The links below provide a Roadmap outlining an ideal process by which to achieve each goal, as well as model Harvard LEED submittals, information on design intent and sustainability principles, financial considerations, LEED requirements, and additional resources for each water efficiency design element.
WEc1.1, 1.2: WATER USE REDUCTION, 20%, 30% Reduction
WEc1.1, 1.2 ROADMAP
| Design Phase | Recommended Approach: Activities | Recommended Approach: Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Design | Set the goal of at least a 40% potable water reduction. | Client |
| Conceptual Design | Review WEc1.1 or 1.2 requirements (pages 104 of Reference Guide). Calculate baseline water use based on FTE count and and EPAct 1992 requirements. Calculate the design case with fixtures that exceed EPAct 1992 requirements. | Engineers |
| Schematic through Construction Documents | Calculate design use for sewage conveyance. Include water-efficient plumbing fixture requirements in the project specifications. Specify dual-flush toilets, low-flow lavatories with automatic faucets, and waterless urinals. If applicable, specify water efficient kitchen dishwashers or washing machines. Consider composting toilets. | Engineers |
| Schematic Design | Consider using rainwater for flushing toilets. A dual-plumbing system is necessary for greywater reuse. Identify the amount of water that could be collected from interior greywater, or stormwater, for flushing toilets. | Architect/Engineers |
| Construction Documents | Complete LEED Online Letter Template and provide submittal and audit requirements per WEc1.1 or 1.2. HGCI can document this point, if needed. | Engineers or HGCI |
| Construction Documents to Construction | Ensure that dual-flush toilets, low-flow lavatories with automatic faucets, and waterless urinals are specified. Ensure that submittals are reviewed and approved per the specifications requirements. | Engineers |
| Construction Documents | This credit is a Design Submittal and should be submitted to the USGBC after construction documents are complete. | HGCI or LEED Consultant |
| Construction | Review Contractor submittals to ensure that water efficient fixtures are selected. | Engineers |
Design Intent and Sustainability Principles
The intent of this element is to reduce the use of potable water for toilet flushing, sinks and showers. Water conservation is an important part of Harvard University’s Campus Sustainability Principles. Potable water is a limited resource, and current usage through ineffective and inefficient plumbing fixtures results in the loss of this resource “down the drain." Conserving water is not only a strong long-term economic and environmentally responsible decision, it is also socially responsible. These three factors are inherent in the fourth Sustainability Principle. Water efficiency is a strategy that applies to all aspects of the university: staff, students, and faculty all interact with plumbing fixtures several times each day. Functioning, effective water-conserving plumbing fixtures are a daily means to “encourage environmental inquiry and institutional learning throughout the university community.”
Financial Considerations
Water-saving fixtures, such as dual-flush toilets, waterless urinals, low-flow faucets, and low-flow showerheads are comparable in price to standard fixtures, and are being used in numerous Harvard buildings.
LEED Requirements
LEED-CI Version 2.0
See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.
"Based on tenant occupancy requirements, employ strategies that in aggregate use 20% less water than the water use baseline calculated for the tenant space (not including irrigation) after meeting Energy Policy Act of 1992 fixture performance requirements."
- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 104
LEED Submittals
LEED-CI Version 2.0
“Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the MEP engineer or responsible party, declaring that the project uses 20% less water than the baseline fixtures performance requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
“Provide the spreadsheet calculation demonstrating that water-consuming fixtures specified for the stated occupancy and use of the building reduce occupancy-based potable water consumption by 20% compared to baseline conditions."
- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 104
MODEL SUBMITTALS
Mather Dunster (32.38%)
Landmark (25.80%)
Additional Resources
Updated: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 5:52 PM
