It is unclear whether or not rainwater harvesting techniques are allowed in the reduction calculation for the Rainwater Management credit. If they are not allowed, why?
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Susann Geithner
PrincipalEmerald Built Environments
1297 thumbs up
March 20, 2012 - 4:37 pm
To your point, what exactly is a "Low impact development"?
I was think this through with a project I finished last year. Almost zero lot line development with an underground infiltration system handling 100% of the rain water, no discharge. It's a rigole, a plastic pipe system, which a lot of times is installed underneath parking areas and always in combination with filters. I think I would get zero points for that, because its not a low impact measure, which I can't possibly realize in a project like that. Also how does rainwater reuse for toilets fit in in this? I think it doesn't?
I would like to see some language, which adds these very common and very much deserving technologies back into the rating system.
Pamela Lippe
Presidente4inc
47 thumbs up
March 20, 2012 - 6:05 pm
I agree. Captured rainwater or reclaimed water should apply toward both indoor and outdoor water use reduction. LEED should provide some incentive for building owners/developers to include this expensive system which can drastically reduce potable water use. I do not understand why it has not been included in LEED 2012.
Susann Geithner
PrincipalEmerald Built Environments
1297 thumbs up
March 20, 2012 - 6:13 pm
well this credit relates more to rainwater and stormwater issues rather than indoor and outdoor water reduction. I also understand the push for natural and low impact, but that has it's place in some projects but is not feasible in others. And yes the greywater systems are expensive and should play at least some role in the equation.
Scott Bowman
LEED FellowIntegrated Design + Energy Advisors, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
519 thumbs up
March 23, 2012 - 11:30 am
I agree, as I read the new language, it is very unclear if rainwater harvesting is acceptable for any credit in LEED now. The wording of reducing "potable water" has been shortened to just "water." There is still clear value in a rainwater harvesting system reducing potable water use, and that should be recognized by LEED.