EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has long been a compass for the sustainable design, construction, and operation of buildings. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. Since its 1993 introduction, the program has evolved with revisions to the landscape and irrigation category that provide additional point-earning opportunities. With LEED version 4.1, irrigation is specifically associated with three certification types through the Water Efficiency (WE) credit: single-family residential; multi-family residential; and building design and construction. Single-Family Residential Applicants can earn WE credits by incorporating landscapes and irrigation that protect and restore water resources. The WE Credit: Total Water Use — This credit offers 3 to 15 points depending on the overall indoor and outdoor water use reduction from the baseline. Applicants must use the EPA WaterSense® Water Budget Tool to calculate water savings. The WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use — Under Option 2 of this credit, applicants can earn 1 to 2 points for implementing efficient irrigation. Multi-Family Residential In this category, WE credits are awarded in two ways. Under Option 1, applicants must use the EPA WaterSense Budget Tool to calculate indoor and outdoor water use reductions for the project to earn a range of 1 to 10 points. Option 2 awards 1 to 3 points depending on the percentage of native or locally adapted plants designated for the project location. In addition, 1 point can be awarded through the WE Credit: Water Metering for ...