The Residential Energy Code TAG spent a significant portion of its meeting debating proposals to add an Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance pathway to Washington’s residential energy code.

Kevin Rose of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance outlined the ERI concept and presented PNNL modeling that mapped ERI scores to homes complying with the 2021 Washington State Energy Code. He said the ERI is a single annualized metric (lower is better) used by HERS‑raters and computed via recognized software under the RESNET methodology; ERI targets can be set to produce the same statewide performance targets as prescriptive paths.

Proponents argued ERI offers a third‑party, performance‑oriented compliance path that aligns with federal incentives (such as 45L), brings certified raters into the compliance process, and can make compliance more flexible for builders. Multiple TAG speakers, including Damon Doyle and Elizabeth Torske, urged convening a work group to reconcile proposed ERI targets with Washington’s code objectives.

Opponents and questioners pressed technical details: whether ERI modeling properly captures water‑heating impacts, how the path would be administered by building officials, and whether HERS‑rater QA and certification standards would be enforced. Tom Alderson and others urged strong QA language and third‑party verification to guard against inconsistent ratings.

Outcome: TAG members volunteered for an ERI work group led by Kevin Rose and including industry and agency volunteers (Damien Doyle, Elizabeth Torske, Patrick Hanks, Tom Alderson among others). The work group will refine ERI targets, reconcile modeling to the 2024 prescriptive path, and draft clear verification/QA language for the compliance pathway.