Learn how water use reduction is determined in LEED certification by calculating the difference between baseline conditions and the installed case. Discover the key factors considered in this important aspect of green building design and construction.
Table of Contents
Question
The water use reduction for a project is determined by finding the difference between the baseline conditions and the
A. local water usage rate
B. project occupancy type
C. calculated installed case
D. permitted maximum water usage
Answer
C. calculated installed case
Explanation
The water use reduction for a project is determined by finding the difference between the baseline conditions and the calculated installed case. The baseline conditions are the water use of the project if it were designed to meet the minimum requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 or a local equivalent, whichever is more stringent.
The calculated installed case is the water use of the project based on the actual fixtures and fittings installed or specified. The water use reduction is calculated as a percentage of savings from the baseline conditions.
The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving water efficiency is to “calculate water usereduction by comparing a building project’s water use with the water use baseline calculated for the building after meeting the Energy Policy Act of 1992 fixture performance requirements”.
In LEED certification, water use reduction is determined by comparing the baseline water consumption to the calculated water usage of the installed fixtures and fittings in the project. The baseline represents the water consumption of a typical building with standard fixtures, while the installed case reflects the actual water-saving measures implemented in the project.
To calculate the water use reduction, follow these steps:
- Determine the baseline water consumption using the LEED reference guide, which provides standard flow and flush rates for various fixture types.
- Calculate the installed case water consumption by summing up the water usage of all the installed low-flow fixtures and fittings in the project.
- Find the difference between the baseline and installed case water consumption to determine the water use reduction percentage.
The other options are incorrect because:
A. Local water usage rate is not used to determine water use reduction in LEED.
B. Project occupancy type is a factor in calculating the baseline and installed case water consumption but not the water use reduction itself.
D. Permitted maximum water usage is not a factor in determining water use reduction in LEED.
By implementing water-saving strategies and selecting efficient fixtures, projects can achieve significant water use reduction and contribute to the overall sustainability goals of LEED certification.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.