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FAQs about WEp1 :

We are having trouble finding EPAct-compliant fixtures. Is that a problem?

Where can I find a clear meaning of "public" and "private" as relevant to lavatory faucets?

Our project is a factory with historically a 95% male workforce. The restroom design accounts for this. Can I argue that the male/female gender ratio is different than 50/50?

Are shower duration controls an acceptable water-saving strategy?

Can I include process water savings in order to earn an Exemplary Performance point?

Will the reviewers accept a spreadsheet as a plumbing fixture schedule in lieu of the plans from the Construction Documents?

In LEED review comments I've been referred to the Water Use Reduction Additional Guidance document. I didn't know this was a required reference document.

Should I include bar sinks? What about mop sinks or janitor sinks? Swimming pools? Safety showers? Bidets? Tub spouts?

We provided new showers in our project to comply with the alternative transportation credit. Should they be considered in WEp1 calculations?

Can you explain the 12-second duration for metering faucets?

Can I use a nonpotable water source to contribute to WEp1 compliance?

Our project does not have any eligible water fixtures in the project boundary. Can we comply with WEp1?

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Forum discussion

NC-2009 WEp1:Water Use Reduction—20% Reduction

LEED male/female 50/50 gender ratio

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Razan Nejem
Environmental Engineer, LEED AP BD+C
LEEDuser Basic Member
38 thumbs up

Hi Everyone, Regarding one of the FAQ's above in the birds eye view section with regards to gender ratio. I once received a comment from GBCI on a project stating the following "The current staffing level is not an acceptable rationale for deviating from the standard usage ratio of 50/50 M/F. The calculations require a balanced, one-to-one sex ratio unless project conditions exist (such as a male dormitory) which would affect the gender ratio for the life span of the building and warrant an alternative ratio. " hope that helps

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P Fanfulik
PE, LEED AP BD+C
WMATA
LEEDuser Basic Member
7 thumbs up

Fri, 02/27/2015 - 16:51

We have allocated the FTE per the standard ratio of 50/50 M/F. However, due to the actual users being predominately male, we have provided additional fixtures above code requirements. Is this acceptable? Thanks.

Fri, 02/27/2015 - 18:55

It sounds like you could argue a different ratio than the default 50/50 and take advantage of the savings if you have urinals that are lower flow (ex. 0.5 gpf vs. 1.0 gpf default = 50% savings). Per the "Water Use Reduction Additional Guidance" (http://www.usgbc.org/resources/water-use-reduction-additional-guidance) : "Projects specifically designed for an alternative gender ratio: ... any project that can show that flush and flow fixtures have been distributed to account for the modified ratio. Project teams must provide documentation of the code-required plumbing fixture counts per gender, so the review team can verify that the flush-fixture ratio installed in the project supports the alternative gender ratio claimed." However, if you want to just claim the standard 50/50 ratio, I would imagine it would go through just fine...
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P Fanfulik
PE, LEED AP BD+C
WMATA
LEEDuser Basic Member
7 thumbs up

Fri, 02/27/2015 - 19:20

Thanks so much.

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