The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) has issued a new report entitled Clean Water, Sanitation, and the Built Environment, focusing on how commercial and residential buildings access and use water resources.

The water and sanitation access report calls for the following:

• Improved and increased data collection efforts regarding water access, quality, and use in households and buildings.
• Increased market share for WaterSense and other efficiency programs, expansion of the use of alternate water sources, and increased focus to water efficiency as it relates to energy efficiency.
• Increased funding for centralized and decentralized water and sanitation infrastructure, especially for projects in underserved communities, and support for strong water treatment standards.

“The development of a national strategy to provide sustainable water and sanitation services to rural and disadvantaged communities is of critical importance,” said Stephen T. Ayers, interim president  CEO. “Part of this must include increased funding for water sector workforce programs to ensure a pipeline of future skilled workers.” 

The report was prepared by the NIBS Consultative Council, an assembly of high-level building leaders that makes recommendations directly to the President of the United States, Congress, and state and local policymakers to improve the nation’s buildings and infrastructure.

View the report.