Article I: Name and Purpose
The name of this trade association shall be the Home Energy Rating Systems Council. The Home Energy Rating Systems Council is subject to all laws governing the 501(c)(6) classification.
The purpose of the Home Energy Rating Systems Council is to improve the quality and integrity of code testing, energy audits, home energy ratings and verification activities through the use of ANSI and ISO standards. It is also to advance the interests of the industry and stakeholders involved in the home energy rating industry, promote high standards of professionalism, facilitate the exchange of information and best practices, and advocate for policies beneficial to the industry.
NOTE: The term “verification activities” includes software analysis and field verifications & testing.
Article II: Membership
Membership is open to companies engaged in the home energy rating industry, including but not limited to energy auditors, HVAC contractors, insulation contractors, and home improvement contractors.
Regular Members: Companies actively engaged in the home energy rating industry.
Associate Members: Suppliers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders supporting the industry but not directly providing home energy rating services.
Honorary Members: Individuals or entities recognized for their exceptional contribution to the industry, nominated and approved by the Board of Directors.
Applicants must submit a completed application form and membership dues as determined by the Board of Directors. Membership is granted upon approval by the Board of Directors.
Membership dues shall be determined annually by the Board of Directors and must be paid in full within 30 days of invoicing.
Regular Members have voting rights with one vote per member company and are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors and committees. Associate and Honorary Members may participate in all activities but do not have voting rights.
Membership may be terminated for non-payment of dues, violation of the by-laws, or conduct detrimental to the association, as determined by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.
Article III: Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of a minimum of five and a maximum of nine members elected by the Regular Members.
Directors shall serve for a term of two years and may be re-elected for 2 consecutive terms.
The Board of Directors shall oversee the activities of the association, set policies, approve budgets, and ensure the association’s goals and objectives are met.
The Board of Directors shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings may be called by the President or by a simple majority of the Board members.
A simple majority of the Board members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
A three-fifths majority of Board members are needed to approve Board actions.
| Number of Board Members | 5 | 6-7 | 8-9 |
| Approval needed | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Vacancies on the Board shall be filled by appointment by the remaining Board members for the remainder of the term.
Article IV: Officers
The officers of the association shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, elected by the Board of Directors from among its members.
Officers shall serve for one year and may be re-elected.
President: Presides over meetings, represents the association, and ensures the execution of Board decisions.
Vice President: Assists the President and assumes their duties in their absence.
Secretary: Keeps minutes of meetings, maintains records, and handles correspondence.
Treasurer: Manages the association’s finances, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
Article V: Committees
The Board of Directors may establish standing committees to address ongoing needs, such as Membership, Advocacy, Standards and Ethics, Technical, and Events.
The President, with the approval of the Board, may appoint ad hoc committees to address specific tasks or projects.
Committee chairs shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Board.
Committees shall meet as necessary to fulfill their responsibilities and report their activities to the Board.
Article VI: Meetings of Members
An annual meeting of the members shall be held at a time and place determined by the Board of Directors for the purpose of electing directors and transacting other business.
Special meetings of the members may be called by the President, the Board of Directors, or upon written request of at least ten percent of the Regular Members.
Written notice of meetings shall be provided to all members at least 30 days in advance, stating the date, time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
A quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the members shall consist of ten percent of the Regular Members.
Article VII: Financial Management
The fiscal year of the association shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors shall adopt an annual budget and oversee the financial affairs of the association.
The financial records of the association shall be audited annually by an independent auditor approved by the Board.
Article VIII: Amendments
Amendments to these by-laws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by a petition signed by at least ten percent of the Regular Members.
Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the members at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which they will be considered. A two-thirds majority vote of the Regular Members present is required for adoption.
Article IX: Miscellaneous
The Home Energy Rating Systems Council shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Upon dissolution of the association, any remaining assets shall be distributed in accordance with the purposes of the association and in compliance with applicable laws.
These by-laws are hereby adopted by the founding members of the Home Energy Rating Systems Council.
