Home Innovation Research Labs Certifies First WaterSense-Labeled Home as a Home Certifying Organization (HCO)
Published Thursday, October 3, 2024
Home Innovation Research Labs (Home Innovation) is proud to announce its first certification of a WaterSense®-labeled home as a Home Certifying Organization (HCO). Built by Netze Homes, this groundbreaking residence is also certified to the 2020 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) at the Silver level, demonstrating a strong commitment to both water efficiency and overall sustainability. Located in The Oaks at Tower Ridge, a new development in Corinth, TX, this home is the first of several in the community that are slated to receive WaterSense certification.
Designed with advanced water-saving features, including a thoughtfully designed hot water distribution system and high efficiency appliances and fixtures, the home represents high standards in sustainable living. As the first home certified under the WaterSense program by Home Innovation Research Labs, it sets a model for future developments.
“Certifying the first WaterSense-labeled home as an HCO is a significant milestone for us,” said Cindy Wasser, Senior Manager at Home Innovation. “Netze Homes has demonstrated exceptional dedication to sustainability by designing a home that not only meets stringent water efficiency standards but also achieves NGBS Green Certification at the Silver level. This collaboration is a testament to the future of green home building.”
WaterSense-labeled homes use at least 30% less water than typical new homes, delivering significant water savings while ensuring comfort and convenience. The combination of smart design features, including optimized hot water distribution and water-conscious landscaping, allows homeowners to reduce their environmental impact while saving on utility costs.
“This home at 3079 Tall Oaks Court exemplifies modern sustainable living,” said Brad Bray, the NGBS Green Master Verifier on the project and the President of Essential Construction Consultants. “The use of steel-framed, pre-built metal stud walls not only strengthens the home's resilience against natural disasters but also showcases the innovative integration of energy efficiency and durability. With its all-electric design, heat pump systems, and high-performance insulation, this home delivers year-round comfort while significantly reducing energy consumption. Earning the WaterSense Label further highlights its superior water efficiency, from the compact hot water distribution system to water-saving fixtures throughout the home.”
The Oaks at Tower Ridge will feature numerous other homes certified through the WaterSense program, as well as homes certified to the NGBS. As a Home Certifying Organization, Home Innovation and our accredited NGBS Green Verifiers ensure that these homes meet rigorous standards for water and energy efficiency, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development in Texas. The ability to certify to both the NGBS Green and WaterSense programs makes Home Innovation a one-stop shop for green certification and a comprehensive partner to help builders, developers, and investors achieve their objectives in sustainability.
Check out our case study to learn more about the specific features and performance of this property. For more information about Home Innovation Research Labs and its certification programs, please contact us.
About Netze Homes
Netze Homes is a Texas-based builder focused on delivering sustainable, energy-efficient homes. Through thoughtful design and advanced construction techniques using cold-formed steel, Netze Homes is at the forefront of green building, providing homeowners with high-quality, environmentally responsible living spaces. Netze Homes’ steel frames ensure homes are termite, mold, and allergen resistant, setting new standards in safe construction practices. The team at Netze Homes ensures that every home design maximizes space, functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics.
About WaterSense
WaterSense is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program that identifies water-efficient products and homes. WaterSense-labeled homes use water-saving technologies that reduce water use without sacrificing performance, benefiting homeowners and the environment alike.
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ABOUT: Home Innovation Research Labs, located in Upper Marlboro, Md., is a full-service research, testing, and consulting firm determined to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of single- and multifamily homes and home building products – in short, we aim to perfect the home. Founded in 1964 as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), our team has been integral in solving many of our client’s most difficult product and technology issues, and helping to introduce some of the most groundbreaking innovations in construction. Through an interdisciplinary research approach – including market research, building science analysis, laboratory testing, and standards development – we help to find a home for innovation in the construction industry.
NOTE TO EDITORS ON STYLE USAGE: To identify this company and its work correctly, first reference should be "Home Innovation Research Labs." In subsequent mentions, “Home Innovation” should be used; we are not identified by an acronym. Prior to February 12, 2013, the company was known as the NAHB Research Center.