To meet Option 1 and earn one point, install permanent water meter(s) for the entire building and associated grounds.

Option 1: Whole Building Metering

While electronically logged data is more efficient, all data readings should be reviewed by facilities staff on a regular basis. Manual readings may be preferable in order to guarantee that the project team reviews and considers all data.

If meters are located in difficult-to-access locations, determine if an automatic data logger is feasible, ideally one that transmits data wirelessly. 

For both credit options (see below), ensure that any meters owned by the building are functioning properly by following the calibration recommendations from the manufacturer. Meters owned by utilities or other entities are exempt from this requirement.

Identify all meters in the building and associated grounds, and record their location, date of installation, and ownership. This will help you complete the LEED Online credit form and determine whether any of the meters owned by the project building are due for calibration based on the manufacturer’s recommended interval.

Metering of reclaimed water or graywater is encouraged and helpful for monitoring water reuse systems—but is not required for the credit.

Consider both Option 1 and Option 2 for your project building. Option 1 involves a single water meter for the whole building and grounds, and is easier than Option 2, which requires metering at least one subsystem such as irrigation or the cooling tower. See information on both options below.

Both Options

The costs associated with staff time to conduct the survey and tabulate results will vary according to the size of your project building’s population.