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USGBC LEED Green Associate: Strategies for Reducing Indoor Water Demand

Learn the most effective strategy for reducing indoor water demand and achieving a 20% water use reduction goal, based on this sample LEED Green Associate certification exam question. Discover why dual-flush toilets are the best choice compared to rainwater collection, water metering, and using potable water.

Table of Contents

Question

A building owner has set a goal of reducing water use by 20% for the upcoming year. Which of the following strategies will aid in reducing indoor water demand to achieve the water reduction goal set by the owner?

A. Installing dual-flush toilets
B. Collecting rainwater in cisterns
C. Installing building-level water meters
D. Using potable water for flush functions

Answer

The best strategy for reducing indoor water demand to achieve the 20% water reduction goal set by the building owner is:

A. Installing dual-flush toilets

Explanation

Installing dual-flush toilets can significantly reduce indoor water demand. Dual-flush toilets have two flush options: a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste. By using less water for liquid waste, these toilets can reduce overall water consumption by up to 30%, helping toachieve the owner’s water reduction goal.

Dual-flush toilets are designed to provide two flushing options – a low-volume flush for liquid waste and a higher-volume flush for solid waste. This allows for significant water savings compared to traditional single-flush toilets. By giving occupants the choice of flush volume to match the type of waste, dual-flush toilets can reduce overall water consumption for toilet flushing by up to 67%.

The other options are not as effective for reducing indoor water demand:

B. Collecting rainwater in cisterns – While rainwater harvesting can offset some potable water use for non-potable applications like irrigation, it does not directly impact indoor water demand from plumbing fixtures and appliances.

C. Installing building-level water meters – Water metering helps track and monitor water consumption but does not inherently reduce usage. Meters can inform water conservation strategies but are not a direct water-saving measure.

D. Using potable water for flush functions – This is the opposite of water conservation, as it uses high-quality drinking water for toilet flushing rather than exploring non-potable alternatives or water-efficient flush fixtures.

Therefore, installing dual-flush toilets is the most effective strategy given for reducing indoor water demand and achieving the 20% reduction goal.

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.