What is the role of a building code official and a HERS rater for residential projects?
Residential buildings meeting the stretch code through a HERS rating and thermal bypass checklist require independent certification by a HERS rater. Their work will produce a report detailing the energy systems in the building and will provide a HERS index score, together with proof of whether the home qualifies for federal tax credits. Submission of a copy of the HERS report, together with a completed Energy Star Thermal Bypass checklist, and posting the relevant energy data on the electrical panel in the home are the steps required to demonstrate compliance with the energy portions of the code, and must be submitted to the local building inspector prior to receiving a certificate of occupancy. In this way the local inspector retains their oversight role but the additional energy requirements are intended to not place a significant additional burden on their time.
