In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn sits down with Jacob Atalla with KB Home and Ryan Meres with RESNET to discuss the Evolution of HERSH2O®. The episode also covers the expansion of the standard to include multifamily housing. Water efficiency is becoming an increasingly important part of homebuilding, particularly in regions facing drought, rising tap fees, and development restrictions. In this episode of RESTalk, Bill Spohn speaks with Ryan Meres and Jacob Atalla about the continued evolution of HERSH2O® and the expansion of the standard to include multifamily housing. Ryan explains how HERSH2O® evaluates both indoor and outdoor water use, including fixtures, appliances, irrigation, landscaping, and emerging strategies such as graywater recycling. He also discusses how the rating works alongside a traditional RESNET® HERS® rating and supports qualification for the EPA WaterSense label. Jacob shares the builder’s perspective, explaining how water availability can affect land acquisition, permitting, infrastructure costs, and customer value. Together, the guests make the case that water efficiency is no longer merely an environmental consideration—it is becoming an important operational, financial, and market issue for builders and raters. Listen to the full episode here “Water efficiency is moving from a nice feature to a development necessity.” “HERSH2O® helps turn water conservation into something builders can measure, verify, and communicate.” “Water is a precious resource—and unlike energy, we cannot simply produce more of it.” Jacob’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobatalla/ Ryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-meres-58977110/ The US EPA WaterSense study mentioned in the episode: Assessing Water Use WaterSense Labeled Homes Quantifying Savings https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-08/ws-Journal-AWWA-2022-Assessing-WaterUse-WaterSense%E2%80%90Labeled-Homes-Quantifying-Savings.pdf
