Learn how using native plant landscapes can significantly reduce water usage in green buildings compared to conventional construction. Expert insights for LEED Green Associate Exam prep.
Table of Contents
Question
Designers and builders can construct a green building that uses significantly less water than a conventional building by incorporating which opportunity?
A. Use of potable water
B. Native plant landscapes
C. Invasive plant landscapes
D. Not tracking water metering
Answer
B. Native plant landscapes
Explanation
Designers and builders can construct a green building that uses significantly less water than a conventional building by incorporating native plant landscapes. Native plant landscapes are plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and require little or no irrigation, fertilization, or pesticides.
They also provide habitat for wildlife, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance the aesthetic value of the site. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Sustainable Sites category is to “conserve water by using native or adapted plants”.
Designers and builders can significantly reduce water consumption in green buildings compared to conventional buildings by incorporating native plant landscapes. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and rainfall patterns, requiring little to no supplemental irrigation once established.
In contrast, non-native and invasive plant landscapes (choice C) often require extensive watering to survive in an environment they are not suited for. Using potable water (choice A) for landscaping is wasteful and should be minimized in green building. Not tracking water metering (choice D) provides no inherent water savings and goes against the principle of monitoring and optimizing water use.
Some key advantages of native plant landscapes for water conservation include:
- Drought tolerance and low water requirements
- Deep roots that improve the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water
- No need for fertilizers or pesticides which can contaminate water
- Provide habitat for local wildlife and support biodiversity
By carefully selecting native species and designing water-efficient landscaping, green buildings can reduce outdoor water consumption by 50% or more compared to conventional practices. This is an important strategy for achieving LEED Water Efficiency credits and creating sustainable, low-impact developments.
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.