Session 2: Sustainable Sites & Water Efficiency Topics Covered: Sustainable Sites: Location and linkage Site design & management Alternative Transportation Stormwater management Water Efficiency: Indoor water use Outdoor water use Readings: LEED 2009 for Operations & Maintenance rating system Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency sections (p. 1-23) Ignore all mention of Alternative Compliance Paths for Projects Outside the US. You will learn the intent and requirements of each EB: O&M Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency credit. LEED 2009 for New Construction & Major Renovation rating system Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency sections (p. 1-31) Ignore all mention of Alternative Compliance Paths for Projects Outside the US. You will learn the intent and requirements of each Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency credit for New Construction and see how they differ from EB: O&M. Handouts: - Session 2 PowerPoint
Sustainable Sites Vocabulary: Location & Linkages Biodiversity The variety of life in all forms, level, and combinations, including ecosystem biodiversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity. Brownfields Previously used or developed land that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or pollution. Once damage has been remediated, land can be used. Redevelopment provides opportunity to restore degraded urban land & reduce sprawl. Community The amount of connection between a site and the surrounding community, measured by proximity of Connectivity the site to homes, schools, parks, stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and other services & amenities Development The total square footage of all buildings within a particular area, measured in sq ft per acre or units per Density acre. Greenfields Sites that have been in agricultural use or are far from existing infrastructure Infill An approach that uses sites that have been previously developed or are gaps between existing Development infrastructure Native and Native plants occur naturally in a given location & ecosystem. Adapted plants are not native but grow Adapted reliably w/minimal attention. Using native/adapted plants can reduce irrigation water, pesticides, & Vegetation fertilizer needs. Prime Farmland Previously undeveloped land with soil suitable for cultivation. Avoiding development helps protect agricultural lands, which are needed for flood protection. Site Disturbance The amount of a site that is disturbed by construction activity. On undeveloped sites, limiting the amount and boundary of site disturbance can protect surrounding habitat Site Design & Management Albedo The ability of a material to reject solar heat. (Synonymous with solar reflectance.) High-albedo = good at reflecting. Emissivity The ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same temperature. Hardscape Inanimate elements of the building landscaping such as pavement, roadways, stone walls, concrete paths, sidewalks, brick, and tile. Heat Island The absorption of heat by hardscapes, such as dark, nonreflective pavement and buildings, and its Effect radiation to surrounding areas. Other urban sources may include vehicle exhaust, air-conditioners, and street equipment. Can increase the temperature from 2 to 10 degrees F in dense, urban areas. Imperviousness The resistance of a material to penetration by a liquid. Expressed as a percentage of total land area that doesn t allow moisture penetration. Impervious surfaces prevent rainwater from infiltrating into the ground, thereby increasing runoff, reducing groundwater recharge, & degrading surface water quality. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Light Trespass Perviousness Solar Reflectance Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) Managing pests (plants, fungi, insects, and/or animals) in a way that protects human health and the surrounding environment and that improves economic returns through the most effective, least-risk option. IPM calls for the use of least toxic chemical pesticides, minimum use of the chemicals, use only in targeted locations, and use only for targeted species. The spilling of light beyond the project boundary. Measured in foot candles. The percentage of the surface area of a paving material that is open and allows moisture to pass through the material and soak into the ground. A measure of the ability of a surface material to reflect sunlight on a scale of 0 to 1. Black paint has a solar reflectance of 0; white paint has a solar reflectance of 1. A measure of a material s ability to reflect solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices. Black is 0 and white is 100. Particularly cool materials can even exceed 100.
Transportation Acid Rain The precipitation of dilute solutions of strong mineral acids, formed by the mixing in the atmosphere of various industrial pollutants (primarily sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) with naturally occurring oxygen or water vapor. Alternative-Fuel Use low-polluting, non-gasoline fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, Vehicles liquid natural gas, methanol, and ethanol. In LEED, efficient gas-electric hybrids are included in this group. Carpool Arrangement by which 2 or more people share a vehicle for transportation. Fuel-Efficient Have achieved a minimum green score of 40 according to the annual vehicle-rating guide of the Vehicles American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Green Score Low-Emitting Classified as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by the California Air Resources Board Vehicles Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) A measure of transportation demand that estimates the travel miles associated with a project, most often for single-passenger cars. Stormwater Management Bioswale A stormwater control feature that uses a combination of an engineered basin, soils, and vegetation to slow and detain stormwater, increase groundwater recharge, and reduce peak stormwater runoff Low impact An approach to land management that mimics natural systems and manages stormwater as close to the development source as possible. (LID) Nonpoint source Water pollution caused by stormwater runoff from diffuse sources. When it rains, water washes pollution Nonstructural Measures Stormwater Runoff Structural Measures fertilizers, car oils, pet waste, etc, into receiving bodies of water. Stormwater is allowed to filter natural into the soil and infiltration is promoted. Include rain gardens, vegetated swales, disconnection of impervious areas, pervious pavement. Often preferred because they can be less expensive and help recharge groundwater supplies. Consists of water from precipitation that flows over surfaces into seer systems or receiving water bodies. All precipitation that leaves project site boundaries on the surface is considered stormwater runoff. Used to remove pollutants and sometimes treat water for reuse in irrigation or toilet flushing. Include rainwater cisterns, manhole treatment devices, and ponds. Preferred on urban/constrained sites because they can store/clean runoff with minimal space. Sustainable Sites Referenced Standards: Standard Credit(s) Definition American Council for an Energy Efficient Alternative Transportation Economy (ACEEE) Green SSc4.3 NC Score SSc4 EBOM US market. California Air Resources Board, Definition of Zero-Emission Vehicle Alternative Transportation SSc4.3 NC SSc4 EBOM Fuel-efficient vehicles achieve a minimum green score of 40 in the vehiclerating guide of ACEEE s Green Book which is published annually and provides consumer-oriented ratings for every new light-duty vehicle in the A zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) meets the standards of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These standards require zero emissions of regulated pollutants. Most ZEVs are powered by electricity, fuel cells, or hydrogen.
Quiz Sustainable Sites: 1) What is the definition of Emissivity? a. The measure of a material's permeability b. The ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same temperature c. The ability of a material to reject solar heat d. The measure of an air filter's ability to trap solids 2) Which of the following are NOT strategies to decrease the amount of storm water runoff? (Choose 2) a. Maintain natural stormwater flows by promoting infiltration b. Install vegetated roofs c. Install pervious paving d. Increase the size of the parking lot e. Reuse captured stormwater for non-potable uses f. Eliminate all pervious paving from the site 3) Which of the following is NOT a desired result of reducing light pollution? a. Minimize light trespass from the building and site b. Reduce sky-glow to increase night sky access c. Maximize exterior lighting on architectural and landscape features d. Reduce development impact on nocturnal environments e. Improve nighttime visibility through glare reduction 4) Which of the following is NOT a non-structural technique for managing stormwater runoff? a. Rainwater cisterns b. Rain gardens c. Vegetated swales d. Rainwater recycling e. Disconnection of imperviousness 5) Which of the following is not a strategy for reducing stormwater runoff volume? a. Minimizing the building footprint b. Increasing impervious paving c. Using bio-retention d. Installing a vegetated roof e. Rainwater harvesting 6) What are some possible advantages of choosing a Brownfield Site for a project? (Choose 3) a. Lower land cost b. Tax incentives for redeveloping a contaminated site c. Cheaper construction costs d. Positive community perception e. Special recognition upon LEED certification
7) Heat Island Effect can increase the temperature by as much as degrees Fahrenheit in densely populated urban areas. a. 2 b. 5 c. 10 d. 15 8) What can qualify a vehicle as low-emitting and fuel-efficient? (Choose 2) a. Green Seal GS-11 b. Green seal label c. Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board d. ACEEE Green Score 9) What does LEED try to encourage by awarding points for site selection? a. Channel development to urban areas with existing infrastructure b. Reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use c. Provide a high ratio of open space to development footprint to promote biodiversity d. Avoid development of inappropriate sites and reduce the environmental impact from the location of a building on a site 10) If local standards and codes are less stringent, which of the following requirements must an erosion and sedimentation control plan conform to? a. 2003 EPA Construction General Permit b. 2008 EPA Construction General Permit c. ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 d. ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 11) What is the definition of Albedo? a. The measure of a material's permeability b. The ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same temperature c. The ability of a material to reject solar heat d. The measure of an air filter's ability to trap solids 12) What does the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan aim to prevent? (Choose 3) a. Erosion b. Solid Waste Generation c. Construction Worker Accidents d. Carbon Emissions e. Sedimentation f. Airborne Dust Pollution 13) Which of the following would be a potential negative consequence for the project team to consider when trying to maximize Light Pollution Reduction? a. Disrupting nearby nocturnal species b. Reducing nocturnal glow of the project site c. Energy conservation d. Safety and security
14) Which of the following is NOT a benefit of green design? a. Reduced operating costs b. Reduced potential liability resulting from indoor air quality problems c. Enhanced building marketability d. Increased worker productivity e. Qualify for government financing 15) What types of plants may reduce irrigation water demand? (Choose 2) a. Invasive Species b. Native Species c. Adapted Species d. Cultivated Species 16) Which of the following represent structural controls to prevent Erosion and Sedimentation? (Choose 3) a. Earth Dike b. Seeding c. Silt Fencing d. Sedimentation trap 17) The building exterior and hardscape management plan must address which of the following? (Choose 2) a. Native landscape b. Snow and ice removal c. Paints and sealants used on the building exterior d. Water efficient irrigation systems 18) Which of the following is not considered to be a basic service? a. Bank b. Grocery Store c. Parking Lot d. Beauty Salon e. Church 19) Which of the following regulations is likely to be contained in zoning regulations? (Choose 3) a. Landscaping Regulations b. Regulations on Energy Usage c. Parking Space Requirements d. Open Space Requirements e. Stormwater Management Regulations 20) Open grid paving systems used in a parking lot can help with what two site related sustainability concepts/credits? (Choose 2) a. Stormwater Management, Quantity b. Site Selection c. Water Use Reduction d. Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity e. Heat Island Effect, Non-Roof
Answers Sustainable Sites: 1) B 2) D, F 3) C 4) A 5) B 6) A, B, D 7) C 8) C, D 9) D 10) A 11) C 12) A, E, F 13) D 14) E 15) B, C 16) A, C, D 17) B, C 18) C 19) A, C, D 20) A, E
Baseline Versus Design Black Water Cooling Tower Gallons Per Flush (GPF) Gallons Per Minute (GPM) Graywater Potable Water Water Efficiency Vocabulary: Indoor Water Use The amount of water the design case conserves versus the baseline case. All LEED Water Efficiency credits use a baseline case against which the facility s design case is compared. The baseline case represents the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992) flow and flush rates. Wastewater from toilets and urinals. Definitions vary, but black water also typically includes wastewater from kitchen sinks (perhaps differentiated by the use of a garbage disposal) and dish washers. A structure that uses water to absorb heat from air-conditioning systems and redgulate air temperature in a facility. Amount of water consumed by flush fixtures. The baseline for water closets (toilets) is 1.6 gpf and 1.0 gpf for urinals. The amount of water consumed by flow fixtures (faucets, showerheads, aerators, sprinkler heads). Domestic wastewater composed of wash water from kitchen, bathroom, and laundry sinks, tubs, and washers which has not come into contact with toilet waste. Water that is suitable for drinking. Process Water Water that is used in building systems to heat and cool air to maintain building temperatures. This also includes water used for dishwashing, washing machines, and ice machines. Outdoor Water Use Harvested Precipitation captured and used for indoor needs, irrigation, or both. Rainwater Irrigation The percentage of water delivered by irrigation equipment that is actually used for irrigation and does Efficiency not evaporate, blow away, or fall on hardscape. For example, overhead spray sprinklers have lower irrigation efficiencies (65%) than drip systems (90%) Xeriscaping A landscaping method that makes routine irrigation unnecessary. It uses drought-adaptable and lowwater plants as well as soil amendments such as compost and mulches to reduce evaporation. ( Xeri means dry ). Water Efficiency Referenced Standards: Standard Credit(s) Definition Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 Indoor water efficiency Amended a former energy conservation act and added water conservation. Used to establish baseline building plumbing fixture performance 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) Indoor water efficiency Defines water-conserving fixtures and fittings. Regulates design, construction, installation, materials, location, operation and maintenance of plumbing systems. International Plumbing Code (IPC) Indoor water efficiency Defines maximum flow rates and consumption for plumbing fixtures and fittings WaterSense Indoor water efficiency A partnership program sponsored by EPA that helps consumers identify water-efficient products & programs. WaterSense-labeled product efficiencies exceed UPC and IPC standards.
Quiz Water Efficiency: 1) Which of the following strategies would reduce potable water use? a. Installing high-flow rate fixtures b. Increasing the amount of turf grass in the landscaping c. Using graywater for sewage conveyance d. Meeting the Energy Policy Act of 1992 baseline for all fixtures 2) What is the best use for potable water? a. Cooling towers b. Irrigation c. Swimming Pools d. Drinking e. Toilet Flushing 3) What are the two primary sources of potable water? (Choose 2) a. Captured rainwater b. A lake or stream c. Municipal water systems d. The ocean e. A private or public well 4) What types of plants may reduce irrigation water demand? (Choose 2) a. Invasive Species b. Native Species c. Adapted Species d. Cultivated Species 5) According to the EPA, what is the baseline gallons per flush (gpf) for commercial and residential toilets? a. 0.5 gpf b. 1.0 gpf c. 1.0 gpm d. 1.6 gpf 6) Which of the following factors has no relation to LEED Water Efficient Landscaping credits? a. Irrigation efficiency b. Plant species c. Use of recycled wastewater d. Reduced pedestrian traffic e. Reclaimed water from municipality 7) Which type of water is not allowed to be used for irrigation purposes? a. Potable water b. Well water c. Blackwater d. Graywater e. Captured Rainwater f. Any type of water is suitable for landscape irrigation
8) Which of the following are strategies for reducing the amount of potable water used for wastewater conveyance? (Choose 3) a. Specify high-efficiency fixtures and dry fixtures b. Limit the amount of stormwater run-off leaving the site c. Treat wastewater onsite and reuse d. Maintain stormwater BMPs e. Reuse stormwater for sewage conveyance 9) What is not a possible source of graywater? a. Showers b. Toilets c. Washing Machine d. Bathroom Sink e. Drinking Fountain 10) Which of the following are strategies to prevent erosion as described as it relates to Construction Activity Pollution Prevention? (Choose 4) a. Temporary and permanent seeding b. Mulching c. Earth dikes d. Sand bagging e. Silt fencing f. Removing landscaping 11) Which of the following is NOT a potential strategy to improve the water efficiency of landscape irrigation? a. No irrigation of plants and turf from November to April and shrubs from September to June b. Use drip, micro misters, and subsurface irrigation systems c. Use of mulch on trees, shrubs, and flower beds d. Increase the amount of turf grass 12) If a project team is reusing graywater on a LEED project, what are the two most appropriate uses for the graywater? (Choose 2) a. Hand washing b. Toilet flushing c. Clothes Washing d. Drip Irrigation e. Spray Irrigation 13) What is the baseline for plumbing systems that were substantially completed in 1993 or before? a. 120% of the water use that would result if all fixtures met the WaterSmart requirements b. 120% of the water use that would result if all fixtures met the UPC or IPC requirements c. 160% of the water use that would result if all fixtures met the WaterSmart requirements d. 160% of the water use that would result if all fixtures met the UPC or IPC requirements 14) The installation of low-flow faucet aerators at hand washing stations will result in which of the following? (Choose 2) a. Reduced hours of occupancy
b. Reduced energy use c. Reduced water use d. Increased occupant productivity e. Reduced stormwater runoff 15) In terms of LEED Water Efficient Landscaping credits, which of the following is considered "potable water"? a. Tap water b. Graywater c. Wastewater d. Stormwater e. Dishwater 16) Which strategy is not effective in reducing potable water use for irrigation? a. Spray irrigation b. Drip Irrigation c. Mulching d. Using Native or Adapted Plants e. Rainwater Harvesting 17) Which type of system or equipment would not be a consumer of process water? a. Domestic hot water heater b. Dishwasher c. Clothes Washer d. Cooling Tower e. Food Steamer 18) Which of the following plumbing fixtures measure water usage in gallons per minute (GPM)? (Chose 3) a. Toilet b. Kitchen Sink c. Shower Head d. Bathroom Sink e. Urinal 19) What is the Energy Policy Act used for in the LEED Rating Systems? a. To set product VOC limits b. To establish baseline building energy performance c. To establish baseline building plumbing fixture performance d. To set indoor air quality requirements 20) What sustainability concept can xeriscaping contribute to? a. Reducing the heat island effect b. Water efficient irrigation c. Construction waste management d. Indoor air quality e. Certified wood
Answers Water Efficiency: 1) C Using graywater to flush toilets reduces the amount of potable water needed to do the job 2) D 3) C, E 4) B, C 5) D 6) D 7) C Blackwater is likely sewage or kitchen waste and cannot be reused without treatment 8) A, C, E 9) B 10) A, B, C, E 11) D Turf grass is likely to need irrigation throughout the summer months 12) B, D 13) D 14) B, C Installing high efficiency sinks = less hot water usage = less energy needed to heat the water 15) A 16) A Spray irrigation is a conventional method of irrigation and thus would not reduce water use 17) A A hot water heater heats potable water for hand washing, bathing, and dish washing. 18) B, C, D Anything with a flow is measured in gallons per minute. Anything that flushes is measured in gallons per flush. 19) C - While the Energy Policy Act also deals with energy use, LEED uses it to establish baseline water use rates for plumbing fixtures. 20) B Xeriscaping employs highly drought-tolerant plants that need little to no irrigation
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