Lowering Water Consumption in LEED-Certified Structures: A Role for Green Associates

Green buildings, designed to minimise environmental impact, employ various water-saving methods. Among these, the use of native plants in landscaping offers the most substantial opportunity to reduce potable water consumption.

According to the LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, one of the primary goals of the Sustainable Sites category is to conserve water by using native or adapted plants. This approach is not just beneficial for the environment, but also for the water footprint of a green building.

Utilising native, drought-tolerant plants such as succulents (e.g., sedum), ornamental grasses, lavender, and sage in green building landscaping can significantly reduce water consumption compared to conventional buildings. These plants are adapted to local climate and rainfall patterns, requiring minimal to no irrigation once established.

In contrast, not tracking water metering provides no inherent reduction in water usage. On the other hand, invasive plants often require more water and maintenance than native plants, making them less suitable for green building landscaping.

Incorporating native plant landscapes in green buildings not only reduces water usage but also provides numerous other benefits. Native plants offer habitat for wildlife, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance the aesthetic value of the site.

Moreover, using potable water for landscaping is considered wasteful and does not contribute to reducing water usage. Instead, green buildings can collect and reuse rainwater and greywater to irrigate their native plant landscapes.

For those preparing for the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam, practice questions and answers are available online for free. Earning the USGBC LEED Green Associate certification can open up opportunities in the field of sustainable building design and construction.

Lowering Water Consumption in LEED-Certified Structures: A Role for Green Associates