Total of 5 categories:
A summary of the available categories and corresponding credits are outlined within these pages. This page focuses on Water Efficiency and the corresponding credits.
Water Efficiency:
With global climate change comes the understanding that our resources are limited and precious.
It is imperative that we find ways to conserve our potable water supplies.
These credits are in some measure an attempt to reduce potable water useage and to reduce pollution of our waterways.
These are just a general listing/ summary of the credits and not meant to serve as a guide in anyway.
We strongly encourage you to refer to the USGBC web site or obtain the LEED reference manuals.
Both LEED NC and LEED CS have 5 possible points in the Water Efficiency category.
No prerequisites, 3 credits = 5 possible points
WE Credit 1.1: Water Efficient Landscaping
Utilize high efficiency irrigation to reduce by 50% or reduce potable water use by utilizing alternative means like
captured rainwater, recycled or reclaim water or on site treated waste water.
WE Credit 1.2: Water Efficient Landscaping
Eliminate all potable water use for irrigation or provide no irrigation.
WE Credit 2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies
Reduce use of potable water for sewage conveyance by min 50% or treat 100% of wastewater onsite.
WE Credit 3.1: Water Use Reduction
Use 20% less water in building.
WE Credit 3.2: Water Use Reduction
Use 30% less water in building.
Note that the Energy Policy Act of 1992 set standards for water efficiency for certain fixtures.
Typically these inluded low-flow toilets (1.6 GPF), urinals (1.0 GPF), shower heads (2.5 GPM), faucets (2.5 GPF), replacement
aerators (2.5 gpm) & metering faucets (0.25 gal/CY).
The measures listed above are meant to surpass these standards.
Go to page:
1 (LEED introduction)
2 (Sustainable Sites)
3 (Water Efficiency)
4 (Energy & Atmosphere)
Other FAQs in our sustainable series: