Outdoor water use reduction strategies to comply the LEED requirements

Water use reduction is an essential aspect of sustainable building design, and outdoor water use reduction is a key consideration for buildings seeking to achieve LEED certification. In this article, we will discuss outdoor water use reduction and how to comply with the LEED BD+C credit requirement, including sample calculations and strategies. We will also provide examples of native species that can be used in the Indian context.

Outdoor Water Use Reduction for LEED BD+C

The Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit under LEED BD+C rewards buildings that reduce their outdoor water consumption by 50% or more compared to a baseline established by LEED. The credit aims to encourage the use of water-efficient landscaping practices that reduce outdoor water usage and preserve water resources.

Complying with the LEED BD+C Credit Requirement

To comply with the LEED BD+C credit requirement, the following steps can be taken:

1. Determine the baseline water usage for outdoor irrigation. This is the amount of water that would typically be used for outdoor irrigation without implementing any water-saving strategies. The baseline can be determined by calculating the water usage for the same month in the previous year.
2. Determine the water use reduction target. The water use reduction target is the percentage by which the outdoor water usage will be reduced compared to the baseline. For the Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit, the target is 50% or more.
3. Implement water-efficient landscaping practices. Strategies for outdoor water use reduction can include using native plants, using drip irrigation systems, and harvesting rainwater. A combination of these strategies can help achieve the required water use reduction target.

Strategies for Outdoor Water Use Reduction

1. Use Native Species: Planting native species can significantly reduce outdoor water use as these plants are adapted to the local climate and require less water. Some examples of native species in the Indian context include Bougainvillea, Frangipani, Indian Hawthorn, and Neem trees.
2. Use Drip Irrigation Systems: Drip irrigation systems are designed to deliver water directly to the roots of plants, reducing water waste. They also require less maintenance and are more cost-effective than traditional irrigation systems.
3. Harvest Rainwater: Rainwater harvesting can be used to irrigate landscaping, reducing the need for potable water. Rainwater can be collected in storage tanks or cisterns and used for irrigation purposes.

Sample Calculation

Let us assume that the baseline water usage for outdoor irrigation in a multi-family apartment complex with 200 residential units in Delhi NCR is 100,000 liters per month. To achieve the 50% water use reduction target, the water usage for outdoor irrigation should be reduced to 50,000 liters per month or less.

If the complex uses native species for landscaping and drip irrigation systems for irrigation, the water usage can be reduced by 60%. The following table provides a sample calculation of the water usage reduction:

Outdoor water use reduction is a crucial component of sustainable building design and a key consideration for buildings seeking LEED certification. By implementing water-efficient landscaping practices and reducing outdoor water use, buildings can help preserve water resources, lower operating costs, and improve their