855773520-LEED-v5-ID-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 099
Extracted Content
PATH 2. OPTIMIZE WATER USE FOR COOLING (1–2 POINTS)
To be eligible for Option 2, the baseline system designated for a building using ASHRAE 90.1- 2019 or 90.1-2022, Appendix G, Table G3.1, 1–3 must include a cooling tower (systems 7, 8, 11, 12, and 13).
Achieve increasing levels of cooling tower water efficiency beyond a water-cooled chiller system with axial variable-speed fan cooling towers having a maximum drift of 0.002% of recirculated water volume and three cooling tower cycles. Points are awarded according to Table 8.
Table 8. Points for reducing annual water use compared to water-cooled chiller system
| Percentage reduction | Points |
|---|---|
| 25% | 1 |
| 50% | 2 |
Projects whose cooling is provided by district cooling systems are eligible to achieve Path 2 if the district cooling system complies with the above requirements.
OR
PATH 3. PROCESS WATER USE (1–2 POINTS)
Demonstrate that the project is using a minimum of 20% alternative water to meet the process water demand for 1 point or using a minimum of 30% alternative water to meet the process water demand for two points. Ensure that alternative water is of sufficient quality for its intended end use.
The minimum percentage of alternative water used should be based on water use during the month with the highest water demand.
Process water uses eligible for achievement of Path 3 must represent at least 10% of total building regulated water use and may not include water used for cooling.
REQUIREMENTS EXPLAINED
The credit builds on WEp1: Minimum Water Efficiency and rewards teams for additional water conservation strategies. Projects that pursue Option 1 can achieve up to eight points for the whole project water use reductions. Projects that pursue Options 2–4 can achieve up to eight points by combining any of the strategies outlined in the rating system.
Projects cannot combine Option 1 with Options 2–4.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 88