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NC-v4 WEp1:Outdoor water use reduction

Irrigation Establishment Period Flexibility / Regional Adjustments

For the WE pre-requisite and credit Outdoor Water Use Reduction, specifically Option 1 (No Irrigation Required), can the irrigation system installed go beyond the maximum two-year establishment period where the site is located in an area which has little rainfall? In essence, does LEED allow for regional adjustments to the establishment period based on location, as location would determine average precipitation, evapotranspiration and the time that plants need to get established? The reasoning being that while 2 years may be perfectly OK in locations which have regular rainfall, this may be on the short side for locations which have little to no rainfall and it would certainly take much more time, water and effort to establish a plant in the desert compared to a rainforest.

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Profile picture for user bigm333
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & Compliance
Jacobs
LEEDuser Expert
469 thumbs up

Fri, 07/21/2023 - 03:09

As far as I am aware, there are no exceptions granted for the establishment period. The intent is to have native/adapted plant types that would not need establishment longer than that when growing on their own. I've had many projects that compromised the 'no irrigation' goal to maintain their landscaping vision. It is possible to still earn a point (or two if you can supplement with alternative water sources) under Opt 2 with irrigation systems in place, you just wouldn't be eligible for Opt 1 anymore.
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Afogreen Build
www.afogreenbuild.com
Green Building Consultant
LEEDuser Premium Member
249 thumbs up

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 01:28

Hi Pooja,
No, it does not allow that irrigation system installed go beyond the maximum two-year establishment period. Although, LEED doesn’t specifically say to remove the tap for irrigation, but the option 1 requirement’s is to show that the landscape does not require a permanent irrigation system beyond a maximum two-year establishment period. Thus, usually project team explain to LEED that the tap for irrigation after establishment is only for replanting purposes.
Please kindly refer to link below: https://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction-core-and-shell-schools-new-construction-retail-new-construction-healthca-11?view=resources LEED submittal tips emphasize to make sure that any temporary irrigation systems do not exceed the maximum two-year establishment period.
Best regards – Afogreen Build Team

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