Action Steps

Include compliant process-water equipment in construction specifications. 

Run calculations to verify a water reduction of at least 20%, and save them to upload on LEED Online as documentation. 

Select equipment that reduces process-water use.

Determine an acceptable baseline case—usually an industry standard that can be obtained from your mechanical engineer or kitchen consultant. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, so you need to provide a narrative addressing the rationale for your baseline numbers.

If following the alternative compliance path and including equipment beyond the five types for which LEED establishes a baseline, look for options that work with your design and program needs. Evaluate a number of possible scenarios for achieving the credit.

Collect information on applicable pieces of equipment, including equipment name, make or model, water usage, maximum allowable usage, and number of products installed. You’ll need this information when you’re ready to submit documentation to LEED Online. 

Determine the four categories of equipment for which you will specify products that meet the thresholds, if following the prescriptive path.

Verify that none of the following have been included in any portion of the project: 

• refrigeration equipment that uses once-through cooling with potable water,
• garbage disposals,
• water-cooled ice machines,
• or food steamers with boilers. 

Alternative equipment types can be combined with any of the process-water items listed for the credit as long as you demonstrate a 20% reduction. 

Research equipment that can reduce water consumption. Possibilities (in addition to the items listed in the prescriptive path) may include: 

• cooling equipment,
• ice storage for cooling,
• boilers,
• pool filtration systems,
• and others.