855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 202

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For outdoor water use, determine the baseline water consumption by calculating the project’s TIR, as outlined in WEp2: Minimum Water Efficiency, Minimum Outdoor Water Use Efficiency, Option 2. Efficient Irrigation. Projects that do not use irrigation in the design compare the as-designed condition to a baseline TIR.

DESIGN CASE REQUIREMENTS The design case water model must use fixtures and fittings, appliances, kitchen equipment, and laboratory and medical equipment as specified within the contract documents. For outdoor water use, determine the actual water used on-site.

Projects with alternative water sources Use of alternative water sources can be highly effective in reducing potable water demand and utility costs associated with the building and site. Projects that use alternative water sources achieve one additional point for each threshold met under Table 1. For example, a project that reduces potable water consumption by 30% earns one point. A project that reduces potable water consumption by 30% and uses an alternative water source to achieve those reductions earns two points.

Teams should always prioritize water efficiency first to reduce consumption and demand before applying alternative water solutions. For any seasonally dependent sources, such as rainwater, calculations must reflect annual, seasonal totals to confirm the available quantity of the alternative water source.

Projects pursuing Options 2–6 New Construction projects may earn up to eight points by combining strategies from Options 2– 6, while Core and Shell projects may earn up to seven points by pursuing Options 2–6. Projects with limited scope, or projects that use targeted reductions by equipment or system type, should review Option 1 and all relevant Options 2–6 to determine the approach that maximizes points for this credit.

Option 2. Fixtures and Fittings — Calculated Reduction

Option 2 focuses on reducing potable water use from fixtures and fittings. Using the baseline and designed water usage calculations determined from WEp2: Minimum Water Efficiency, Minimum Fixture and Fittings Efficiency, Path 2. Performance Path — Calculated Reduction, projects earn points for additional savings beyond the 20% requirements, based on specific fixture flow and flush rates. You must calculate using a USGBC-approved calculator.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 192