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The credit language says the Option 2 involves a reduction in wastewater. Does that mean that all water, including process water, should be included?

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NC-2009 WEc2:Innovative Wastewater Technologies

Combined approach to WEc2

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Michael Wironen
Ecology and Environment, Inc.
LEEDuser Basic Member
16 thumbs up

We have a project where, through efficient fixtures, we will reduce wastewater (WCs, lavatories, and showers) conveyance by approximately 45%. This represents a significant reduction in potable water demand and sewage conveyance. At the same time, we are capturing all greywater, treating it to tertiary standards, and using it for irrigation. This further reduces sewage conveyance, for a net reduction in sewage conveyance by well over 50%. It seems like we are meeting the intent and performance threshold of the credit, yet we do not comply via either path. Has anyone tried this approach and succeeded in earning the points?

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Profile picture for user tristanroberts
Tristan Roberts
Representative
Vermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
7780 thumbs up

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 16:17

Michael, you're overthinking it—you are meeting Option 1 through the combination of strategies mentioned in the credit language (see above).Option 2 provides a way to comply with the credit without necessarily reducing the overall flow of wastewater. I do see how the language could be confusing.
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Michael Wironen
Ecology and Environment, Inc.
LEEDuser Basic Member
16 thumbs up

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 17:33

I may very well be overthinking it, but the credit language and form do not seem to allow our approach. Per Option 1, you must reduce potable water use for sewage conveyance by 50%. We are reducing potable water use for sewage conveyance by 45% through efficient fixtures. We're then further reducing net sewage conveyance (but not potable water use for sewage conveyance) by diverting greywater from the sanitary sewer, treating it, and using it for irrigation. The catch is we are not taking our treated greywater and using it to flush toilets or otherwise offset 'potable water for sewage conveyance.' We're using it to offset potable water for irrigation! In any case, I think we'll submit a CIR and see what response we get. I feel confident that we meet the intent although our approach does not seem to conform to the standard criteria.
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Tristan Roberts
Representative
Vermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
7780 thumbs up

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 18:31

Michael, yes, I see you're right. I think that on the face of it, you would not meet the WEc2 requirements, but would have to take solace with a strong showing in WEc1 and WEc3, unless GBCI sees a path for you. Rather than submit a CIR, though, I'd start with contacting them via their website for a quicker opinion.
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Devani PERERA
Green Building Consultant
Elan
LEEDuser Basic Member
15 thumbs up

Wed, 10/16/2013 - 15:38

Hello Michael, You have reduced your potable water consumption by 45% using water efficient fixtures but the site treated water is not used to reduce the flushing needs. The project could have reduced further its potable water demand for flushing if treated water was injected into the system. But I believe your project is eligible for the 2 points under option 2, which is to treat more than 50% of the waster water onsite to tertiary standards. If I understood your explanation correctly none of the water leaves the site and is reused for irrigation, therefore you should also obtain an exemplary point for WEc2 option 2. Hope that helps.

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