Schematic Design

Determine the required ventilation rates for indoor spaces based on occupancy and space types.  ASHRAE 62.1-2007 tables 6-1 and 6-4 list minimum requirements for particular spaces.

Look for local incentives for sub-grade irrigation, efficient irrigation, irrigation controls, and/or irrigation sub-metering. For example, one city provides up to $7,000 per acre-foot of water saved, and another program provided rebates up to $1,000 per acre for weather-based irrigation controls. Some municipalities even support “cash for grass” programs that provide rebates for the replacement of turf and with native plantings. For example, one pilot program provides $1.00 per square foot of replaced turf grass.

You can avoid submitting calculations for credit compliance by not using permanent irrigation. In this case, no permanent irrigation system can be installed, even with the intent to turn it off. Irrigation for plant establishment, allowable for one year, must be manual, or through temporary, above-grade systems. Using hose bibs to water when plants are being established and during drought conditions is allowed as “temporary irrigation.”

For Option 2: No Potable Water Use or No Irrigation, projects have to achieve a 50% reduction in total water applied in addition to eliminating irrigating with potable water.

Starting the LEED calculations early, along with early completion of a compliant landscape design can avoid costly redesign due to non-compliance.

The following water sources count as reused for credit purposes: graywater (lavatory, sink and shower water), harvested rainwater (cistern, underground, or pond), nuisance water (water that must be pumped away from the building), treated wastewater, air-conditioner condensate, reverse-osmosis reject, and sump-pump water. All well water is counted as potable for credit purposes.

Work with the whole project team to evaluate synergies and tradeoffs with other LEED credits or green building strategies. These may include using rain gardens for stormwater

Evaluate the potential for nonpotable water sources, including rainwater

Research native or drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems and controls. Check for local incentives for efficient systems and controls.

Local incentives and historic tax credits can make historic rehabilitation more attractive. The baseline definition of “historic” is typically an age of 50 years or greater. These incentives may require a certain level of preservation of interior spaces or finishes, in keeping with the building’s character and historic fabric, but do allow for a significant amount of adaptation.