ICC-ES partners with EPA to promote water conservation
December 29th, 2008Manufacturers can turn to ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), a subsidiary of the International Code Council, for federally certified water-efficient products to meet customer demand for green building products. ICC-ES is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to certify products for the WaterSense Program, which identifies and promotes high performance, water-efficient products.
“Products carrying the WaterSense label are independently tested and certified by ICC-ES to perform 20% more efficiently than traditional products,” said Bernie Soesilo, ICC-ES Director of Listing Programs. “The WaterSense label shows customers that products will not only help save money but also the environment.”
According to the EPA, the program has helped save more than 277 million gallons of water a year and saves millions in energy costs to supply, heat and treat that water. High-efficiency toilets and high-efficiency bathroom sink faucets, both listed under the ICC-ES Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Program, qualify for the WaterSense Program®.
To earn certification, manufacturers must first enter into a partnership agreement with the EPA. The applicant then submits an application form and independent lab product test reports for ICC-ES review. ICC-ES requires that all products achieve compliance with the International Plumbing Code or Uniform Plumbing Code and standards before they can be evaluated under the WaterSense Program. When a manufacturer achieves compliance with the WaterSense requirements, it also will receive an ICC-ES PMG Listing based on codes and referenced standards. More information is available at icc-es-pmg.org/watersense.