On our last two projects we've gotten a comment indicating that we need to remove the usage of "electric water coolers, janitors sinks, swimming pool, laundry, commercial kitchen, salon sink..." I can't find where this requirement is documented in the Reference Guide, and it seems to contradict the simplicity of the credit (as discussed your article - https://leeduser.buildinggreen.com/credit/NC-v4/WEc4.)
In each case, we've had to abandon the credit, because the projects had advanced past the point where the necessary submeters could be added. This seems like scope creep. Why the sudden change?
Adrian Olajec
September 28, 2023 - 10:05 am
Do you have update for this ( v4 Water Metering Credit) credit ?
Do I have to use submeter for every hot water and another meter for cold water of every mop sink, submeter for every drinking fountain, every exterior hose bibbs, wall hydrants = that is many, many, many submeters (connected do BMS system) ?
Kyle G. Pearson
3 thumbs up
September 28, 2023 - 11:42 am
That is the question I am trying to get answered. The reference Guide says 2 meters, but USGBC keeps coming back with a laundry list of things to meter. We aren't having any projects pursue this credit, until this is clarified. Items like this are why LEED is becoming a harder sell to clients.
Glen Boldt
ZC Sustainability1 thumbs up
September 28, 2023 - 12:28 pm
Pardon all the previous typos!
It's a bear, but after losing on a few projects, we have earned this credit a few times.
The list of systems to meter gives you a few options. If the team decides pretty early on which will be pursued, it's easy for most projects. The hardest one by far is for metering water use for flush and flow fixtures. These are described as ONLY the fixture types listed in the indoor water use reduction calculator, which is impossible if this isn't baked in from the start, because, as you noted, these are usually served by the same lines as dishwashers, mop sinks, drinking fountains, etc. If you are going to use this option, the plumbing engineer needs to layout the system with this in mind.
We usually select landscape irrigation and domestic hot water for our two systems. The key for the latter is to avoid instahot type systems. Then you can meter the line out of the boiler, solar water heater or whatever you are using. If you are using any kind of water reuse system, that is another alternative.