and fraud (A budget for this was submitted to the RESNET Board and approved at the Board’s Fall 2021 meeting) • Enhance RESNET’s ability to track all Provider Quality Assurance reviews real-time through the RESNET National Registry • Convert the current Quality Assurance Review Checklist to an online and app-based form built into the RESNET National Registry so that updates can be made more easily available via continuous maintenance, and Quality Assurance Designees can complete in the field. • Develop a performance-based Quality Assurance process where RESNET staff and Provider Quality Assurance Designees can spend more time with those HERS® Raters, RFIs and Energy Modelers who need more assistance • Set up a process where the RESNET Quality Assurance Team can carry out unannounced Quality Assurance field visits • Have the RESNET Quality Assurance Data Analytics Tool available to Rating Providers so that Providers have the same ability as RESNET staff to research their rating files in the RESNET National Registry The RESNET Team will also carry out an educational campaign aimed at the HERS® industry, builders and program sponsors to help them better understand the initiatives that RESNET is undertaking to improve consistency through quality assurance oversight.
