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Technical Subcommittees for RESNET Water Efficiency Rating Index Guidelines Formed

Aug 4, 2015

In many parts of the nation, water is fast becoming an increasingly expensive commodity. There is clearly a need for a system to rate the efficiency of water usage in a home. This will allow homebuyers to know how efficiently water is being used in the homes they are considering. It will also provide an opportunity for homebuilders to monetize the efficiency of their homes in the same fashion that the HERS® Index does for energy efficiency.

RESNET is partnering with the International Code Council (ICC) to develop a national consensus standard for a Water Efficiency Rating Index (WER Index).

RESNET’s initial efforts in this regard will be comprised of a WER Index Guidelines Working Group.  The working group is composed of subject matter experts that represent a balance of expertise – ratings – software – indoor and outdoor water use and appliances.  The Working Group will draft guideline provisions.

The working group will be co-chaired by:

  • Jacob Atalla of KB Home
  • Ed Osann of the Natural Resources Defense Council
  • Jonah Schein of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program.

Go to Members of the RESNET WER Index Guidelines Working Group

The working group has appointed Working Subgroups to draft specific guideline provisions.  The Working Subgroups is composed of technical experts in the following fields.

  • Modeling and development of reference home (Chaired by Jonah Schein of EPA and Philip Fairey of the Florida Solar Energy Center)
  • Rating inspection and testing procedures (Chaired by Dave Bell of Environments for Living)
  • Rater training and qualification requirements(Chaired by John Gillett of Energy Inspectors)
  • Indoor water appliances (Chaired by Joe Azzarello of Kohler)
  • Outdoor water use (Chaired by Doug Bennett of the Southern Nevada Water Authority)

The members of the subgroups are posted at RESNET WER Index Technical Subgroups

It is RESNET’s goal to develop and adopt interim guidelines by December 31, 2015.  The interim guidelines then will serve as the basis for development of an ANSI standard on the Water Use Efficiency Rating Index.