RESNET has embarked on an effort to develop a Water Efficiency Rating (WER) Index. The water rating system will be based on the RESNET HERS® Index. The goal is to have certified RESNET HERS® Raters be able to produce a WER Index of a home at the same time the home is inspected and a HERS® Index is produced. The latest issue of Professional Builder Magazine features a story on the effort to develop the RESNET WER Index. The story describes how the rating system will assign “a numeric score to a house based on its water usage.” It states that it is being developed by RESNET and a coalition of water efficiency experts, homebuilders, environmental organizations and home energy professionals.” The feature quoted Ed Osann of the Natural Resources Defense Council, “A numeric score will help homebuyers understand the water efficiency of a house the same way car shoppers use fuel efficiency labels to inform their purchase decisions. The score will help expand green building programs and encourage new rebates and tax incentives for water efficiency products in new and existing homes. Consumers who ‘know the score’ will save water and money when they buy a home or renovate an existing home.” To view the story go to RESNET Develops Water Efficiency Rating System For more than 75 years Professional Builder Magazine has served the needs of the nation’s home building community. It is read by 112,000 leading decision makers in the home building market. A WER Index Advisory Council will oversee the development of the WER Index. The advisory council is composed of a broad coalition of water management, homebuilders and home energy performance professionals. For a listing of advisory council members go to RESNET WER Index Advisory Council The RESNET Working Group will develop the draft WER Index guidelines. The working group is co-chaired by Jacob Attala of KB Home, Ed Osann of the Natural Resources Defense Council and Jonah Schein, program manager of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Watersense program. For a listing of the guidelines for the working group go to RESNET WER Index Guidelines Working Group
