Zoom @ Noon: Texas HB 3215 and Using the HERS Index for Energy Code Compliance
By now, you have heard of Texas House Bill 3215, an update to the state’s universal energy code compliance pathway to allow cities to accept the HERS® Index (in addition to 2018 IECC backstops) for energy code compliance across the state.
So, what do builders need to do to use this pathway? Join us to learn about the tradeoff options available to meet energy code compliance with the HERS® Index and incorporate energy-efficient features and technologies into the design and construction process to achieve a lower HERS® Index Score with the 2018 IECC backstops.
Presenters: Valerie Briggs, RESNET and James Rodriguez, Fox Energy Specialists
Valerie Briggs, Communications Director for RESNET, previously served as the Director of Marketing and Business Development at North American Technician Excellence (NATE), overseeing business development, advertising, marketing, and public relations activities for the organization. Prior to joining NATE, Ms. Briggs worked as Senior Director of External Communications and Marketing Outreach for the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), a national health care trade association representing the interests of the owners of over 23,000 independent retail pharmacies. She was previously responsible for marketing and training for the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program, a healthcare and employment program for people with disabilities.
James Rodriguez, began his work in the building performance and HERS industry in 2009. Now as Fox Energy Specialists’ Chief Operating Officer, he oversees the daily efforts of a team of over forty (40) full-time employees, certified HERS, and ICC building code inspectors. Since 2001, Fox Energy Specialists has inspected and tested over 70,000 projects nationwide, promoting energy efficiency and green construction practices to both the residential and commercial sectors. James is involved in every facet of the business, including strategic direction, operations, training, business development, marketing, sales, government affairs, and finance. In support of Fox Energy Specialists’ core business, Mr. Rodriguez oversees numerous large energy inspection and home energy rating contracts with Texas production and custom home builders.
James took the lessons of the Great Recession and used that to help rebuild and scale Fox Energy Specialists into a statewide leader in HERS and energy code services over the last decade. Fox Energy Specialists now inspects and certifies over 10,000 single family homes a year in Texas, and services a portfolio of over one hundred multifamily projects simultaneously across the country.
James spends virtually all his spare time corralling his three children with his wife, Haley. When he can break free, he loves to get out on the golf course and relentlessly pursue a “respectable” scorecard. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from the University of Texas at Austin. His industry service includes the City of Fort Worth Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals, Texas Association of Builders – Board of Directors, Texas Association of Builders – Codes and Standards Committee Member, and Texas Builders Foundation – Board of Trustees.