CertainTeed Corporation, a leading manufacturer of building materials, and the Residential Energy Services Network™ (RESNET), a robust network of energy auditors and contractors, are joining forces to help increase residential energy efficiency. This new partnership provides the opportunity for auditors and contractors to collaborate, exchange resources and enhance their expertise in recommending and implementing energy efficiency retrofits.

CertainTeed and RESNET will help to connect qualified insulation contractors and certified energy auditors at a local level to share knowledge and best practices when inspecting and testing a home, and recommend cost-effective improvements to increase its energy efficiency. CertainTeed will subsidize the cost of the training for its contractor customers to help them earn their designation as aRESNET EnergySmart Contractor. This certification meets the existing requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Home Performance with Energy Star Program.

As part of the RESNET EnergySmart Contractor program, contractors must complete a training course that covers topics including the principles of energy, cost-effective efficient energy practices, the house as an inter-related system, combustion safety and the order that work must be carried out for optimal safety and effectiveness.

CertainTeed will provide RESNET with access to insulation-specific technical information and best practices, including building science expertise and material selection options when providing insulation upgrades to homeowners. “This exciting new partnership will bring more contractors under the nationally trusted and recognized RESNET umbrella so we can continue to help improve the energy efficiency of the existing homes market,” said Steve Baden, Executive Director for RESNET. “As federal incentives can change from year to year, it is timely to develop new private sector alliances that can help homeowners save energy and money when they’re ready to do so.”

For more information, visitwww.certainteed.comandwww.resnet.us.