855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 132
Extracted Content
Sustainable Sites Credit
RAINWATER MANAGEMENT
SSc3
New Construction (1–3 points) Core and Shell (1–3 points)
INTENT
Impact Area Alignment
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Decarbonization
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Quality of Life
Ecological Conservation and Restoration
To reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site, based on historical conditions and undeveloped ecosystems in the region, to avoid contributing to flooding downstream in frontline communities.
REQUIREMENTS
| Achievement pathways | Points |
|---|---|
| New Construction and Core and Shell | 1–3 |
| Option 1. Percentile of Rainfall Events | 1–3 |
| OR | |
| Option 2. Natural Land Cover Conditions | 3 |
Option 1. Percentile of Rainfall Events (1–3 points)
In a manner best replicating natural site hydrology processes, retain the runoff from the associated percentile of regional or local rainfall events on-site. The percentile event volume must be retained (e.g., infiltrated, evapotranspired, or collected and reused) using low-impact development (LID) and green infrastructure (GI) practices. GI and LID strategies can be either structural or non-structural.
For projects that collect and reuse a portion of the chosen percentile event volume to meet the needs of one or more end uses for the building and grounds, 1 additional point can be earned. Eligible end uses include irrigation; flush fixtures; makeup water systems, such as cooling towers or boilers; or other process water demands. Collecting and reusing rainwater within the project can also contribute to points earned in the Water Efficiency credit category. Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for percentile of regional or local rainfall events retained
| All projects | Zero lot line projects | Points | Total points for water reuse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80th percentile | 70th percentile | 1 | 2 |
| 85th percentile | 75th percentile | 2 | 3 |
| 90th percentile | 80th percentile | 3 | – |
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 122