Water Use Calculation PDF

Water Efficiency
LEED® Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Water Efficiency
Goals:
Reduce the quantity of the water needed for the
building.
Reduce municipal water supply and treatment
burden.
Water Efficiency
Credits
WE Prerequisite 1 NC: REQ
SCHOOLS: REQ
Water Use Reduction CS: REQ
WE Credit 3 NC: 2-4 pts

SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Water Use Reduction CS: 2-4 pts
Intent
To increase water efficiency within buildings to reduce
the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater
systems.
WE Prerequisite 1 & WE Credit 3
Water Use Reduction
Requirements
NC, SCHOOLS & CS
Reduce building potable water use from the baseline.
Water Use Reduction
Water Use Reduction
Requirements
The following fixtures, fittings and appliances are
outside the scope of the water use reduction
calculation:
 Commercial Steam Cookers
 Commercial Dishwashers
 Automatic Commercial Ice Makers
 Commercial (family-sized) Clothes Washers
 Residential Clothes Washers
 Standard and Compact Residential Dishwashers
Water Use Reduction
Implementation
 Install flow restrictors and/or reduced flow aerators
 Install and maintain automatic faucet sensors and
metering controls
 Install low-flow and low-flush fixtures
 Install non-water fixtures
Harvest / Collect rainwater

Water Use Reduction
Documentation and Calculations

Determine the type and number of occupants.
Retain manufacturers’ data showing the water

consumption rates, manufacturer, and model of each
fixture and fitting.
List plumbing fixtures by usage group, if applicable.

Define any usage groups.
Water Use Reduction

The calculated water use reduction for the project is
the difference between the calculated design case and
a baseline case.
Water use calculation is based on fixture and fitting

water consumption rates and estimated use by the
occupants
Occupants’ estimated use is determined by calculating

full-time equivalent (FTE) and transient occupants and
applying appropriate fixture use rates to each.
Water Use Reduction

Fixture Usage Groups
Fixture usage groups are subsets of washroom facilities
used by different types of occupants.
Water Use Reduction

Calculating Occupancy
NC & CS
Identify the number of building occupants by
occupancy type. In buildings with multiple shifts, use
the number of FTEs from all shifts. Include the
following
a. Full-time staff
b. Part-time staff
c. Transients (students, visitors, retail customers)
d. Residents
Water Use Reduction
Water Use Reduction

SCHOOLS
Identify the total number of building occupants for
each occupancy type. In buildings with multiple shifts,
use the number of full-time equivalents (FTEs) from all
shifts.
a. Full-time staff
b. Part-time staff
c. Students
d. Transients (volunteers, visitors, etc.)
Water Use Reduction
Water Use Reduction

NC, SCHOOLS & CS
Assume a 1-to-1 gender ratio
Water Use Reduction
Timeline and Team

Predesign
Design Architect / Mechanical Engineer
Construction
Occupancy
Water Use Reduction
Referenced Standards
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 (and as amended)
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005
Water Use Reduction
Exemplary Performance
Prerequisite – None
WE Credit 3 – 45%
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Water Efficient Landscaping CS: 2-4 pts
Intent
To limit or eliminate the use
of potable water or other
natural surface or
subsurface water resources
available on or near the
project site for landscape
irrigation.
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Requirements
NC, SCHOOLS & CS
OPTION 1
Reduce potable water consumption for irrigation by 50% from a
calculated midsummer baseline case.
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Requirements
Reductions shall be attributed to any combination of
the following items:
 Plant species factor
 Irrigation efficiency
 Use of captured rainwater
 Use of recycled wastewater
 Use of water treated and conveyed by a public
agency specifically for non-potable uses
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Requirements
NC, SCHOOLS & CS
OPTION 2
Do not use potable water for irrigation
AND
PATH 1
Use only captured rainwater, recycled wastewater, recycled graywater or
water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for nonpotable
uses for irrigation.
OR
PATH 2
Install landscaping that does not require permanent irrigation systems.
Temporary irrigation systems used for plant establishment are allowed only if
removed within 1 year of installation
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Implementation
Use native and drought-tolerant plants that can survive on
natural rainfall.
Climate Tolerate Plants

Minimize Turf
Utilize Techniques such as:

Mulching
Alternative Mowing
Composting
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Implementation
Capture rainwater on-site for irrigation purposes.
Consider using for Irrigation:

 Stormwater
 Graywater
 Condensate Water
Minimize the amount of turf and use only where needed for
recreational or pedestrian use. Turf typically requires irrigation
and creates a monoculture that does not encourage biodiversity.
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Implementation
Specify high-efficiency irrigation systems, such as, drip irrigation
which delivers water to plant roots so less water is lost to
evaporation.
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Implementation
Regularly monitor irrigation systems to ensure that they are
watering on desired schedules.
Do not irrigate plants during winter months.
Mulch landscaped areas to assist with water retention.

SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Implementation
Good Approaches:
High-Efficiency Irrigation Strategies

Micro-irrigation systems
Moisture sensors
Rain shut-offs
Weather-based evapotranspiration controllers
Drip systems – use 30% - 50% less water than sprinklers
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Implementation
Good Approaches:
Rainwater Collection
Cisterns
Underground Tanks
Ponds
Rain Barrels
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Implementation
Good Approaches:
Rainwater Collection
Roofs
Plazas
Paved Areas
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Implementation
Good Approaches:
Wastewater Recovery
On-site
Municipal
On-Site:
Graywater
Wastewater Treatment
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Implementation
Good Approaches:
Wastewater Recovery
On-site Graywater:
Municipal Wastewater from:
Sinks
Showers
On-Site: Washing Machines
Graywater Cooling Tower
Wastewater Treatment Condensation from AC Systems
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Implementation
Good Approaches:
Wastewater Recovery
On-site Graywater:
Municipal Wastewater from:
Sinks
Showers
On-Site: Washing Machines
Graywater Cooling Tower
Wastewater Treatment Condensation from AC Systems
No Human Waste or Food Processing

SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts

Perform calculations of the baseline and design case to
show the percentage reduction in water demand, and
report what portion of irrigation will come from each
nonpotable source (if any).
Prepare a landscape plan showing a planting schedule

and irrigation system.
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts

Baseline Case vs Design Case
For each Landscape Area:
Calculate KL  KL = Ks x Kd x Kmc
Determine ET0 for your region (July)
Calculate ETL  ETL [in] = ET0 x KL

KL – Landscape Coefficient
Ks – Species Factor
Kd – Density Factor
Kmc – Microclimate Factor
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
KL = Ks x Kd x Kmc
ETL = ET0 X KL
BLDG
KL = Ks x Kd x Kmc
ETL = ET0 X KL
Which two variables remain constant when calculating the design and baseline cases?
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
KL = Ks x Kd x Kmc
ETL = ET0 X KL
BLDG
KL = Ks x Kd x Kmc
ETL = ET0 X KL
Which two variables remain constant when calculating the design and baseline cases?
Kmc & ET0
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Baseline Case TWA [gal]

Design Case TWA [gal]
Percent Reduction of Potable Water
% Reduction
Baseline H20
Design H20
% Reduction = 100 x [1 – Design H20 /Baseline H20]

SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
Timeline and Team

Predesign
Design Architect / Mechanical Engineer / Civil Engineer
Construction
Occupancy
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
None
SCHOOLS: 2-4 pts
None
WE Credit 2 NC: 2 points
SCHOOLS: 2 points
Innovative Wastewater Technologies CS: 2 points
Intent
To reduce wastewater generation and potable water
demand while increasing the local aquifer
recharge.
SCHOOLS: 2 points
Requirements
OPTION 1
Reduce potable water use for sewage conveyance by 50%
through water conserving fixtures (water closets, urinals) or non-
potable water (captured rainwater, recycled graywater, and on-
site or municipally treated wastewater).
OR
OPTION 2
Treat 50% of wastewater on-site to tertiary standards. Treated
water must be used on-site or infiltrated.
SCHOOLS: 2 points
Implementation
Specify:
High Efficiency Fixtures

low flow
dual flush
Dry Fixtures
composting toilets
non-water urinals
SCHOOLS: 2 points
Implementation
Reuse for sewage conveyance:
Stormwater
Graywater
SCHOOLS: 2 points
Implementation
Consider:
On-site wastewater treatment
SCHOOLS: 2 points
Implementation
Consider:
Constructed Wetlands
SCHOOLS: 2 points
Implementation
Consider:
High-efficiency Filtration Systems
SCHOOLS: 2 points

Option 1:
Using the WE Prerequisite 1 calculations, determine the baseline
and design case of only the flush fixtures, to determine whether
potable water consumption is reduced by 50%.
Option 2:
Determine the amount of wastewater compared with the
capacity of the wastewater treatment system available.
Compile information about system schematics and the capacity

of any rainwater of graywater systems.
SCHOOLS: 2 points

Plumbing Drawings of on-site wastewater treatment facilities
□ Calculated occupants [ Default 1 to 1]
□ Calculated Baseline Water usage
□ Calculated Design Water Usage
Provide:
Fixture Manufacturer
Fixture Model
Flush Rate in gallons per flush [GPF]
SCHOOLS: 2 points

Total non-potable water for sewage conveyance [gal] (if using)
□ If treating wastewater provide the annual quantity (gal) of:

Water treated
Treated water infiltrated
Treated water that is re-used on site
□ Narrative describing potable water reduction strategies

employed by the project.
SCHOOLS: 2 points

OPTION 1
Full Time Equivalent - FTE
Transient Building Occupants – daily average
Baseline Case
Use Energy Policy Act of 1992 for Fixture Flush Rates
Design Case
Actual WC & Urinals Specified
SCHOOLS: 2 points

Assumptions
50% males & 50% females
Daily Uses:
Males
WC 1 use
Urinal 2 uses
Females
WC 3 uses
SCHOOLS: 2 points

Energy Policy Act of 1992
Flush Rate for Fixtures:

Conventional Water Closet 1.6 GPF
Conventional Urinal 1.0 GPF
SCHOOLS: 2 points

Commercial Building - 14 FTE
Baseline
WC, Women 3 x 1.6 GPF x 7 = 33.6 gal
WC, Men 1 x 1.6 GPF x 7 = 11.2 gal
Urinal, Men 2 x 1.0 GPF x 7 = 14.0 gal
TPW daily = 58.8 gal
Design
WC, Men 1 x 1.1 GPF x 7 = 7.7 gal
SCHOOLS: 2 points

Commercial Building - 14 FTE
Baseline
WC, Men 1 x 1.6 GPF x 7 = 11.2 gal
TPW daily = 58.8 gal % Reduction
Design
WC, Women 3 x 1.1 GPF x 7 = 23.1 gal = 100 x (1 – 30.8/58.8)
WC, Men 1 x 1.1 GPF x 7 = 7.7 gal = 47.6%
SCHOOLS: 2 points

OPTION 2
Annual Volume of Sewage Generated

Annual Volume of Wastewater Treated and Reused and/or
infiltrated On-Site
Calculate the percent reduction of wastewater that is released

into the municipal sewer system.
SCHOOLS: 2 points
Timeline and Team

Predesign
Design Architect /Mechanical Engineer / Civil Engineer
Construction
Occupancy
SCHOOLS: 2 points
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 (and as amended)
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005
The 2006 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code or

International Plumbing Code
SCHOOLS: 2 points
100% reduction in potable water use for sewage
conveyance
OR
On-site treatment and re-use/infiltration of 100% of

generated wastewater
WE Credit 4 NC: NA
SCHOOLS: 1 point
Process Water Use Reduction CS: NA
Intent
To maximize water efficiency within buildings to reduce
the burden on municipal water supply
and wastewater systems.
WE Credit 4 NC: NA
SCHOOLS: 1 point
Requirements
SCHOOLS
To receive this credit, buildings must have the
following:
No refrigeration equipment using once-through cooling

with potable water
No garbage disposals
X
WE Credit 4 NC: NA
SCHOOLS: 1 point
Requirements
At least 4 process items where water use is at or below the levels shown in
the table below. Inclusion of any equipment not listed in the table below
must be supported by documentation showing a 20% reduction in water use
from a benchmark or industry standard.
WE Credit 4 NC: NA
SCHOOLS: 1 point
Implementation
Assess all water-using process equipment within the
school and select water-efficient options.
WE Credit 4 NC: NA
SCHOOLS: 1 point

Retain manufacturers' data showing the water
consumption rates, manufacturer, and model of each
appliance.
Assemble information about the baseline water use

based on industry standards for any equipment that is
not listed in the credit requirements.
WE Credit 4 NC: NA
SCHOOLS: 1 point
Timeline and Team

Predesign
Design Architect /Mechanical Engineer / Project Owner
Construction
Occupancy
WE Credit 4 NC: NA
SCHOOLS: 1 point
None
WE Credit 4 NC: NA
SCHOOLS: 1 point
Projects may earn an innovation credit for exemplary
performance by demonstrating a projected process
water saving of 40%.

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Water Efficiency

LEED® Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

WE Credit 3 NC: 2-4 pts

Harvest / Collect rainwater

Documentation and Calculations

Retain manufacturers’ data showing the water

List plumbing fixtures by usage group, if applicable.

Documentation and Calculations

Water use calculation is based on fixture and fitting

Occupants’ estimated use is determined by calculating

Documentation and Calculations

Documentation and Calculations

Documentation and Calculations

Documentation and Calculations

Timeline and Team

Climate Tolerate Plants

Utilize Techniques such as:

Consider using for Irrigation:

Do not irrigate plants during winter months.

Mulch landscaped areas to assist with water retention.

High-Efficiency Irrigation Strategies

No Human Waste or Food Processing

Documentation and Calculations

Prepare a landscape plan showing a planting schedule

Documentation and Calculations

Calculate ETL  ETL [in] = ET0 x KL

Baseline Case TWA [gal]

Percent Reduction of Potable Water

% Reduction = 100 x [1 – Design H20 /Baseline H20]

Timeline and Team

High Efficiency Fixtures

Documentation and Calculations

Compile information about system schematics and the capacity

Documentation and Calculations

Documentation and Calculations

□ If treating wastewater provide the annual quantity (gal) of:

□ Narrative describing potable water reduction strategies

Documentation and Calculations

Documentation and Calculations

Documentation and Calculations

Flush Rate for Fixtures:

Documentation and Calculations

Documentation and Calculations

Documentation and Calculations

Annual Volume of Sewage Generated

Calculate the percent reduction of wastewater that is released

Timeline and Team

The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005

The 2006 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code or

On-site treatment and re-use/infiltration of 100% of

No refrigeration equipment using once-through cooling

Documentation and Calculations

Assemble information about the baseline water use

Timeline and Team

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