This credit rewards projects that exceed the requirements specified in the indoor water use reduction prerequisite.
Additional points are earned if your building’s water use is at least 10% less than the prerequisite baseline. An additional Innovation point can be earned for exemplary performance for projects that achieve savings of 35% or greater for Option 1, or 25% or greater for Option 2.
What’s New in LEED v4
- USGBC added metered water use as a second option for credit compliance.
- Under the calculated water use option, the baseline multiplier date has changed from 1994 to 1995. Additionally, the multiplier for pre-1995 water use has changed from 160% of UPC/IPC plumbing codes to 150%. The multiplier for post-1995 water use remains the same at 120% of UPC/IPC.
- Duration-based savings from autocontrol faucets with sensors or metering controls are no longer allowed, since studies have shown that autocontrol faucets do not produce water savings.
Readiness Review Questions
- How many different types of each fixture are installed in the building? Are fixture specs or product data sheets available for the installed fixtures?
- Do you have the staff resources to survey installed fixtures if an accurate inventory doesn’t already exist?
- Was the building initially occupied before or after 1995? This will determine your water use baseline. If occupancy was pre-1995, were any plumbing renovations completed during or after 1995 (thereby impacting the baseline for those specific fixtures)?
- Are there any high-intensity water uses? For example, is there a fitness center with showers?
- What opportunities exist for low-cost upgrades?
- What upgrades will have the greatest effect on reducing water consumption?
- Are rebates or incentives available to offset upgrade costs?
- Are fixtures and fittings separately metered? Can metered data be provided for a full year?