LEED v5 BD+C Rating System_November 2025_clean - Page 049

Extracted Content

Sustainable Sites Credit

RAINWATER MANAGEMENT

SSc3

New Construction (1–3 points) Core and Shell (1–3 points)

INTENT

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 LID and GI practices. GI and LID strategies can be either structural or nonstructural.

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 (e.g., cooling towers or boilers), and 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	–

OR

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, November 2025 Edition 42