SM
EPA "^^'
WaterSense
®
WaterSense New Home Certification System
June 25, 2009
-------
t" WaterSense New Home Certification System
• .: -
I. DEFINITIONS 3
II. OVERVIEW OF CERTIFICATION PROCESS 4
III. PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS 4
A. APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS 4
B. EPA APPROVAL OF PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS 6
C. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS 6
D. ONGOING SUPPORT 8
IV. PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED CERTIFICATION
PROVIDERS 9
A. PROCEDURES FOR BECOMING A LICENSED CERTIFICATION PROVIDER 9
B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF A LICENSED CERTIFICATION PROVIDER 11
C. ONGOING SUPPORT 13
V. PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER-EFFICIENCY HOME
INSPECTORS 15
A. INSPECTOR TRAINING AND ADMINISTRATION 15
B. NEW HOME INSPECTION 16
C. NOTIFY LICENSED CERTIFICATION PROVIDER OF NEWHOME INSPECTIONS 17
D. ONGOING SUPPORT 17
VI. PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDER PARTNERS 18
A. PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS WITH EPA 18
B. NEWHOME CERTIFICATION AND LABELING 18
VII. SUSPENSION AND WITHDRAWAL OF THE WATERSENSE LABEL FROM NEW
HOMES 19
FIGURE 1. NEWHOME CERTIFICATION PROCESS 21
TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 22
TABLE 2. SUMMARY OF LICENSED CERTIFICATION PROVIDER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 23
TABLES. SUMMARY OF INSPECTOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 25
TABLE 4. SUMMARY OF BUILDER PARTNER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 26
Version 1.0 2 June 25, 2009
-------
,:r Sense
WaterSense New Home Certification System
'- aw He -••• " -'•
This document, a supplement to the WaterSense Program Guidelines, outlines the
process for certification and labeling of new homes in compliance with the Water-
Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification (specification), including the general
procedures for builder application and receipt of the certificate containing the
WaterSense label. This document also describes the general application procedures and
requirements for those parties involved in training, home inspection, certification, and
issuance of the WaterSense label.
I. Definitions
Builder Partner: A home builder who has committed to building new homes in
accordance with the specification and providing other support as specified in this
certification system. The builder must signify such commitment by signing a WaterSense
partnership agreement with EPA.
Licensed Certification Provider: An organization that commits to hire or contract with
inspectors, train inspectors, oversee new home inspections, and issue certification
decisions for inspected homes. The certification provider must signify such commitment
by signing a licensing agreement and a WaterSense partnership agreement with EPA.
Licensing Agreement: The legal document between EPA and a certification provider
that grants the certification provider access to and conditions for authorizing the use and
distribution of the WaterSense label.
Partnership Agreement: The formal agreement between EPA and the builder and
between EPA and the certification provider that delineates activities (partner pledges
and EPA commitments) to be conducted by each party, program benefits, and
exclusions.
Program Administrator: An independent organization that is approved by EPA to
oversee certification providers. The program administrator will train certification providers
in accordance with training materials prepared by WaterSense and will approve and
oversee the certification providers' certification process as it relates to WaterSense.
Water-Efficiency Home Inspector (Inspector): An individual who provides inspection
services for new homes in accordance with the specification. The inspector must be
trained by a licensed certification provider in accordance with training materials prepared
by WaterSense. In addition, the inspector must work for or be contracted with a licensed
certification provider.
WaterSense Label: A registered certification mark that contains the words
"WaterSense" and "Meets EPA Criteria" in a circular pattern around the WaterSense
graphic "water drop" image. To signify compliance with the specification at the time of
inspection, the WaterSense label will be provided to the builder partner by a licensed
Version 1.0 3 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
certification provider in the form of a certificate, which shall contain a copy of the
WaterSense label and other relevant information to identify the certified new home.
References to the certificate are considered synonymous with the WaterSense label and
as such, the terms may be used interchangeably throughout this document.
Overview of Certification Process
EPA develops criteria for the inspection, labeling, and oversight of new homes for
the WaterSense program.
Program administrator submits memorandum of agreement (MOA) and
supporting documentation to EPA.
EPA evaluates and approves program administrator.
Program administrator evaluates, trains, and approves certification providers.
Certification provider signs partnership agreement and licensing agreement with
EPA.
EPA licenses certification provider and supplies the certificate template with the
WaterSense label.
Program administrator provides WaterSense program materials to licensed
certification provider.
Licensed certification provider hires, trains, and oversees inspectors.
Builders sign partnership agreements with EPA.
Builder partners request certification for individual homes from licensed
certification provider.
Inspector evaluates home and submits documentation to licensed certification
provider.
Licensed certification provider issues WaterSense label to builder partner.
Licensed certification provider reports quarterly to EPA on number and location
of WaterSense labeled new homes.
III. Procedures and Requirements for Program Administrators
WaterSense will approve program administrators to evaluate, approve, and oversee
certification providers. In addition, program administrators will provide EPA ongoing
support as described in this section.
A summary of the program administrator's roles and responsibilities, as described in this
section, is provided in Table 1.
A. Application Procedures for Program Administrators
A program administrator must submit an application to EPA to approve and oversee
certification providers for WaterSense. The application must include the following
documentation:
Version 1.0 4 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
i. A letter declaring intent to participate in the WaterSense program as
a program administrator
The letter must contain declarations and/or attached documentation to support
the following requirements:
a. Demonstrate impartial governance
The organization must prove impartial governance by demonstrating that
it:
• Does not directly inspect or certify new homes for the
WaterSense program or issue the WaterSense label to builder
partners;
• Maintains open membership for all potential licensed certification
providers; and
• Has established a governing board of directors or executive
committee composed of a diverse group of members
representing various aspects of the home building industry,
which may include, but is not limited to, water-efficiency and
home-energy experts, architects, engineers, landscape
designers, certification providers for other green building
programs, and/or other stakeholders as appropriate.
b. Demonstrate policies and procedures governing oversight of
certification providers
The organization must provide documentation that its by-laws, governing
policies, and procedures are applicable and effective for the approval and
oversight of certification providers that provide services for the
WaterSense program.
The organization must provide documentation of its policies and
procedures related to the oversight of certification providers, including:
• A copy of its technical standards for approval of and oversight
procedures for certification providers;
• Record-keeping procedures to document and track certification
providers;
• Quality control procedures for managing certification providers,
including procedures for disciplining certification providers that
do not follow the quality control procedures;
• Procedures to investigate the complaints, dismissal, and
appeals of certification providers;
• A business code of ethics to which certification providers must
agree to abide;
• A complaint resolution process for the certification provider and
the program administrator;
Version 1.0 5 June 25, 2009
-------
!wnse WaterSense New Home Certification System
• Documentation of its policies and procedures for ensuring that
each certification provider meets the requirements specified in
Section Ill.C.ii.; and
• Any other specific quality assurance steps that the program
administrator will undertake to ensure the quality of the
certification provider's work.
ii. Memorandum of agreement
The application must be accompanied by a signed copy of the MOA, which
outlines the terms and conditions for providing program administration services
for WaterSense. Contact the WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-
7367) or watersense@epa.gov for a copy of the MOA.
iii. Point of contact
The program administrator must designate a point of contact in its application
and must provide that individual's contact information. This point of contact will
be responsible for communicating and disseminating information to and from
EPA as appropriate or requested regarding the WaterSense program.
B. EPA Approval of Program Administrators
Upon receipt and evaluation of the application and supporting documentation, if all
criteria are satisfactorily met, EPA will notify the program administrator that it has been
approved to provide services for WaterSense and will return a signed and executed copy
of the MOA. In addition, EPA will provide the approved program administrator with the
inspector training materials, inspection guidance, and inspection forms to disseminate to
licensed certification providers.
Once approved and notified, EPA will post the program administrator's contact
information, including the designated point of contact, on the WaterSense Web site. The
program administrator is then able to begin recruiting and approving certification
providers in accordance with this document.
C. Responsibilities of Program Administrators
i. Training of certification providers
The program administrator is required to conduct training sessions for
certification providers, which will instruct certification providers' quality assurance
designees how to train their inspectors to properly conduct and document new
home inspections. The program administrator must inform potential licensed
certification providers of when and where the training will be offered. The
program administrator will supply the certification provider with documentation
that the training requirement was fulfilled.
Version 1.0 6 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
ii. Approval of certification providers
Upon receipt of a certification provider's application to offer services for
WaterSense, the program administrator will evaluate the certification provider's
capability and competence to provide training of its inspectors, oversee the
inspections, and issue the WaterSense label. This may include, but is not limited
to, an evaluation of the certification provider's:
• Quality assurance designee, all relevant contact information, his or
her minimum responsibilities outlined in Section IV.A.i. of this
document, and a copy of a formal agreement between the certification
provider and quality assurance designee;
• Documentation of the quality assurance designee(s)'s attendance at a
certification provider training session;
• Procedures for ensuring the inspectors' ability to perform accurate
inspections, including a requirement that the certification provider's
quality assurance designee re-inspect/co-inspect each inspector's first
three inspections as well as one home or 1 percent of the certified
homes annually thereafter, whichever is greater;
• Inspector conflict of interest disclosure, which must be accompanied
by an agreement to provide advanced disclosure of any conflicts to
the builder partner/homeowner;
• Inspection record-keeping provisions including the quality assurance
record for each home (copies of the documentation provided by the
inspectors) and a registry of all of the certification provider's
inspectors that have successfully completed training on the
WaterSense New Homes program;
• Inspector discipline provisions, which must include, at a minimum,
progressive discipline procedures including probation, suspension,
and termination;
• Inspector quality control procedures, including the minimum oversight
requirements as described in Section IV.C.iii. of this document; and
• Complaint resolution process including documentation of procedures
to respond to and resolve complaints involving the inspections and/or
certifications, a requirement to inform clients of the complaint
resolution process, and maintenance for a minimum of three years of
records of all complaints received and response to complaints.
Upon successful completion of the evaluation, the program administrator will
supply the certification provider with documentation of approval to submit to EPA.
iii. Verifying partnership and licensure of approved certification
providers
Once EPA has licensed a certification provider to offer services for WaterSense,
the certification provider must submit proof of both the executed partnership and
licensing agreements to the program administrator that originally provided its
approval. This indicates to the program administrator that the certification
provider has completed all of the requirements necessary to offer services for
Version 1.0 7 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
WaterSense. The program administrator will then supply the certification provider
with the inspector training materials, inspection guidance, and inspection forms.
The program administrator shall verify the certification provider's licensure by
checking the list of licensed certification providers that will be maintained on the
WaterSense Web site.
D. Ongoing Support
i. Maintain registry of approved licensed certification providers
Program administrators must maintain a registry of the licensed certification
providers they have approved to certify new homes for the WaterSense program.
Program administrators should only add certification providers to this registry
once the certification provider has submitted proof of EPA partnership and
licensure. The registry should include the licensed certification provider's contact
information.
ii. Oversee licensed certification providers
The program administrator is responsible for overseeing the licensed certification
providers in accordance with its technical standards as outlined in Section
III.A.i.b. This may include but is not limited to:
• An annual review of files from all of the licensed certification providers
it approved to ensure that the proper quality assurance is being
conducted, including an evaluation that the certification provider is
meeting its oversight responsibilities as outlined in Section IV.C.iii. of
this document; and
• Periodically accompanying licensed certification providers on any
routine field assessment of inspections conducted for the WaterSense
program.
If the program administrator discovers any issues during its oversight activities,
or otherwise, it should institute its process for disciplining licensed certification
providers. If the discipline procedures do not result in corrective action to the
satisfaction of the program administrator, the program administrator must contact
EPA. EPA will investigate the issue and determine what further action is
necessary, including and up to termination of the certification provider's
partnership and licensing agreements.
iii. Update licensed certification providers of any relevant WaterSense
program changes
Program administrators must maintain regular communication with its licensed
certification providers, informing them of any changes to the program's
requirements and any implications for the licensed certification providers' current
status. EPA will communicate any program changes directly to the program
administrator.
Version 1.0 8 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
IV. Procedures and Requirements for Licensed Certification
Providers
Licensed certification providers hire or contract with inspectors and oversee the
inspection of new homes for WaterSense. Licensed certification providers also conduct
training of inspectors in accordance with training materials prepared by WaterSense.
Licensed certification providers are responsible for providing the builder partner with the
WaterSense label for each certified new home and providing EPA with ongoing support
as described in this section.
A summary of the licensed certification provider's roles and responsibilities, as described
in this section, is provided in Table 2.
A. Procedures for Becoming a Licensed Certification Provider
i. Designate personnel responsible for quality assurance
WaterSense requires each licensed certification provider to have at least one
quality assurance designee. This person(s) must be named in the application to
both the program administrator and the partnership agreement with EPA. The
quality assurance designee is responsible for:
• Training the licensed certification provider's inspectors on how to
properly conduct and document inspections and maintaining
documentation of trainings;
• Re-inspecting/co-inspecting each inspector's first three probationary
inspections;
• Annually re-inspecting/co-inspecting one home or 1 percent of the
homes each inspector has inspected for WaterSense, whichever is
greater;
• Annually conducting a comprehensive review of 10 percent of each
inspector's files;
• Maintaining the licensed certification provider's quality assurance files;
and
• Coordinating with the program administrator as required on all quality
assurance activity oversight.
The quality assurance designee must meet the following requirements:
• Must not perform quality assurance functions for WaterSense for any
inspections that he or she conducts or in which he or she is involved;
• Must have a minimum of one year of experience conducting inspections
for WaterSense or another green building program; and
• Must have a formal agreement with the licensed certification provider
agreeing to comply with all of the quality assurance oversight activities
required by the program administrator.
Version 1.0 9 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
ii. Attend certification provider training session
In order to become a licensed certification provider for WaterSense, all
individuals responsible for quality assurance from the certification provider's
organization must attend a training session. Training will be conducted either by
EPA or an EPA-approved program administrator. The program administrator will
provide the certification provider with documentation that the training requirement
was fulfilled. This documentation must be submitted to the program administrator
with the application to become a certification provider for WaterSense. A list of
approved program administrators will be maintained on the WaterSense Web
site.
iii. Submit application to a program administrator
Once the quality assurance designee has completed the certification provider
training, the certification provider must submit an application to an approved
program administrator. Each program administrator will have its own
requirements and approval process and should be contacted directly for more
information. Upon successful completion of the evaluation, the program
administrator will supply the certification provider with documentation of approval.
iv. Approval From EPA
a. Application and agreements
Once the certification provider is approved by the program administrator,
the certification provider must submit a signed partnership agreement and a
signed licensing agreement to EPA to offer services for WaterSense. The
partnership and licensing agreements will be available on the WaterSense
Web site. These agreements must be accompanied with documentation of
approval from an approved program administrator. The certification provider
must identify the quality assurance designee(s) and a point of contact on
the partnership agreement. The point of contact may be different than the
quality assurance designee and will be responsible for the communication
and dissemination of information to and from EPA regarding the certification
provider's services for the WaterSense program.
b. Obtaining the WaterSense label
Once EPA receives the signed partnership and licensing agreements and
reviews the supporting documentation, it will sign the partnership and
licensing agreements and return copies to the certification provider along
with an electronic copy of the certificate template, which contains the
WaterSense label.
The receipt of the certificate template and copies of the executed
agreements signifies the approval and licensure of the certification provider.
EPA will maintain a listing of licensed certification providers on the
Version 1.0 10 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
WaterSense Web site. Builder partners will contact licensed certification
providers directly to initiate the inspection, certification, and labeling
process.
c. Obtaining materials to train inspectors
Upon licensure to provide services for WaterSense, the certification
provider must submit proof of the executed partnership and licensing
agreements to the program administrator that originally provided its
approval. This indicates to the program administrator that the licensed
certification provider has completed all of the requirements necessary to
offer services for WaterSense. The program administrator will then supply
the licensed certification provider with inspector training materials,
inspection guidance, and inspection forms. The licensed certification
provider must use these materials to train its inspectors that wish to inspect
new homes for WaterSense.
Wth the receipt of the inspector training materials, inspection guidance,
and inspection forms, the licensed certification provider can begin training
its inspectors and offering its inspection and certification services for
WaterSense to builder partners.
B. Responsibilities of a Licensed Certification Provider
i. Inspector administration and training
The licensed certification provider is responsible for hiring or contracting with
inspectors to complete the inspection of new homes for the WaterSense
program. As part of the administration of its inspectors, the licensed certification
provider must provide training in accordance with inspector training materials
prepared by WaterSense and provided by the program administrator. The
licensed certification provider's quality assurance designee must keep
documentation of all its inspectors' training and must provide records of training
to the program administrator upon request. The licensed certification provider
must also provide those inspectors that completed the training with the materials
and guidance necessary to conduct the inspections. The materials should only
be supplied to those inspectors who have successfully completed the required
training.
ii. Application and verification of builder partnership agreement with
EPA
The builder partner must apply for certification and the WaterSense label on an
individual home basis. To initiate the inspection and certification process, the
builder partner must contact a licensed certification provider and designate each
home it intends to have certified. The licensed certification provider will provide
the builder partner with a list of inspectors and/or will assign the builder partner
Version 1.0 11 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
an inspector to coordinate the inspection. Only inspectors who have successfully
completed training on the WaterSense New Homes program shall be provided or
assigned to the builder partner. The payment for certification services is not to be
based on the home passing the inspection.
As a condition for applying to have their home(s) certified and labeled for
conformance to the specification, builder partners are required to have a signed
WaterSense partnership agreement. The licensed certification provider shall
verify that this partnership agreement is in place (and signed by both parties)
prior to issuing the WaterSense label. To verify the partnership agreement, the
licensed certification provider should check the WaterSense Web site for a
current list of builder partners. If the builder is not listed on the WaterSense Web
site, the licensed certification provider can verify the partnership agreement by
contacting the WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) or
watersense@epa.gov.
iii. Issuing the WaterSense label
Once the inspector has completed the inspection, he or she will submit copies of
the inspection checklists and supporting documentation to the licensed
certification provider. Based on the inspection documentation, the licensed
certification provider will make the certification decision.
If the builder partner intends to certify multiple homes within the same subdivision
or planned community the licensed certification provider may offer builder
partners the opportunity to participate in a sampling protocol, as described in
Section V.B.ii. of this document. If this option is exercised, the inspector will
inform the licensed certification provider of the homes that the relevant inspection
covers. Based on the inspection documentation provided for the sample home,
the licensed certification provider will make the certification decision for all of the
homes covered by that inspection.
Once the licensed certification provider determines that the new home(s) meets
all of the criteria contained in the specification, the licensed certification provider
will fill out the certificate for each certified new home, which includes:
• A certification statement that the new home has been certified to meet
EPA's criteria for water-efficient new homes;
• The name of the builder partner;
• The names of the inspector and the licensed certification provider's
authorized representative;
• The address or lot number of the certified new home; and
• The date of inspection (for homes included in a sampling protocol, this
date shall be the date that the sample home was inspected).
Both the inspector that conducted the inspection and the licensed certification
provider's authorized representative will sign the certificate and the licensed
certification provider will supply the builder partner with an original signed copy.
The certificate may be signed with an electronic signature or stamp.
Version 1.0 12 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
At the time the WaterSense label is issued, the licensed certification provider will
also supply the builder partner with guidance on proper use of the label.
C. Ongoing Support
i. Maintain registry of inspectors
The licensed certification provider must maintain a registry of all of the inspectors
it hires or contracts with that have successfully completed training to conduct
new home inspections for WaterSense. This registry should include records of
training and other documentation of inspectors' qualifications as appropriate.
ii. Collect data on certified new homes
The licensed certification provider must report at least quarterly to EPA regarding
the new homes that they have certified. EPA will supply the licensed certification
provider with a WaterSense labeled new home notification form. At a minimum,
the licensed certification provider will supply EPA with the following information
for each builder partner that it has issued a WaterSense label:
• Builder partner's contact information;
• Number of certified new homes and cities and states (or zip codes) in
which the homes are built;
• Data collected for each home per the inspection checklists,
aggregated to provide total numbers of installed appliances and
systems (e.g., clothes washers, dishwashers, irrigation systems); and
• A summary of common nonconformities identified during the
inspection process.
iii. Oversee inspections and maintain records of complaints
a. General oversight
The licensed certification provider's quality assurance designee will oversee
inspectors in accordance with its own process relevant to the evaluation of
the inspector's capability and competence to inspect new homes for
WaterSense, including the activities outlined in Section IV.A.i.
b. Oversight for homes included in a sampling protocol
Every WaterSense labeled new home, regardless of whether it was directly
inspected or certified as part of a sampling protocol, is subject to ongoing
surveillance conducted by the licensed certification provider's quality
assurance designee. If the inspector or his or her licensed certification
provider discovers nonconformance with the specification requirements
during any in-home re-inspection/co-inspection prior to its sale or initial
occupancy, the licensed certification provider shall reserve the right to revoke
Version 1.0 13 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
the builder partner's sampling eligibility and require a direct inspection of
each home in addition to handling the issues in accordance with Section VII
of this document. A builder partner can only become re-eligible for sampling
after the inspector has directly inspected and the licensed certification
provider has certified an additional seven homes within the subdivision or
planned community.
c. Conflicts of interest disclosure
The inspectors are required to disclose to the licensed certification provider
any existing or potential conflicts of interest associated with a particular home
inspection.
The licensed certification provider shall ensure that all disclosures are
adequately addressed by its quality control procedures. Examples of conflicts
of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Providing consulting services for the home;
• Acting as the seller of the home or the seller's agent;
• Acting as the mortgagor for some portion of the financed
payments on the home; and
• Supplying or installing products to facilitate the home meeting the
specification criteria.
EPA allows the builder partner and/or homeowner to waive conflicts of
interest after evaluation of the disclosure from the licensed certification
provider. If the builder partner/homeowner grants a waiver, the inspector may
inspect the home for WaterSense.
d. Handling complaints
If complaints are issued and warrant a response, the licensed certification
provider must follow its complaint resolution policies and procedures. This
must include a mechanism for ensuring and enforcing necessary corrective
action and discipline of the affected inspector, as appropriate. The licensed
certification provider may also increase the frequency of re-inspections/co-
inspections conducted for the affected inspector.
iv. Allow EPA to accompany licensed certification provider on routine
assessments of WaterSense inspections
EPA or its designee reserves the right to conduct periodic in-home inspections of
WaterSense labeled new homes prior to their sale or initial occupancy and
reviews of Web and other certification references and WaterSense label usages.
In the case of an in-home inspection, EPA will seek permission and coordinate
the inspection with the builder partner and the home's inspector and licensed
certification provider, so as not to delay the certification process. If
nonconformities with the specification are identified, EPA will notify the licensed
certification provider and/or the builder partner and engage in corrective or other
necessary action in accordance with Section VII of this document.
Version 1.0 14 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
v. Update inspectors on relevant WaterSense program changes
Licensed certification providers must maintain regular communication with their
inspectors, informing them of any changes to the training or inspection
requirements that may affect their ability to perform inspections for WaterSense.
The licensed certification provider shall communicate such changes to its
inspectors within 30 days of notification from either EPA or the program
administrator. Inspectors shall implement the changes within 90 days of
notification by the licensed certification provider.
V. Procedures and Requirements for Water-Efficiency Home
Inspectors
Inspectors inspect new homes in accordance with the minimum criteria contained in the
specification. To provide inspection services for WaterSense, an inspector must:
Complete the training requirements as outlined in this section;
Work for, or contract with, a certification provider that is licensed by EPA; and
Disclose existing or potential conflicts of interest to the licensed certification
provider for all inspections related to WaterSense.
Other responsibilities of inspectors are also outlined in this section.
A summary of the inspector's roles and responsibilities, as described in this section, is
provided in Table 3.
A. Inspector Training and Administration
i. Training of inspectors
An inspector must demonstrate a knowledge base and skill set to conduct
inspections of new homes for WaterSense. As part of that demonstration, the
inspector must attend training conducted by a licensed certification provider's
quality assurance designee. EPA will maintain a listing of licensed certification
providers on the WaterSense Web site.
ii. Employment of inspectors
To provide inspections of new homes for WaterSense, inspectors who have
completed the required training must work for, or contract with, a licensed
certification provider. A licensed certification provider should be contacted
directly for information on becoming a water-efficiency home inspector. A list of
licensed certification providers will be maintained on the WaterSense Web site.
In addition, the inspector must disclose to the licensed certification provider any
existing or potential conflicts of interest as described in Section IV.C.iii.c. of this
document.
Version 1.0 15 June 25, 2009
-------
- '51: ISC WaterSense New Home Certification System
B. New Home Inspection
i. General procedures
For each new home, the inspector must evaluate the following three aspects
against the requirements of the specification:
• Minimum indoor water-efficiency criteria;
• Minimum outdoor water-efficiency criteria; and
• Builder-prepared homeowner operating manual.
EPA has prepared inspection guidance and an inspection checklist containing
the inspection criteria and minimum features a home must possess in order for it
to meet the criteria contained in the specification. The licensed certification
provider will supply these materials to the inspector. The inspector must utilize
the inspection checklist, or other method of documentation that contains all of the
minimum information in the inspection checklist, to document the home's water-
efficiency features and compliance with the specification's criteria. Prior to the
inspection, the inspector shall provide the builder partner with copies of the forms
and materials he or she intends to use as part of the inspection process.
Each of the new home evaluation aspects is further described in the specification
and Inspection Guidelines for WaterSense Labeled New Homes. If the inspector
determines the new home does not conform in any area, and if corrective actions
are appropriate and warranted, the inspector can work directly with the builder
partner to ensure that the nonconformity is corrected before finalizing the
inspection. All nonconformities and corrective actions must be noted as part of
the inspection documentation.
ii. Procedures for multiple homes in a subdivision or planned
community
The licensed certification provider may offer builder partners the opportunity to
participate in a sampling protocol if they intend to have multiple homes certified
within the same subdivision or planned community. If the licensed certification
provider offers sampling, the inspector must directly inspect and the licensed
certification provider must certify the builder partner's first seven homes within
the subdivision or planned community. These inspections will be conducted
following the general procedures outlined in Section V.B.i.
Upon the builder partner's fulfillment of the sampling protocol eligibility
requirement, the inspector should institute the following process for sampling:
• Randomly select one home for sampling from every batch of seven
homes that are scheduled for completion within 30 days of one
another;
• Inspect the sample home in accordance with the general procedures
described in Section V.B.i. of this document; and
• For every home with an irrigation system installed, the inspector will
verify that the builder partner had the irrigation system audited by a
Version 1.0 16 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
WaterSense irrigation partner, regardless of whether the home is
being directly inspected or certified as part of the sampling protocol.
If the randomly selected home does not successfully pass the inspection, the
licensed certification provider cannot certify any additional homes for the builder
partner using the sampling protocol until seven new homes have been directly
inspected and certified. All homes receiving certification through the sampling
protocol are subject to the oversight procedures in Section IV.C.iii.b.
C. Notify Licensed Certification Provider of New Home Inspections
Upon inspection, the inspector will notify and supply the licensed certification provider
with a copy of all relevant paperwork documenting the new home's inspection. In the
case of homes included in a sampling protocol, the inspector will inform the licensed
certification provider of the homes that the relevant inspection covers. At a minimum, the
inspector must report the following information to the licensed certification provider for
each inspected new home:
• Builder partner contact information;
• Address (or lot number) of inspected new home (and address or lot
number of any new homes covered by a relevant sampling protocol);
• Documentation of the home's compliance with the requirements
contained in the specification (i.e., a completed inspection checklist)-this
includes any initial nonconformities identified and corrective actions
taken;
• Name and contact information for the inspector; and
• Inspection date(s).
Based on the inspection documentation provided by the inspector, the licensed
certification provider will make the certification decision. If the new home has been
determined to meet all of the criteria contained in the specification, both the inspector
that conducted the inspection and the licensed certification provider's authorized
representative will sign the certificate(s). The certificate may be signed with an electronic
signature or stamp. The licensed certification provider will issue the signed certificate to
the builder partner.
D. Ongoing Support
i. Maintain file of inspected homes
The inspector is responsible for maintaining a file of all of the homes he or she
has inspected for a minimum of three years. For each home, the file must
contain, at a minimum, the information submitted to the licensed certification
provider and listed in Section V.C. above. The inspector must submit to an
annual comprehensive review of a minimum of 10 percent of his or her files by
the licensed certification provider's quality assurance designee, as part of the
licensed certification provider's quality assurance process.
Version 1.0 17 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
ii. Maintain status as required by licensed certification provider
To maintain status as an inspector for WaterSense, the inspector must maintain
any training and other requirements specified by the licensed certification
provider.
VI. Procedures and Requirements for Builder Partners
Builder partners construct water-efficient new homes that meet or exceed the criteria
contained in the specification.
A summary of the builder partner's roles and responsibilities, as described in this
section, is provided in Table 4.
A. Partnership Agreements with EPA
Builders must sign a partnership agreement with EPA as described in Section IV of the
WaterSense Program Guidelines if they wish to obtain the WaterSense label for their
homes.
B. New Home Certification and Labeling
Achieving and using the WaterSense label in conjunction with a water-efficient new
home is contingent upon inspection and certification that the home meets the minimum
criteria contained in the specification.
i. Application to a licensed certification provider
The builder partner must apply for certification on an individual home basis. To
initiate the inspection and certification process, the builder partner must contact a
licensed certification provider, as described in Section IV.B.ii of this document. A
list of licensed certification providers will be maintained on the WaterSense Web
site.
Builder partners who intend to certify multiple homes within the same subdivision
or planned community may be eligible to participate in a sampling protocol, as
offered and coordinated by the licensed certification provider. If the licensed
certification provider offers sampling, the builder partner must meet the eligibility
requirements outlined in Section V.B.ii.
The builder partner is responsible for paying the licensed certification provider for
all services and costs associated with the new home inspection, certification, and
issuance of the WaterSense label.
Version 1.0 18 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
ii. New home certification and labeling
The WaterSense label indicates that the new home has been certified to conform
to the specification. At the time the WaterSense label is issued, the licensed
certification provider will also supply the builder partner with guidance on proper
use of the label. The builder partner is then allowed to advertise that the new
home conforms to the specification. Any promotion of the WaterSense label must
be directly related to the certified new home.
iii. Builder partner registry
EPA will maintain a list of builder partners who have built or plan to build
WaterSense labeled new homes. As part of the partnership agreement with EPA,
the builder will provide EPA with:
• Contact information;
• Company Web site, if applicable; and
• A list of states and/or localities in which they build.
EPA will post this information on its builder partner registry.
The registry will also include the location(s) (city, state) and number of
WaterSense labeled new homes for each builder partner.
iv. Ongoing surveillance
EPA or its designee reserves the right to conduct periodic in-home inspections of
labeled homes prior to their sale or initial occupancy and to periodically review
Web and other certification references and WaterSense label usages. In the case
of an in-home inspection, EPA will seek permission and coordinate the inspection
with the builder partner and the home's inspector and licensed certification
provider, so as not to delay the certification process. If nonconformities with the
specification are identified, EPA will notify the licensed certification provider
and/or the builder partner and will engage in corrective or other necessary action
in accordance with Section VII of this document.
VII. Suspension and Withdrawal of the WaterSense Label From
New Homes
The licensed certification provider is responsible for notifying EPA of specific instances
of nonconformity. Nonconformity may include, but is not limited to:
Failure of a certified home to pass a re-inspection, where simple corrective
action is unable to resolve the nonconformance;
Receipt of formal complaints from home buyers or other interested parties
indicating that the certified new home was generally misrepresented (e.g.,
multiple features do not comply with the specification); or
Version 1.0 19 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
Instances where the licensed certification provider discovers that a builder is
fraudulently or falsely claiming that his or her homes have been certified and
labeled in accordance with the specification and this certification system.
EPA is responsible for engaging the builder in corrective action and for determining
when the use of the WaterSense label should be suspended or withdrawn due to
nonconformance or improper use or reference to the WaterSense label.
Nonconformance may be determined through notification to EPA by the licensed
certification provider as described above. EPA may also discover nonconformance or
improper use or reference to the WaterSense label from its stakeholders, during its own
in-home inspections, or during periodic reviews of certification and label usage. If EPA
discovers nonconformance or certification and labeling issues, it will notify the licensed
certification provider that issued the WaterSense label and will coordinate corrective
action or, if necessary, label suspension or withdrawal.
WaterSense label suspension can occur for a limited period of time as specified by EPA.
During the period of suspension, the builder partner is prohibited from using the
WaterSense label in conjunction with the home in question and on any new home built
after the issuance of a suspension, until such time as EPA indicates the suspension can
be removed. The licensed certification provider will assist EPA as necessary by
removing the WaterSense label from the home in question, determining when the terms
for suspension removal have been fulfilled, ensuring that no new WaterSense labels are
issued during the period of suspension, and upon EPA's approval, reissuing the
WaterSense label to the builder partner for the home in question. The builder partner is
responsible for paying the licensed certification provider for all services and costs
associated with the necessary corrective action or suspension and reinstatement of a
WaterSense label.
In more severe or repeated instances of nonconformity, improper use or reference to the
WaterSense label, or failure to meet the requirements for reinstatement of a suspended
WaterSense label, EPA will withdraw the WaterSense label from all of the builder
partner's certified new homes that have not yet been sold. EPA will notify the builder
partner that the certification and WaterSense label are being withdrawn. If the
WaterSense label is withdrawn for any reason, EPA will require that the builder partner
cease to advertise the certification of his or her homes and the label must be eliminated
immediately from new homes not already sold. EPA will notify the licensed certification
provider to inform them that the builder partner is no longer allowed to use or receive the
WaterSense label and will decide whether termination of the partnership agreement or
other corrective action is warranted. The licensed certification provider will assist EPA as
necessary by removing the WaterSense label from all certified new homes that have not
yet been sold and will not issue any new WaterSense labels to the builder partner. The
builder partners are responsible for paying the licensed certification provider for all
services and costs associated with the withdrawal of the WaterSense label.
Version 1.0 20 June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
Figure 1. New Home Certification Process
EPA Program Admin Provider Inspector Home Builder
Develop
requirements/
approve program
admin.
Sign agreement
Develop provider
requirements
Provide certificate
and other materials to
approved providers
Develop training
requirements
Sign WaterSense
partnership
agreement
Develop
specification
Develop
inspection
requirements
Develop new home
notification
form/maintain registry
*
«
->
->
Submit application
and supporting
documentation
Sign MOA
Approve providers
Train
providers/oversee
inspector training
Oversee providers
-»
->
-i
»
Submit agreements
and supporting
documentation
Approve inspectors/
conduct training
Verify builder's
partnership
agreement
1
1
Oversee
inspections/re-
inspect 1%
Issue certificate to
builder partner
Submit quarterly
report
->
4
-
Complete training
requirements
Inspect home
i
Notify provider of
inspection
Maintain file of
inspected homes
4
Sign WaterSense
partnership
agreement
Build homes to
specification
Submit home for
inspection
Begin advertising
homes
Version 1.0
21
June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
Table 1. Summary of Program Administrator Roles and Responsibilities
Role/Responsibility
Submit letter of intent and
supporting documentation to
EPA
Enter into a Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) with EPA
Train certification provider's
quality assurance designees
Evaluate and approve trained
certification providers
Verify certification provider's
partnership and licensure by
EPA
Supply licensed certification
provider with inspector training
materials and inspection forms
and guidance
Maintain registry of approved
certification providers
Oversee licensed certification
providers
Update licensed certification
providers on relevant
WaterSense program changes
Additional Information or Resources
> Application materials may be submitted to
watersense@epa.gov
> Contact the WaterSense Helpline, watersense@epa.gov, to
obtain a copy of the MOA
> EPA will provide program administrators with certification
provider training materials
> Supply certification providers with documentation of training
> Supply certification provider with documentation of approval
> Request documentation from certification provider
> EPA will maintain a list of licensed certification providers on
the WaterSense Web site
> Contact the WaterSense Helpline, watersense@epa.gov, if
the certification provider is not listed on Web site
> EPA will provide program administrator with inspector
training materials, inspection forms and guidance
> Add certification providers to registry only upon proof of EPA
partnership and licensure
> Conduct oversight in accordance with its own technical
standards for approval and oversight
> Institute certification provider discipline procedures, as
necessary, in accordance with its own internal policies and
procedures
> EPA will communicate any changes to program administrator
Version 1.0
22
June 25, 2009
-------
'•>'.'. "i se
WaterSense New Home Certification System
Table 2. Summary of Licensed Certification Provider Roles and Responsibilities
Role/Responsibility
Attend certification provider
training conducted by EPA or
an EPA-approved program
administrator
Designate quality assurance
personnel
Submit application to program
administrator
Seek licensure and partnership
with EPA
Receive WaterSense labeled
new home certificate template
from EPA
Provide program administrator
with proof of licensure
Hire or contract with and train
inspectors
Provide inspectors with
inspection materials and
guidance
Accept applications from
builder, verify builder
partnership agreement,
provide/assign an inspector
Review inspection
documentation and make
certification decision
Fill out, sign, and issue
certificate to builder partner
Provide builder partner with
guidance on proper label use
Maintain registry of inspectors
Provide quarterly report to EPA
regarding certified new homes
Additional Information or Resources
> This requirement is applicable to certification provider's
quality assurance designee(s)
> EPA and/or program administrators will announce
opportunities for certification provider training
> EPA will maintain a list of approved program administrators
on WaterSense Web site
> Program administrator will provide documentation of training
> Name designee in application to program administrator and
partnership agreement with EPA
> EPA will maintain a list of approved program administrators
on WaterSense Web site
> Program administrator will supply certification provider with
documentation of approval
> EPA will post partnership and licensing agreements on
WaterSense Web site
> Agreements may be submitted to watersense@epa.qov
> Accompany agreements with documentation of program
administrator approval
> Template will be accompanied by executed agreements, and
a licensed certification provider tool kit
> Program administrator will supply licensed certification
provider with inspector training materials and inspection
forms and guidance
> Conduct training in accordance with materials provided by
program administrator
> Licensed certification provider's quality assurance designee
must track inspector training
> Inspection materials and guidance may be obtained from the
program administrator
> Builder partner must designate individual homes for
certification and labeling
> EPA will maintain a list of builder partners on the WaterSense
Web site
> Builder partner may correct nonconformities, provided they
are identified and corrective action is taken
> Complete WaterSense labeled new home certificate template
provided by EPA
> Inspector must also sign certificate
> EPA will supply label use guidance as part of the licensed
certification provider's tool kit
> Include inspector training records
> EPA will post a WaterSense labeled new home notification
form on the WaterSense Web site
Version 1.0
23
June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
Role/Responsibility
Oversee inspectors
Disclose conflicts of interest,
as appropriate, to builder
partner and/or homeowner
Handle complaints that may
arise
Submit to EPA oversight of
WaterSense labeled homes
Update inspectors on relevant
WaterSense program changes
Additional Information or Resources
> Licensed certification provider must follow its own policies
and procedures for inspector oversight, which include the
minimum functions specified by EPA
> Ensure disclosures are adequately addressed by its own
internal quality control procedures
> Follow its own internal complaint resolution policies and
procedures
> EPA will coordinate in-home inspection oversight with the
inspector, licensed certification provider, and builder partner
> Program administrator will communicate any program
changes to licensed certification providers
Version 1.0
24
June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
Table 3. Summary of Inspector Roles and Responsibilities
Role/Responsibility
Work for or contract with a
licensed certification provider
Attend training conducted by a
licensed certification provider
Disclose to licensed certification
provider existing or potential
conflicts of interest
Coordinate inspection
assignments with licensed
certification provider
Schedule inspection and provide
builder partner with copies of
inspection materials
Evaluate new home's
conformance with specification
Work with builder partner to
correct any nonconformities
identified
Supply licensed certification
provider with a copy of
completed checklists and
supporting documentation for
each inspected home
Sign the WaterSense labeled
new home certificate
Submit to licensed certification
provider's inspection oversight
Maintain file of inspected homes
and submit to an annual file
review
Maintain status as specified by
licensed certification provider
Submit to EPA oversight of
WaterSense labeled new homes
Additional Information or Resources
> EPA will maintain list of licensed certification providers on
WaterSense Web site
> Licensed certification provider will supply inspection
materials and guidance
> Licensed certification provider will coordinate disclosure to
builder partner and/or homeowner
> Builder partner will contact licensed certification provider to
initiate inspection process
> Licensed certification provider may provide builder partner
with a list of inspectors or assign an inspector to each
project
> Licensed certification provider will supply inspection
materials to inspectors
> If irrigation system is installed, verify it was audited by a
WaterSense irrigation partner
> EPA will maintain a list of irrigation partners on WaterSense
Web site
> Note on inspection checklist any nonconformities and
corrective actions taken
> Licensed certification provider will evaluate documentation
and make certification decision
> Sign certificate after licensed certification provider has
certified the new home
> Licensed certification provider will issue certificate to builder
partner
> Licensed certification provider will follow its own oversight
process
> Licensed certification provider's quality assurance designee
will review at least 10% of the inspection files
> This could include training or other requirements
> EPA will coordinate in-home inspection oversight with the
inspector, licensed certification provider, and builder partner
Version 1.0
25
June 25, 2009
-------
WaterSense New Home Certification System
Table 4. Summary of Builder Partner Roles and Responsibilities
Role/Responsibility
Sign a partnership agreement
with EPA
Provide EPA with information for
builder partner registry
Contact a licensed certification
provider to schedule an
inspection
Work with inspector to inspect
designated home(s) and
address any issues of
nonconformance
Properly advertise WaterSense
labeled new home(s)
Submit to licensed certification
provider's ongoing surveillance
including new home re-
inspection/co-inspection
Submit to EPA oversight of
WaterSense labeled new
homes, label use, and
advertisement
Additional Information or Resources
> EPA will post builder partnership agreement on
WaterSense Web site
> EPA will provide builder partners with a builder partner
tool kit and access to the partner Web site
> EPA will obtain initial partner registry information from
builder's partnership agreement
> EPA will update builder partner registry quarterly based
on information from licensed certification providers
> EPA will maintain a list of licensed certification
providers on WaterSense Web site
> Designate each home to be certified
> The inspector will supply builder partners with a copy of
the inspection materials
> Nonconformities and corrective actions will be noted on
inspection documentation
> Licensed certification provider will supply builder
partners with guidance on proper label use
> EPA will provide guidance on advertisement of
WaterSense labeled new homes in the builder partner
tool kit
> If nonconformities are identified, licensed certification
provider will provide an opportunity for simple corrective
action
> EPA will coordinate in-home inspection oversight with
the inspector, licensed certification provider, and builder
partner
> If nonconformities are identified EPA will provide an
opportunity for simple corrective action
Version 1.0
26
June 25, 2009
------- |