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EP157 See Something, Say Something: Why HERS Raters Belong in the Code Conversation With Phil Crone (LBA) and Paulette McGhie (RESNET®) (September 2026)
QUOTES from the episode: “A well-run permitting system treats time as a part of affordability.” — Phil Crone “If we hadn't had our ears to the ground, we might not have even known that was going to happen.” — Paulette McGhie, on preserving blower door testing in Utah  “Be yourself. Be the constituent that they want to hear from.” — Phil Crone What role can HERS® Raters play in shaping better energy codes and housing policy? More than they may realize.   In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn talks with Phil Crone, Vice President of Leading Builders of America (LBA), and Paulette McGhie, Programs Manager at RESNET®, about the intersection of energy efficiency, housing affordability, code adoption, and advocacy.   Phil frames effective housing policy around a practical test: Does it result in homes that are safe, durable, efficient, buildable, and still within reach of the families who will own them? Rather than prescribing a growing list of products and requirements, he argues for clear performance outcomes, reliable verification, and flexibility in how builders achieve those outcomes.   Paulette explains why HERS® Raters are uniquely positioned to contribute. Raters work every day between builders, contractors, code officials, utilities, and homeowners. That field experience gives them an important perspective when proposed code changes may have unintended consequences. She shares an example from Utah, where early awareness and engagement helped preserve blower door testing that was at risk of being removed from legislation.    The conversation also explores Texas' performance-based ERI pathway, California's efforts to bring greater predictability to code requirements, and Southern Nevada's collaborative approach to permitting and inspections. One recurring theme is that time itself is part of housing affordability. Predictable permitting, consistent enforcement, and qualified third-party verification can all help reduce unnecessary delays and costs.   The takeaway for HERS® Raters is simple: you don't need to be a policy expert to participate. Get involved with your local HBA, pay attention to code and legislative activity, and bring what you know from the field. Good policy needs people who understand how buildings actually get built, tested, verified, and ultimately lived in.   Phil Crone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-crone-49455514 Emaol: phil.crone@leadingbuildersofamerica.org   Leading Builders of America:l https://leadingbuilders.org/   Paulette McGhie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulette-mcghie-559a212ba RESNET contacts mentioned: Paulette@RESNET.us, Ryan@RESNET.us, Michael@RESNET.us   To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us. For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US  
RESTalk
http://www.resnet.us/
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