“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” — Baba Dioum In the latest episode of RESTalk podcast, Bill Spohn hosts Paulette McGhie and Ryan Meres to discuss RESNET®’s innovative approaches to water, carbon, and building codes. Paulette McGhie, who recently joined RESNET, shares her extensive background in energy compliance and her passion for energy transparency, driven by a personal experience involving her mother’s high utility bills. She now focuses on outreach, education, and advocacy, aiming to promote net-zero energy homes by 2040. The discussion highlights RESNET’s recent activities, including a significant meeting with Utah’s water conservation board to address water reduction goals. Paulette emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts among key stakeholders to create incentives and recognition programs for builders adopting water-efficient practices. Ryan Meres discusses RESNET’s recent policy forum in Washington, D.C., where they advocated for a federal tax credit for water efficiency, similar to the existing 45L tax credit for energy-efficient homes. The podcast also covers the challenges in promoting water efficiency and adopting advanced building codes. Paulette and Ryan acknowledge the difficulties builders face, particularly in regions with strict outdoor water use regulations. They stress the need for continuous education and advocacy to overcome these obstacles. Both guests are optimistic about increasing builder participation in RESNET programs and establishing a robust energy code compliance program, aiming for significant progress within the next year. Paulette’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulette-mcghie-b4675516/ Ryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-meres-58977110/ Listen to the full episode here.
