Hot Tip

The EPP Policy may be part of a larger building sustainability policy or a document that pre-dates the LEED project time period.

Stormwater capture may be illegal in certain areas of the country, such as Colorado, where existing downstream water rights take precedence.

For urban buildings with small sites, green roofs and rainwater collection and reuse systems are the most likely strategies to bring the project to compliance with this credit.

If the project site contains a number of different surface slopes and grades, you can simplify the calculation process by classifying the majority of appropriate surface areas as “steep.” This will generate the most conservative calculation of stormwater mitigation.

The LEED Online credit form contains a built-in calculator that uses runoff coefficients of different surface types to determine infiltration volumes.

You may find a tradeoff between building reuse and overall environmental performance, specifically in terms of indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

Hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead may be present in older buildings. The owner may benefit from conducting a Phase I Environmental Assessment, and if required, a Phase II assessment with a remediation plan to ensure a safe and healthy facility.

Eliminating turf grass, planting native and adaptive species, and not installing an irrigation system is the simplest and cheapest way to achieve this credit. It will also have several additional environmental and financial benefits not necessarily recognized by LEED, such as reducing mowing costs, energy use, emissions, pesticide and fertilizer needs, and maintenance and replanting. Start by evaluating this option, taking into account the owner’s expectations, the climate, and site conditions.