Within the EDGE framework, "waste heat recovery" from generators refers to capturing usable thermal energy from engine jacket water and exhaust gases that would otherwise be rejected to the environment. This recovered heat is a thermal resource, so it can directly serve end uses that require heat, such as space heating and domestic hot water heating. The curriculum also recognizes that recovered heat can indirectly support space cooling when it drives thermally activated cooling technologies, such as absorption chillers, where heat is used as the driving input to produce chilled water.
Mechanical ventilation, however, is fundamentally different. It is primarily an electrical end use because it relies on fans and motors to move air through ducts and provide required air changes. Thermal energy from recovered waste heat cannot power fan motors in the way electricity does. While waste heat might temper ventilation air through heat exchangers, that is not the same as being an energy source for the ventilation system itself. EDGE distinguishes between thermal end uses and electrical fan energy, so generator waste heat cannot be counted as a source of energy for mechanical ventilation.
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According to the CBCI EDGE certification procedures, certain measures require physical verification and performance testing during the site audit to confirm that installed systems match the design-stage commitments entered in the EDGE software. Low-flow faucets for bathrooms fall into this category because their compliance depends on measurable flow rates. During the audit, the EDGE Auditor may use flow- measuring devices to test fixture discharge rates and verify that they meet the specified liters per minute used in the improved case calculations. This ensures that projected water savings are genuinely achieved in practice.
In contrast, measures such as a green roof are typically verified visually and through documentation such as drawings and material specifications rather than performance testing. Condensate water recovery and wastewater treatment systems are usually confirmed through installed system inspection, capacity checks, and documentation review, but not necessarily through direct flow-rate testing at each fixture point like low-flow faucets. The curriculum emphasizes that fixtures with defined performance parameters, such as flow rates, are subject to on-site testing to maintain the integrity and credibility of EDGE water savings claims.

According to the CBCI EDGE framework, the pathway to becoming an EDGE Auditor is structured to ensure technical competence and familiarity with the EDGE methodology before assuming third-party verification responsibilities. An architect with more than three years of professional experience satisfies the general professional experience requirement; however, this alone is not sufficient to directly become an EDGE Auditor.
The curriculum clarifies that the candidate must first qualify and be recognized as an EDGE Expert. This step ensures that the individual has demonstrated proficiency in using the EDGE software, understands baseline and improved case calculations, and is fully familiar with energy, water, and materials measures within the EDGE Standard. The EDGE Expert credential confirms competence in project modeling and documentation preparation.
Once recognized as an EDGE Expert, the individual can then apply to an accredited EDGE Certification Body or Certifier to become an EDGE Auditor. Auditors operate under Certification Bodies and are responsible for independent design and site audits. They do not apply directly to IFC for this role, nor do they bypass the EDGE Expert stage. Therefore, the correct application process is to first become an EDGE Expert and then apply to a Certifier.

Wastewater treatment and recycling systems are evaluated in EDGE for their potential to reduce water consumption, a key aspect of green building design. The EDGE User Guide highlights the varying water usage patterns across building typologies: "Hotels typically have high water consumption due to guest rooms, laundry, and amenities like pools, making them ideal candidates for wastewater treatment and recycling systems, which can significantly reduce potable water demand by reusing treated water for non-potable uses such as irrigation and flushing" (EDGE User Guide, Section 5.2: Water Efficiency Measures). In contrast, homes (Option A) and offices (Option D) generally have lower per-capita water use, and schools (Option C) have intermittent occupancy, reducing the overall impact of such systems. The EDGE Methodology Report further supports this, noting: "For hotels, greywater and blackwater recycling can achieve up to 40% water savings due to high occupancy and consistent demand, compared to 20-25% in homes or offices" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 4.2: Water Savings Calculations). Thus, hotels (Option B) benefit the most from wastewater treatment and recycling systems due to their high water usage andpotential for significant savings.
Reference:EDGE User Guide Version 2.1, Section 5.2: Water Efficiency Measures; EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 4.2: Water Savings Calculations.