Water Efficiency
What does Water Efficiency mean?
Water efficiency focuses on the sustainability and renewability of water, our natural resource. The LEEDTM Program looks at water efficiency and focuses on three main areas that include:
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Water Efficient Landscaping; |
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Innovative Wastewater Technologies; and |
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Water Use Reduction. |
What is the total amount of points I can gain?
A total of five possible points can be obtained by fulfilling every criteria within the Water Efficiency section of the LEEDTM Rating System. All points are not required to obtain LEEDTM Certification.
How do I gain LEEDTM points?
To gain points in this section, there is an array of areas that must be considered:
Credit 1 Water Efficient Landscaping
Credit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies
Credit 3 Water Use Reduction
By using plants, flowers, shrubs, etc. that are indigenous to an area, you can limit the need for irrigation and reduce the amount of chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) needed to maintain the landscape.
Also, by using alternative forms of irrigation (i.e. – collecting rainwater), will help to limit or eliminate the use of potable water. In the U.S., we mostly irrigate with potable water, yet a lesser quality of water, graywater, would suffice.
Currently, a large volume of potable water is used to convey waste to water treatment facilities. However, graywater could be used to accomplish this task. Additionally, we could use high efficiency fixtures and dry fixtures (i.e. – composting toilets and waterless urinals) to reduce water consumption.
By maximizing water efficiency within buildings, (i.e. – using water efficient toilets or faucets that restrict the flow of water or are equipped with sensors to automatically shut off) we will reduce the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater systems.
Definition:
Graywater is wastewater from lavatories, showers, bathtubs, washing machines, and sinks that are not used for disposal of hazardous or toxic ingredients or wastes from food preparation.
Water Efficiency