Toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of residential indoor water consumption. As water shortages continue to plague many regions of the country, efficient toilets are in high demand. As a result many manufacturers, including American Standard, have expanded their product lines both in style and performance. American Standard now offers twelve residential high-efficiency toilets (HETs) models that meet the requirements for WaterSense labeling.  Several are listed below that help achieve green building ratings in remodeling and new construction.

American Standard's WaterSense labeled Dual-Flush FloWise Two-Piece High-Efficiency Toilet allows users to decide whether to use 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) or 0.8 gpf, potentially saving more than 30 percent more water than 1.6 gpf toilets. Available in an elongated bowl, the toilet may be purchased in either right-height or standard height. This Dual-Flush HET retails for $389 to $471 depending on features selected. WaterSense, a program sponsored by the EPA, helps consumers identify high performance, water-efficient toilets that reduce water use in the home. The WaterSense label is used on toilets that are certified by independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency. Unlike some first generation low-flow toilets, design advances enable WaterSense labeled toilets to save water with no trade-off in flushing power.

The new Compact Cadet 3 One-Piece offers a "right height" elongated bowl that fits in the same space as a round-front bowl. Its design incorporates rolled-edge detail on the tank top and a slow-close seat, with the permanent EverClean surface that inhibits the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew. The Cadet 3 Two-Piece also offers the same design hallmarks and water-saving performance, as does the Tropic Two-Piece, all of which are driven by the Cadet 3 flushing system. All Cadet 3 HETs are WaterSense certified and carry a five-year warranty on chinaware and parts. They are priced at $542 for the One-Piece, $224 to $329 for the Two-Piece and $281 to $386 for the Tropic Two-Piece, depending on whether a right-height elongated, elongated or round-front bowl is selected.

The Selectronic Flush Valve, shown to the left, combines hands-free plumbing with high-efficiency fixtures and is also LEED compliant. The 1.28 gpf Selectronic Valve is battery powered, sensor operated and saves 20% of water usage when matched with the 1.28 gpf Afwall or Madera (on the left) HET's. The price for the Selectronic Flowise Flush Valve is $525, and the Madera toilet ranges in price from $221 - $276. For the end user of hands free flushing, the appeal is hygiene. Most people do not like to touch a toilet handle. From the standpoint of the installer, cost is an important factor. Repairs to "drop-kicked" handles can get expensive. While hands-free technology is more costly up front, the need for handle repairs is significantly reduced.