WE Credit 1.1 - Water Efficient Landscaping

Good Monday morning to you,

Today's Leed Topic is Water Efficiency

WE Credit 1.1 - Water Efficient Landscaping : Reduce by 50%

1 Point towards LEED rating for LEED for New Construction Rating System Version 2.2

"Intent
Limit 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. " from LEED USGBC

This is the first point available from LEED under the category of Water Efficiency. (ie WE)

This point is given to projects that use concepts that reduce potable water use from calculated mid-summer as a baseline. Some factors that can help save water on a site is using plants species that thrive in the local climate with little watering. A landscape architect early on can help an owner and architect present concepts and layouts with particular vegetation and plant species that can achieve these goals. Solar orienation is important is this process.

As well as using plant species and vegetation that consume less water an irrigation system can be design to use less water as well as perhaps use recycled and filtered rainwater or wastewater.

Below is from LEED for New Construction Rating System Version 2.2

"Potential Technologies & Strategies
Perform a soil/climate analysis to determine appropriate plant material and design the landscape with native or adapted plants to reduce or eliminate irrigation requirements. Where irrigation is required, use high-efficiency equipment and/or climate-based controllers."

As with any LEED certified project consult with site engineers and landscape architects early on in a project so an integrated design approach process can acheive maximum effectiveness to treading lightly.

Remember to Tread Lightly or Less

Be Green

Be Happy

Eric H. Gjerde AIA
Architect