The 2020 ICC-700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) introduced the Water Rating Index (WRI) as a new optional path for homes to demonstrate compliance with water efficiency criteria. Like the HERS and ERI ratings, a WRI score is a value between 0 and 100 and can be used to understand the operational costs of a given property. Builders who take advantage of this new opportunity can be on the cutting edge of efficiency and will set their homes apart from other green certified homes. By obtaining a certified WRI score for their homes, builders can also position their homes to achieve additional water efficiency labels, including the NGBS Green+ ZERO WATER and WaterSense certifications.

Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in

• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• American Institute of Architects – AIA (HSW) (PENDING)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP): Water Pillar
• AIBD
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable

Lessons Learned:

1. Learn about the water efficiency compliance methods available for projects pursuing certification under the 2020 NGBS version.
2. Identify the key components of the performance-based Water Rating Index (WRI).
3. Learn about the process and tools for obtaining a certified WRI rating score.
4. Understand how a WRI score contributes toward NGBS compliance, as well additional recognitions, namely WaterSense and NGBS Green+ ZERO WATER certifications.

Instructor: Cindy Wasser, Home Innovation Research Labs

Cindy Wasser, MBA is the Senior Manager of Green Building Programs at Home Innovation Research Labs. In this role, she provides strategic support to the NGBS Green Certification program, and her efforts have contributed to the program becoming the leading green building certification program for residential construction. Cindy leads the development of new program features and tools that are utilized by verifiers and developers seeking green certification. In 2020, Cindy was recognized by Professional Builder magazine as a 40-under-40 rising star in the homebuilding industry.

Previously, Cindy was a consultant with ICF where she supported the implementation of the U.S. EPA’s residential labeling programs, namely ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS, and WaterSense. In earlier roles, Cindy provided sustainability technical assistance at the National Association of Counties (NACo) and led community engagement efforts for the City Planning Department of Montpelier, Vermont. Cindy holds an MBA in Sustainability from Bard College and a B.S. in U.S. Environmental Policy and from Rutgers University.