Green building has grown from a niche
market to a savvy business strategy.
In fact, 40 percent of builders find
promoting "green" makes it easier to market
homes in a down economy, according to a
recent SmartMarket Report™ from McGraw-
Hill Construction. Building homes that
operate more efficiently while still meeting
families' needs is the key to success. But how
can a builder stand out in the crowd? Green
building certifications help differentiate your
homes, and water-efficient new homes in
particular help address our nation's growing
water concerns.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA's) WaterSense® program has developed
a national set of water-efficiency criteria for
new homes that can help homeowners save
water and energy. Backed by independent
inspection and certification, the WaterSense
new home specification is designed to work
in harmony with your other home energy-
saving efforts and provide products that
have been tested to meet EPA's criteria for
efficiency and performance.
The AA/aterSense Label
The WaterSense label can be found on prod-
ucts, new homes, and programs that have
been independently certi-
fied to meet EPA's criteria for
efficiency and performance.
WaterSense labeled plumb-
ing fixtures use at least 20
percent less water and per-
form as well as or better than
standard models.
In addition to products and new homes,
WaterSense labels professional certification
programs that focus on water efficiency.
EPA partners with certified irrigation profes-
sionals who design, install, maintain, and
audit water-efficient systems for WaterSense
labeled new homes.
Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on
100% Process Chlorine Free Recycled Paper.
December 2009
&BK
EPA-832-F-09-017
EPA
WaterSense
Doing A/lore
With Less
Partnering With WaterSense
Brings the Savings Home
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Savings Inside and Out
The WaterSense label has become a symbol for
water-efficient toilets, faucets, and other products
that save water and perform
as well or better than standard
models. By using these prod-
ucts, an efficient hot water de-
livery system, and other water-
saving products and systems,
WaterSense labeled homes can
save about 10,000 gallons every
year—enough to fill a backyard
swimming pool.
Saving water also means saving energy. In fact,
a WaterSense labeled home will save enough
energy annually to power a television for four
years. Homeowners won't waste precious time
and valuable energy waiting for hot water to
reach the tap. Best of all, in today's economy, you
can sell a WaterSense labeled home on financial
savings. Homeowners can reduce their water,
sewer, and energy bills combined by at least $100
per year, depending on the features installed. And
with the money they save, your customers can
afford more green building upgrades and other
home add-ons.
Certifi cation-With Flexibility
Although this is the country's first national speci-
fication for water-efficient new homes, Water-
Sense has built in flexibility to allow for builder
add-ons and regional landscaping preferences.
For example, if installed, ENERGY STAR® qualified
appliances can add a great deal of savings—and
incentive—for homeowners who want to reduce
utility bills.
Builders who have constructed ENERGY STAR
qualified homes will find the WaterSense certi-
fication process similar, and may be able to use
the same inspector for both programs. EPA has
partnered with a network of licensed certification
providers who oversee inspections and provide
quality assurance that homes are certified to meet
WaterSense criteria.
Why Join WaterSense?
With all the green building informa-
tion out there competing for your at-
tention, water efficiency may not be at
the top of your list yet. But with recent
droughts across the country and more
than two-thirds of the United States
anticipating local, regional, and statewide water
shortages by 2013, you may not be able to afford
to waste another drop. The more than 1,500 utili-
ties, communities, states, manufacturers, retailers,
distributors, nonprofit organizations, irrigation pro-
fessionals, and builders who have partnered with
WaterSense have realized numerous benefits:
• National recognition: EPA lists all of our partners
on the WaterSense Web site, promotes Partners
of the Year, and provides consumer education
and outreach on the importance of choosing
WaterSense labeled products and homes.
• Market differentiation: Consumers know that
WaterSense partners are committed to saving
water, energy, and money in their communities,
and they look for them to produce products that
perform well, design systems that save water,
and build better, more efficient homes.
• Credibility: Backed by EPA and based on
independent inspection and certification, the
WaterSense label adds credibility to your claims
and ensures customer satisfaction.
• Tools and resources: All WaterSense partners
receive marketing tools and graphic templates
to promote their partnership, sell labeled prod-
ucts and homes, and educate consumers about
the importance of water efficiency.
• A brand that works: The WaterSense label is
recognized across the country for products,
programs, and homes that use less water, save
money, and perform as well or better than the
standard. Can you really afford not to label your
homes?
For more information about how to join the pro-
gram and build WaterSense labeled homes, visit
www.epa.gov/watersense.
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