Using alternative water sources for irrigation may add costs compared with conventional irrigation. For example, a rainwater cistern will be an added cost, and space must be found for it. However, this may lead to cost reductions in other areas, such as reduced stormwater retention infrastructure, or lower water and sewer costs.

If your landscaping is limited to planters and small gardens, calculate vegetated area as a percentage of the total site area (including building footprint). If the planter and garden area is at least 5% of the total site, you’re eligible for both credit options. If you’re just below that amount, you're ineligible for this credit. Consider adding planters as an amenity for the building and a way to earn the credit.

Evaluate the project’s landscaping needs and develop water savings goals. Consider opportunities to use native or adapted vegetation to reduce irrigation needs. Look for all water sources on the site, such as stormwater, graywater, treated wastewater, and note opportunities for using that water for irrigation. Include water savings goals in the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) for EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning.

Eliminating turf grass, planting native and adaptive species, and not installing an irrigation system is the simplest and cheapest way to achieve this credit. It will also have several additional environmental and financial benefits not necessarily recognized by LEED, such as reducing mowing costs, energy use, emissions, pesticide and fertilizer needs, and maintenance. Start by evaluating this option, taking into account the owner’s expectations, the climate, and site conditions.

The restoration team should provide operations staff with a maintenance plan and guidelines appropriate to the specific finishes. Special finishes or other measures used to preserve historic elements may also require special operations and maintenance procedures.

Some elements may require special protection during construction.  In cases where only a portion of a building is undergoing construction, special attention should be paid to isolating the otherwise clean or occupied areas and protecting the retained elements from dust and contamination.

Renovation and restoration are labor-intensive specialties and may represent added costs, although costs for new materials and for waste disposal may be reduced.

Some historic elements may call for finishes or adhesives that do not comply with the low-VOC guidelines of EQc4: Low-Emitting Materials. Discuss these issues with subcontractors as they come up and seek substitutes.

Upload documentation to LEED Online.

Draft a narrative describing your approach to building reuse, including the selection of elements preserved, and any outstanding project features.