Outdoor water use is not part of this credit. But looking at the whole system to understand how indoor water use compares to outdoor use can help you gauge where to focus reduction efforts for the greatest benefit. Some water-saving strategies can address both indoor and outdoor water needs holistically. For example, graywater collected from interior sink fixtures can be used for landscape irrigation, benefiting WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping. However, this strategy will not contribute to a water reduction for this credit.

Perform a water-balance study for the entire project to inform decisions about where to focus water-saving efforts. Understand which end uses require the most water, identify all alternative water sources available onsite—such as rainwater and graywater—and note opportunities for using that water for interior water use and/or irrigation.  

Tenants should determine whether efficient water fixtures are already provided in the base building, or if water fixture upgrades can be added to the scope of the project. Ensure that the project will be able to achieve the minimum 20% threshold required by the prerequisite and at least 30% for credit points.

Include goals for water-use reduction in the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) for EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning. Reduced use of hot water with efficient fixtures can save a lot of energy. 

For projects pursuing the off-site option, be clear about how your goals and objectives demonstrate that the contracted plan for off-site improvement and maintenance is aligned with the intent of this credit. Include the specific scope of support in the contract, clearly defining responsibilities and the terms of the agreement. Summarize a plan for continued monitoring of the health of the ecosystem.

It may be easier to use your own tracking form during the performance period, but for the final LEED documentation, you must use the LEED Online credit form rather than submitting your own custom tracking sheet. The LEED Online credit form has a built-in calculator, and it is cumbersome for LEED review teams to ensure that a project-supplied spreadsheet is calculating all purchases exactly the way the LEED Online credit form does.

To complete required documentation, transfer all purchasing data that was collected throughout the performance period to the LEED Online credit form.

Using the LEED Online credit form, document which natural areas are being maintained, showing site plans and sketches for all areas contributing to credit compliance. Note the size of each area, the type of plant species it supports, and other ecological features.

You can copy purchasing data from your tracking system into the LEED Online credit form on a regular basis to check ongoing credit compliance.

Monitor progress regularly during the performance period to make sure the target sustainable-product purchase rates are being met, and that all procurement staff are purchasing sustainable options when possible.