If you develop in an urban or infill area on previously developed land, you will already have access to public utilities and may be near public transit. This can help your budget and offer a valuable amenity to building occupants.
Following best management practices for mold-control should limit liability exposure for the project team and school district, but be very careful (and consult with a lawyer) before saying or doing anything that could be construed as a guarantee that there will be no mold.
Keep costs low by starting early in the design stage and by understanding building science - how to keep moisture out of the building and air stream, and how to manage humidity levels through HVAC design.
In exchange for these investments, the credit allows you to keep close tabs on your water use and quickly fix problems or drive toward greater efficiency. Especially in areas with higher water and sewer costs, the payback can be very favorable.
The installation of submetering equipment, if none previously existed, can lead to added costs for Option 2. Additional time will also be needed to record and analyze data from water subsystems, but this added effort is generally marginal and not a barrier to credit achievement.
The most common metering choices for Option 2 are landscape irrigation and cooling towers. One reason is that utilities will often provide a discount on sewer charges for water consumption from these uses, which can mean significant financial savings.
In most cases achieving Option 1 is cost-neutral if the building already has a whole building meter. Some staff time will be needed, however, to manage weekly meter readings.
