LEED ® How To Achieve Water Efficient Credits
LEED®
How To Achieve Water Efficient Credits
• World population is expected to increase from 5.9 billion to 8.9 billion by 2050
• By 2025, it is estimated that 3 billion people will live in cities that are considered “water stressed” based on their population to water ratio
• Climatic changes are estimated to change the availability of fresh water
• Ground water is being used at rates higher than the capacity for recharge
Water Supply vs. Water Demand
Water Conservation and Irrigation Efficiency
Effects of Irrigation Water
• Landscape irrigation can increase average water use by over 100% during the hottest seasons.
• Water demand, water quality and habitat protection issues make water supplies more expensive and difficult to find.
• Typical Irrigation systems do not conserve water.
Evaluates environmental performance from a whole building perspective over a building’s life cycle
Applies only to projects, not products or services
»www.usgbc.org
LEED® Rating Systems
– LEED for Existing Buildings – LEED for New Construction – LEED for Commercial Interiors – LEED for Core and Shell – LEED for Schools– LEED for Retail– LEED for Healthcare– LEED for Homes– LEED for Homes – Midrise Multi-family– LEED for Neighborhoods
Additional LEED® Rating Systems with WE Points
Those following the same WE requirements as LEED for New ConstructionLEED for Commercial InteriorsLEED for Core and ShellLEED for SchoolsLEED for Retail (not released)LEED for Healthcare (not released)
LEED for New Construction Point Categories
(10 pts.)Water
Efficiency
(15 pts.)Indoor
Environmental Quality
(26 pts.)Sustainable
Sites(35 pts.)Energy &
Atmosphere
(14 pts.)Materials & Resources
Innovation & Design Process: 5 pointsLEED Accredited Professional: 1 pointRegional Priority: 4 points
Categories for LEED for New Construction
Total of 10 possible points in Water Efficiency (WE) category
Category includes:– WE Credit 1: Water Efficient Landscaping (4 points)– WE Credit 2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies
(2 point)– WE Credit 3: Water Use Reduction 30% Reduction
(2-4 points)
– WE Credit 1.1: Reduce by 50% (2 Points)– WE Credit 1.2: No Potable Water Use or No
Irrigation (2 Points in addition to WE Credit 1.1)
WE Credit 1: Water Efficient Landscaping (4 points)
WE Credit 1.1: Water Efficient Landscaping:Reduce by 50% (2 Points)
IntentLimit or eliminate the use of potable water, or other natural surface or subsurface water resources available on or near the project site, for landscape irrigation.
RequirementsReduce potable water consumption for irrigation by 50% from a calculated mid-summer baseline case.Reductions shall be attributed to any combination of the following items:
– Plant species, density and microclimate factor– Irrigation efficiency– Use of captured rainwater– Use of recycled wastewater– Use of water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for non-
potable uses
Groundwater seepage that is pumped away from the immediate vicinity of building slabs and foundations can be used for landscape irrigation to meet the intent of this credit. However, it must be demonstrated that doing so does not affect site stormwater management systems.
WE Credit 1.1: Water Efficient Landscaping:Reduce by 50% (2 Points)
Potential Strategies
Use most appropriate plant material for the project climateUse native or adapted plants to reduce or eliminate irrigation Use high-efficiency equipment when irrigation is requiredUse climate-based controllers
Case Study 1
Social Sciences BuildingLewis & Clark College
Portland, OR
LEED GoldLandscape Architect: WalkerMacy
Social Sciences Building - LEED GoldIntegrated Stormwater / Irrigation System
Lewis & Clark CollegeLewis & Clark College
LEED GoldIntegrated Stormwater / Irrigation System
Social Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark CollegeSocial Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark College
Native and adaptive plantings allow for a reduced irrigation schedule
Lawn areas have been minimized
LEED GoldIntegrated Stormwater / Irrigation System
Social Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark CollegeSocial Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark College
• x On-Site roof water is collected, drained, and stored in the water quality gardens surrounding the social sciences building
LEED GoldIntegrated Stormwater / Irrigation System
Social Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark CollegeSocial Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark College
LEED GoldIntegrated Stormwater / Irrigation System
Social Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark CollegeSocial Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark College
LEED GoldIntegrated Stormwater / Irrigation System
Social Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark CollegeSocial Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark College
Central Control using evapotranspirationET
Social Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark CollegeSocial Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark College
Strategy to achieve 50% reduction
Minimize Lawn
Use drought tolerant plants
Re-use storm water
Irrigation management with central control using ET
Optimize system efficiency using proper design and products such as PRS and drip equipment
Social Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark CollegeSocial Sciences Building – Lewis & Clark College
Proving Water Use Reduction
LEED Water Calculator
PRS Calculator
Case Studies
LEED Water Calculator
Tool to compare:– stereotypical plant and irrigation system
vs.– using drought tolerant plants and water efficient irrigation
technology
Accounts for vegetation, microclimates, and irrigation method
Compares Baseline Case to Design Case
Can be used to demonstrate your system design reduces potable water use by 50% over baseline case.
LEED Water Calculator
LEED Water Calculator
WE Credit 1.2: Water Efficient Landscaping:No Potable Water Use or No Irrigation(2 Points in addition to WE Credit 1.1)
IntentEliminate the use of potable water, or other natural surface or subsurface water resources available on or near the project site, for landscape irrigation.
RequirementsAchieve WE Credit 1.1 AND:
OPTION 1Use only captured rainwater, recycled wastewater, recycled greywater, or water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for non-potable uses for irrigation.
OROPTION 2
Install landscaping that does not require permanent irrigation systems. Temporary irrigation systems used for plant establishment are allowed only if removed within one year of installation.– If the Percent Reduction of Potable Water is 100% AND the Percent Reduction of Total– Water is equal to or greater than 50%, WE Credit 1.2 is earned in addition to WE Credit
1.1.
WE Credit 1.2: Water Efficient Landscaping:No Potable Water Use or No Irrigation(2 Points in addition to WE Credit 1.1)
Potential Technologies & StrategiesPerform a soil/climate analysis to determine appropriate landscape types and design the landscape with indigenous plants to reduce or eliminate irrigation requirements. Consider using stormwater, greywater, and/or condensate water for irrigation.
Case Study 2
Hillsdale LibraryPortland, OR
LEED SilverLandscape Architect: WalkerMacy
LEED GoldPreservation of Existing Vegetation / No permanent Irrigation
Hillsdale Library
Hillsdale Library Hillsdale Library
Designed for LEED SilverPreservation of Existing Vegetation / No permanent Irrigation
LEED GoldPreservation of Existing Vegetation / No permanent Irrigation
Hillsdale Library Hillsdale Library
LEED GoldPreservation of Existing Vegetation / No permanent Irrigation
Hillsdale Library Hillsdale Library
WE Credit 2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies (2 points)
OPTION 1Reduce potable water use for building sewage by 50% by using water-conserving fixtures or non-potable water (captured rainwater, recycled greywater, and on-site or municipally treated wastewater).
OR
OPTION 2Treat 50% of wastewater on-site to tertiary standards. Treated water must be infiltrated or used on-site.
Innovative Wastewater TechnologiesReclaimed Water
90% of water used for irrigation is recycled
Higher levels of chlorine in reclaimed water systems
LEGOLANDCarlsbad, CA
Innovative Wastewater TechnologiesCaptured Storm-water
StorageFilterPumpMeterLow Volume Irrigation
WE Credit 3: Water Use Reduction (2-4 points)
WE Prerequisite 1: Water Use Reduction: 20% Reduction is REQUIREDEmploy strategies that in aggregate use 30%-40% (2-4 points) less water than the water use baseline calculated for the building (not including irrigation).
30% reduction, 2 points35% reduction, 3 points40% reduction, 4 points
RP Credit 1: Regional Priority Credit (1–4 Points)
IntentTo provide incentive for the achievement of credits that address geographically-specific environmental priorities.
RequirementsEarn one of the six Regional Priority credits – to a maximum of 4 credits per project
Credits identified as having additional regional environmental importance by the USGBC Regional Councils and Chapters for the project’s location.
RP Credit 1: Regional Priority Credit (1–4 Points)
North Texas Chapter Long Island Chapter
West Michigan Chapter North Florida Chapter Kentucky Chapter Delaware Valley Green Building Council
Vermont Green Building Network North Carolina Triangle Chapter Kansas City Chapter Connecticut State Chapter
Utah Chapter New York Upstate Chapter James River Green Building Council Colorado Chapter
U.S. Caribbean Chapter New York Chapter Iowa Chapter Cincinnati Regional Chapter
St. Louis Regional Chapter New Mexico Chapter Inland Empire Chapter Chihuahuan Desert Chapter
Southwest Virginia Chapter New Jersey Chapter Indiana Chapter Chicago Chapter
South Florida Chapter Nevada Chapter Idaho Chapter Charlotte Region Chapter
South Carolina Chapter National Capital Region Chapter Heart of Florida Chapter Central Texas-Balcones Chapter
San Diego Chapter Montana Chapter Hawaii Chapter Central Illinois Chapter
Rhode Island Chapter Missouri Heartland Chapter Hampton Roads Green Building Council Central Florida Chapter
Redwood Empire Chapter Mississippi Headwaters (MN) Chapter Greater Houston Area Chapter Central California Chapter
Piedmont Triad (NC) Chapter Mississippi Chapter Georgia Chapter Cascadia Region Green Building Council
Orange County Chapter Middle Tennessee Chapter Florida Gulf Coast Chapter CA Central Coast Chapter (C4)
Oklahoma Chapter Memphis Regional Chapter Florida Capital Region Chapter Baltimore Regional Chapter
Northwest Ohio Chapter Maine Chapter Flatwater Chapter Arkansas Chapter
Northern Gulf Coast Chapter Louisiana Chapter East Tennessee Chapter Arizona Chapter
Northern California Chapter Los Angeles Chapter Detroit Regional Chapter Alabama Chapter
74 Regional Chapters in U.S.
Additional LEED® Rating Systems with WE Points
LEED for Existing BuildingsWE Credit 1: Water Performance Measurement (2 points)
WE Credit 1.1: Have in place a permanently installed water meter that measures total water use for the entire building and associated grounds (1 point)WE Credit 1.2: Meet the requirement for WE 1.1 and have in place permanently installed water sub-meter serving at least 80% of the irrigated landscape area on the grounds excluding “non-routine” irrigated areas. (1 point)
Additional LEED® Rating Systems with WE Points
LEED for Existing BuildingsWE Credit 3: Water Efficient Landscaping (3 points)
WE Credit 3.1: 50% reduction in potable water use for irrigation over conventional means of irrigation (1 point)WE Credit 3.2: 75% reduction in potable water use for irrigation over conventional means of irrigation (2 points)WE Credit 3.3: 100% reduction in potable water use for irrigation over conventional means of irrigation (3 points)
Other Credits Associated with Irrigation
ID Credit 1: Innovation in Design (1-5 points)
Points for exceptional innovative performance
Example: Instructional educational program, manual or outreach program/tour that includes on-site signage which calls attention to water-conserving landscape features
Other Credits Associated with Irrigation
ID Credit 2: LEED Accredited Professional (1 point) At least one principal participant of the project team shall be a LEED Accredited Professional (AP).
MR Credit 5.1/5.2: Materials and Resources (Recycled Content) (1-2 points)Use materials with recycled content
Example: Rain Bird’s black valve box bodies and black lids contain 100% recycled HDPE (high-density polyethylene) to qualify for this credit.
Recycled MaterialValve Boxes
Points for Recycled material
Cumulative for project
Based on percentage of overall material costs
Rain Bird products & LEED
Improve Irrigation Efficiency
Landscapes are over watered– Distribution
Improve uniformity
– ControlSmart Control Reduce Water Waste
Key Technologies to Conserve Water
6. Durability / Low Maintenance to Perform as Specified
Technology for long life and low maintenance
5. Low Volume and Direct to Root
Landscape Drip
Root Watering Series
4. High-Efficiency Nozzles
U-Series
Rotary Nozzle
MPR
Rain Curtain
3. Pressure Regulation
PRS Sprays & Rotors
PRS Swing Joint
PRS-Dial
Booster Pumps
2. Flow Sensing and Leak Detection/ Prevention
Central Control
SAM Check Valves
1. Operates Based on Weather and Evapotranspiration (ET)
Central Controls
ET Manager
Keys to Demonstrating Water Conservation
4. Low Volume and Direct to Root
Landscape Drip
Root Watering Series
3. Pressure Regulation
PRS Sprays & Rotors
PRS Swing Joint
PRS-Dial
Booster Pumps
2. High-Efficiency Nozzles
U-Series
Rotary Nozzle
MPR
Rain Curtain
1. Operates Based on Weather and Evapotranspiration (ET)
Central Controls
ET Manager
Central Control–Multi-Site Control System
MaxicomSiteControlIQ
A simple, low-cost means to use weather data to automatically control irrigation for any sprinkler system.
Smart Stand Alone Clocks ET Manager™
+ +
Sensor = Automatic shut off during rainfall
Gauge = Measures quantity of rainfall
Rain Measurement vs.
Rain Shut-off
Rain Sensor
Rain Gauges
The Mysterious CE NumberController efficiency can vary widely
Use manufacturer site reports to justify
0
5,000,000
10,000,000
15,000,000
20,000,000
2000 2001 2002 2003
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
2000 Total: 55.0 Million
Gallons
2001 Total: 79.2 Million
Gallons
2002 Total: 42.6 Million
Gallons
2003 Total: 35.1 Million
Gallons
Gal
lons
U
sed
2 year savings approx.
56 million gallons(42%)
Inland Empires Utility AgencyChino, CA – LEED Platinum
http://www.rainbird.com/landscape/site_reports/index.htm
Low Volume Irrigation
•Drip Irrigation Achieves 90% efficiency
•Square foot per square foot this equals about 31% improvement over conventional
Managing PressurePRS -Pressure Regulating System
1800 PRS SeriesEnsures optimal performance at 30 PSI
Eliminates fogging & misting
Restricts water loss by 70% if the nozzle is damaged or removed
PRS Calculator
http://www.rainbird.com/calculators/4steps.htm
PRS Calculator
http://www.rainbird.com/calculators/4steps.htm
Pressure regulating swing joints
Factory set at:
– ¾” @ 45 PSI
– 1” @ 70 PSI
PRS Swing Joints
Regulates from 15 to 100 psi at ± 3 psi accuracyAdjustment knob with detents permit fine tune adjustments in 1/3 psi increments
PRS-Dial Pressure Regulator
Low Pressure “Donuts” - no close-in watering
Pressure = Efficient Performance
Don’t run zones longer to compensate for poor efficiency
Provide enough pressure
Variable Frequency Drives = Energy Efficient
Properly sized pump stations operate efficiently
Catch Can TestingWater Audits
Good Square Spacing –Low Pressure (SC=2.2)
U-Series Nozzles Use 30% less water*
Patented dual-orifice delivers most uniform coverage Highly efficient distributionSuperior close-in watering
Shorter run times
Low precip. rate of 0.60 in/hr
Higher Efficiency: 0.75
Matched precipitation rate (MPR) with 5000 Plus MPR Nozzles
Rotary Nozzle
Your local Rain Bird representative.
More training with Rain Bird Academy: www.rainbird.com/training
Rain Bird Catalog: www.rainbird.com
CAD Details: www.rainbird.comWater Saving Calculators: www.rainbird.com
Local USGBC Chapter
LEED Training Courses www.gbci.org
LEED Online V3 www.leedonline.org– requires account to log-in.
Case Studies, Economic Analyses, White Papers on USGBC Website: www.usgbc.org
World Green Building Council: www.worldgbc.org
LEED Resources
Summary
ET management of irrigation controllers provide highest degree of system control
Rain gauges are necessary for accurate ET based irrigation control
Proper pressure – not too high or too low is necessary for optimum efficiency
Rotors and rotary nozzles achieve most efficient broadcast irrigation coverage
Drip irrigation provides the highest degree of efficiency
Water Conservation & Quality Protection