Note: This pilot credit was closed for new registrations as of March 1, 2012.

The new options (Option 2 and Option 3) in this credit will potentially be added to the current Option 1, found in LEED 2009 for Neighborhood development.  The credit has been revised to encourage more project teams to pursue the credit by finding ways to eliminate, reuse, or recover resources from wastewater. 

Option 1 now includes a reference to NSF-350. The NSF-350 standard, Onsite Residential and Commercial Reuse Treatment Systems, “establishes minimum materials, design and construction, and performance requirements for onsite residential and commercial reuse treatment systems” including wastewater treatment systems.  For more information visit the NSF website:  LEEDuser.com, and participate in online forum

• Submit the feedback survey using the link on the USGBC.org credit page; supply PDF of your survey/confirmation of completion with credit documentation

Credit Specific

For all options, estimate the annual wastewater based on the building occupancies, fixture and fixture fitting rates, typical daily use, and annual days of operation. 

Option 1

Identify the amount of annual wastewater reused and calculate the percent reduction from the total annual wastewater.  Provide a narrative about the wastewater treatment/reuse system including whether it meets the NSF 350 or a local standard (whichever is more stringent). 

Highlight the NSF 350 or local standard section to show the minimum requirements for the system installed.  Provide any applicable specifications or drawings to demonstrate the system design and location. 

Option 2

Provide a narrative which includes the type of alternative technology and details about how it will be installed and operated for the project buildings.  Systems that negatively offset the environmental benefits, such as those that have high energy use or high pollution rates, will not be accepted. 

Provide any applicable specifications, drawings, and calculations to show that the system significantly minimizes or eliminates the annual wastewater produced from sewage conveyance.

Process water reduction (i.e., from food service) may qualify for this credit, however, and additional explanation of the method must be provided.

Option 3

Estimate the amount of nitrogen or organic carbon available based on the total annual wastewater, and then demonstrate how at least 25% of the available resource is being used through calculations. 

Provide a narrative explaining how the strategy is a beneficial use of the recovered resource.  Provide any applicable specifications or drawings to show the system design and location.