If a developer is looking for water-efficient appliances to install in residences, what label should they look for on the appliances?

The most appropriate label for water-efficient appliances is the WaterSense label. This label is specifically designed to identify products that save water and perform well. Managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the WaterSense program helps consumers distinguish water-efficient products among many household items, including faucets, showerheads, toilets, and irrigation equipment. Appliances that carry the WaterSense label meet stringent criteria for water efficiency and performance, ensuring that they use at least 20% less water without sacrificing functionality.

While ENERGY STAR is also an important label for energy efficiency, it primarily focuses on reducing energy consumption rather than water usage. LEED Certified indicates that a building or structure meets certain sustainability criteria, but it is not a specific label for appliances. Eco-friendly is a vague term and does not denote a standardized certification that guarantees water efficiency. Therefore, WaterSense is the most relevant and specific label for identifying water-efficient appliances that a developer should consider.