In this issue of the SERH Newsletter:
SERH Rater Manual Update
SERH Website Updates
RESNET Membership
Building America Builders Challenge
Southface Green Pro
SERH Rater Manual Update Raters, we have recently updated the SERH Rater Manual and would like to offer all of our raters the opportunity to provide us feedback on our manual, policies, and procedures. The review and comment period will run through the end of April 2009. Please read through the manual and pay close attention to all areas highlighted in blue. These are the areas where major changes have been made. Your comments and suggestions will be taken into consideration during the next phase of manual updates which will begin in May 2009. This version is the current version and all provisions set within are now in effect. The next version will be released in the Fall of 2009. Please email Eurihea Speciale at especiale@southface.org if you have any questions. View the Rater Manual
SERH Website Update Raters, we have recently updated the SERH website with the rater organization that you sent to us. Please check your information on the SERH website for accuracy. If you discover any inaccuracies, please email Eurihea Speciale at especiale@southface.org and include the information you would like updated.
RESNET Membership Did you know that you can enhance your marketing exposure by becoming a RESNET member? Raters who become RESNET members will be listed on the RESNET website under their Certified Rater Directory where consumers can locate raters in their area. Visit their website for more information on how to become a RESNET member.
Building America Builders Challenge
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has posed a challenge to the homebuilding industry – to build 220,000 high performance homes by 2012. Homes that qualify for the Builders Challenge must achieve a 70 or better on the EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale), meaning that they will use at least 30% less energy than a typical new home built to code. They must also meet the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria. The E-Scale allows homebuyers to understand – at a glance – how the energy performance of a particular home compares with others. Through the Builders Challenge, participating homebuilders will have an easy way to differentiate their best energy-performing homes from other products in the marketplace, and to make the benefits clear to buyers.
 Through industry partnerships and existing programs, the Builders Challenge will promote the use of market-tested and cost-effective energy efficiency strategies. The Challenge will support, recognize, and reward builders for achieving higher levels of energy efficiency. DOE's goal is that, by 2030, new home buyers will have the option to buy a cost-effective Net-Zero Energy Home (NZEH) anywhere in the United States.
 As a certified HERS rater, you are eligible to be become a verifier for the Builders Challenge. If you would like to become a Third-party Verifier Partner and help builders meet the challenge, please sign up by clicking here. To learn more about the Builders Challenge, visit their website at: www.BuildingAmerica.gov/Challenge
Southface Green Pro Certification Package Did you know Southface currently offers the following certification training and services to energy professionals in the new and existing single and multifamily industries: The chart below highlights the professional designations required for the range of green building programs that are offered by Southface. If you are ready to get started or want more information, please contact your present program representative.
Southface Energy Rated Homes
Contact: Eurihea Speciale
404.604.3653 Building America Builders Challenge
Contact: James Rudd
404.604.3659 |
