It appears that this credit can not be earned if a project does not meet some water demand through nonpotable sources. Can anyone confirm if not only consideration but actual use of nonpotable water must be implemented to earn the Integrative Process credit?
In general the credit language suggests it is more about process than prescriptive solutions. Page 47 of the Reference Guide says:
"Assess and quantify how potential nonpotable supply sources can be used to o"set potable water use for the water demands calculated above. Identify at least one on-site nonpotable water source that could supply a portion of at least two demand components."
But page 51 the Reference Guide states:
"This credit also requires that at least one on-site nonpotable water supply source contribute to at least two water demands; for example, a nonpotable water supply source such as harvested rainwater used for both irrigation and toilet flushing satisfies this requirement."
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5868 thumbs up
November 6, 2014 - 4:45 pm
This credit is all about process. It does not require the implementation of any specific technologies or strategies. It only requires that some of these technologies and strategies be evaluated and analyzed early in the design process.
This does not require the use on nonpotable water. It does require that you analyse nonpotable sources.
Vince Briones
Sustainable Design Manager15 thumbs up
February 23, 2015 - 5:06 pm
Just looping back on this detail....
Marcus,
Should we be requesting an addendum to resolve this? As of January 2015 addenda this hasn't been modified to my knowledge. The BD+C Reference guide clearly states under Implementation:
"....Demonstrate how at least one on-site nonpotable water supply source was used to reduce the burden on municipal supply or wastewater treatment systems by contributing to at least two of the water demand components listed above."
In the interim, seems it might be safest to comply with this for now?
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5868 thumbs up
February 24, 2015 - 10:14 am
I do not see any need for an addenda but apparently there is at least some confusion. I subscribe to the online reference guide so I don't have page numbers but maybe something did change. I cannot find the quote you provided. Under Step-by-Step Guidance there is step 7, Implementation and it is pretty clear about documenting how the analysis informed the design and does not require implementation of any particular strategy.
Vince Briones
Sustainable Design Manager15 thumbs up
February 27, 2015 - 10:38 am
Hi Marcus,
Sorry- it's little confusing as Implementation is addressed in two places. In the PDF version of the BD+C guide this specific reference to project use of non-potable water is located under: Requirements /Water Systems / Implementation. This language also appears in USGBC's online LEED credit library.
Likewise, it seems to be reinforced on pg 6 the required supporting document found here: http://www.usgbc.org/resources/integrative-process-worksheet
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5868 thumbs up
February 27, 2015 - 10:55 am
I agree that the language is confusing. My business partner wrote this credit and I can assure you that you are not required to implement any particular strategy. Explain the analysis you did and how it influenced the design.
Amanda Lehman Garvey
Project DirectorThornton Tomasetti
August 17, 2015 - 3:12 pm
This issue was resolved in the 7-1-15 addenda
http://www.usgbc.org/sites/default/files/LEED%20BD+C%20v4%20Reference%20...
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5868 thumbs up
August 17, 2015 - 4:02 pm
Thanks Amanda, very helpful.