Schematic Design

Research compliant products.

Running calculations to show a 20% or 40% reduction in process water use is more difficult than simply choosing a set of compliant products. The baseline must be determined by the engineer, who should choose a defensible number and avoid being too subjective.

Alternative equipment types can be combined with any of the process-water items listed for the credit as long as you demonstrate a 20% reduction. 

Research equipment that can reduce water consumption. Possibilities (in addition to the items listed in the prescriptive path) may include: 

• cooling equipment,
• ice storage for cooling,
• boilers,
• pool filtration systems,
• and others.

Consider setting process-water reduction goals higher than this credit’s requirements. Achieving a 40% reduction in process water use can earn an exemplary performance point. 

You have the option of using an alternative compliance path through process-water equipment other than that named in the credit language. In order to do this, you need to demonstrate a 20% reduction of process water use from a baseline case. The baseline case is usually an industry standard, which can be obtained from your mechanical engineer or kitchen consultant.

Alternative Compliance Path

Many water-conserving appliances are also Energy Star-certified and will save not only water but also energy. Energy Star appliances often qualify for rebates.

Research local and federal incentives and rebates on purchasing low-water-consumption products. 

Purchasing water-efficient equipment sometimes involves a slight cost premium, but as these products become more popular, the price is expected to drop. These products should not be difficult to locate.