LEED Water Efficiency Flashcards
Which factor would increase outdoor water use? A. Using low-impact development (LID) strategies B. Using turf for groundcover C. Installing submeters D. Increasing planting density
B. Using turf for groundcover
What unit of measurement is used for toilets? A. FTE B. Gallons per flush (liters per flush) C. Gallons per minute (liters per minute) D. Wastewater efficiency
B. Gallons per flush (liters per flush)
What types of water can NOT be used for flushing toilets? A. Rainwater B. Non-potable water C. Blackwater D. Graywater
C. Blackwater
Who decides if water from showers can be used for irrigation? A. USGBC via the CIR process B. Local authorities with jurisdiction in the area C. Universal plumbing code D. Project team
B. Local authorities with jurisdiction in the area
A rainwater harvesting system can help with: (Choose 2) A. Runoff management B. Reducing heat islands C. Improving site restoration D. Reducing potable water use indoors
A. Runoff management. D. Reducing potable water use indoors (can be diverted to cisterns for use in landscaping, inside flushing, and process water needs)
Which of the following occupants would be classified as FTEs? (Choose 2)
A. A cleaning person who only works in the evenings B. A receptionist C. A delivery person D. A librarian
B. A receptionist D. A librarian A full-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant in a project building. An FTE of 1.0 means that the person is equivalent to a full-time worker, while an FTE of 0.5 signals that the worker is only half-time.
An owner of a large 1970’s apartment building wants to renovate the space to make it green. The cost of the replacing all of the porcelain plumbing fixtures is going to be cost-prohibitive for the owner. What can the project team suggest as an alternative to reduce potable water use?
(Choose 2) A. Install submeters B. Install solar hot water heaters C. Install new low-flow aerators D. Install new flush valves E. Install ENERGY STAR ovens and refrigerators
C. Install new low-flow aerators D. Install new flush valves
Indoor water use reductions require projections based on which of the following:
A. The cost of potable water B. The number of fixtures installed C. Occupants’ usage D. The gross area of the building
C. Occupants’ usage
Which of the following is effective at reducing potable water use indoors?
A. Installing submeters B. Implementing cooling tower water management C. Installing fixtures that meet the EPAct 1992 standard D. Installing low-consumption flush fixtures and low-flow rate faucets
D. Installing low-consumption flush fixtures and low-flow rate faucets
Occupancy calculations may be needed for which of the following project documentations? (Choose 2)
A. Bicycle facilities B. Surrounding density C. Indoor water use D. Water metering
A. Bicycle facilities C. Indoor water use
What are the benefits of reducing potable water use in buildings?
(Choose 2)
A. Reduced contamination of nearby water bodies B. Reduced drawdown of water from water bodies and aquifers C. Decreased building operating costs D. Increased irrigation efficiency
B. Reduced drawdown of water from water bodies and aquifers C. Decreased building operating costs
Which of the following does a facility operator need in order to optimize water consumption?
A. Submetering of water-using systems B. The operating times of the building C. The schedules of the occupants D. Fixture cutsheets of waterless urinals
A. Submetering of water-using systems
To optimize systems, the systems must be measured. Submetering helps monitor which systems are using more water than others, which are using too much water, and which may have leaks.
A project that reduces the amount of wastewater transported off site helps achieve which of the following? (Choose 2)
A. A reduction in the need for graywater used on site B. A reduction in energy required to treat wastewater C. A reduction in the demand for wastewater treatment infrastructure D. A reduction in the demand for potable water
B. A reduction in energy required to treat wastewater C. A reduction in the demand for wastewater treatment infrastructure
What type of plants do the most to help reduce water use for landscaping?
A. Turf grass B. Annual flowers C. Trees D. Native plants
D. Native Plants
To help with water use reduction in LEED, a lavatory faucet must use less water than the rates set by:
A. Clean Water Act B. Local code C. EPAct of 1992 D. WaterSense
C. EPAct of 1992. The design case must reduce water use 20% over the baseline. In order to do this, low flow fixtures must be used in the design, or replacing potable water with graywater/rainwater. Think of the fixtures and flow rates of EPAct 1992 as the worst case scenario.
WaterSense labels apply to what products?
(Choose 3) A. Private lavatory faucets B. Toilets C. Washing machines D. Irrigation submeters E. Showerheads
A. Private lavatory faucets B. Toilets E. Showerheads
What landscaping strategy will best eliminate the need for irrigation?
A. Mulching B. Xeriscaping C. Micro-irrigation D. Drip irrigation
B. Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that employs drought-resistant plants to minimize or eliminate water use.
Which of the following would a landscape architect use to measure the outdoor water use of a project?
A. Local historic records B. EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool C. IPC and UPC codes D. EPAct 1992
B. EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool
The WaterSense Water Budget Tool is a free online tool to help calculate the percent of outdoor water use reduction in LEED.
Which of the following are strategies for conserving potable water?
A. Increasing the infiltration of runoff B. Installing a dual flush toilet C. Installing a bioretention pond D. Installing an onsite septic system
B. Installing a dual flush toilet
A dual flush toilet has two different flow rates depending on the type of waste. These toilets can use less potable water than a standard toilet.
In LEED which approach is taken in the Water Efficiency category to conserve water?
A. Using nonpotable water first B. Efficiency first C. Treating and reusing wastewater on site D. Using alternative sources of water first
B. Efficiency first
Which of the following occupants would be classified as an FTE?
A. A museum visitor B. A full-time telecommuter C. A part-time salesman D. A full-time cafeteria worker
D. A full-time cafeteria worker
If a project owner wants to create a landscape with plants that require watering, which of the following is the minimum outdoor water reduction from a baseline required for a new office project?
A. 10% B. 40% C. 30% D. 20%
C. 30%
For which of the following credit areas would a site plan be submitted for documentation?
A. Acoustic design B. Demand response C. Furniture reuse D. Outdoor water use reduction
D. Outdoor water use reduction
The landscape area would need to be documented to show the types of plants, the different areas of vegetation, where irrigation will go, etc.
What unit of measurement is used for a lavatory faucet?
A. Process water rate B. Gallons / liters per minute C. Gallons / liters per flush D. Design efficiency
B. Gallons / liters per minute. From the EPAct standard of 1992, the baseline flow rate for a lavatory faucet is 2.2 gpm (gallons per minute
Which of the following is the appropriate way to document whether a bathroom sink qualifies for an indoor water use reduction?
A. By choosing the product manufacturer in LEED online B. By occupancy calculations C. By submitting the total quantity of fixtures D. By fixture cut sheets
D. By fixture cut sheets
Part of the documentation process for water saving fixtures is to include the manufacturer’s cut sheets that describe the water-saving aspects of the fixture.
Harvesting rainwater can help with what project areas?
A. Minimizing impervious areas B. Reducing fertilization needs for the landscape C. Minimizing site hardscapes D. Reducing runoff
D. Reducing runoff
What strategies will not reduce the use of potable water for irrigation?
A. Installing native plants B. Using rainwater for irrigation C. Replacing permeable pavement with turf grass D. Using graywater for irrigation
C. Replacing permeable pavement with turf grass
Which of the following has the highest priority in LEED?
A. Submetering B. Cooling tower water use C. Outdoor water use reduction D. Indoor water use reduction
D. Indoor water use reduction
Of the available choices, indoor water use reduction has the highest priority because it can earn the most points.
What types of products should be selected for reducing indoor water use? (Choose 2)
A. WaterSense B. ISO C. ENERGY STAR D. Green-e
A. WaterSense C. ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use about 37% less energy and use over 50% less water than regular washers.
What type of water is rainwater?
A. Graywater B. Non-potable water C. Blackwater D. Potable water
B. Non-potable water
In most jurisdictions rainwater is considered non-potable.
What information would a project team need to successfully implement both rainwater management and outdoor water use reduction?
A. Water balance B. Location of indoor submeters C. Occupancy counts D. Precipitation data
D. Precipitation data
Potable water is defined as:
A. Water that is not treated to drinking water standards and is not meant for human consumption B. Water that meets or exceeds EPA’s drinking water standards C. Wastewater from bathroom sinks, laundry machines, kitchen sinks and dishwashers D. Untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks
B. Water that meets or exceeds EPA’s drinking water standards
What strategy to control and reduce runoff will hold water and reduce the rate of runoff?
A. Increase the area of permeable surfaces B. Install pervious pavement C. Direct runoff into dry ponds D. Reduce the size of the building footprint
C. Direct runoff into dry ponds
A dry pond (detention pond) is used to store excess rainwater. Dry ponds are basins whose outlets have been designed to detain runoff for some minimum time (e.g., 24 hours).
What types of water should be used for irrigation? (Choose 2)
A. Graywater B. Rainwater C. Blackwater D. Potable water
A. Graywater B. Rainwater
The baseline water use of a urinal is:
A. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm) B. 1.0 gpf (3.8 lpf) C. 1.0 gpm (3.8 lpm) D. 2.2 gpf (8.3 lpf)
B. 1.0 gpf (3.8 lpf)
1.0 gallons per flush (gpf) (3.8 lpf) per the EPAct of 1992.
Which of the following is a type of graywater?
A. Rainwater collected in a retention pond B. Wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks C. Rainwater collected and held in a cistern D. Wastewater from urinals
B. Wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks
Which of the following are frequently considered types of blackwater? (Choose 2)
A. Water from kitchen sinks B. Process water for cooling towers C. Dishwasher water D. Municipally reclaimed water
A. Water from kitchen sinks C. Dishwasher water
The baseline water use of a toilet is:
A. 1.6 gpf (6 lpf) B. 1.6 gpm (6 lpm) C. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm) D. 2.2 gpf (8.3 lpf)
A. 1.6 gpf (6 lpf)
1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) (6 lpf) per the EPAct of 1992.
Which of the following is considered potable water?
A. Harvested rainwater used for flushing toilets B. Wastewater from water closets C. Municipally recycled water used for landscape irrigation D. Water from a local well that meets EPA’s drinking water quality standards that is used for lavatory faucets
D. Water from a local well that meets EPA’s drinking water quality standards that is used for lavatory faucets
What can help reduce indoor potable water use?
A. Gravity-based irrigation system B. Smaller kitchen sinks C. Stacking the building design D. Composting toilets
D. Composting toilets
The indoor water efficiency credits address both reducing potable water use through water conserving fixtures (efficiency), and offsetting potable water use by using graywater, rainwater, and recycled water.
A restaurant is located on the second floor of a building. How can the project team decrease indoor water use demand?
A. Use graywater for washing dishes B. Place restrooms on the first floor of a building C. Install high efficiency toilets D. Use rainwater for toilet flushing
C. Install high efficiency toilets
What can help reduce indoor potable water use?
A. Replacing fixtures with salvaged toilets manufactured in 1992 B. Installing a blackwater system C. Installing reduced-flow aerators on lavatory faucets D. Installing a green roof
C. Installing reduced-flow aerators on lavatory faucets
Which of the following are sources of graywater?
(Choose 2) A. Municipal potable water supply systems B. Showers C. Wells D. Toilets E. Washing machines
B. Showers E. Washing machines
An owner is questioning the additional costs of submetering of a mixed-use project’s water and energy systems. For what reason should the submeters be installed?
A. LEED requires metering by subsystem of all energy and water based systems B. The integrative process does not work without submetering data C. Identifies disparities between how a project’s water-based systems are designed to operate and how they actually perform D. Submetering is a Minimum Program Requirement
C. Identifies disparities between how a project’s water-based systems are designed to operate and how they actually perform
Indoor plumbing fixtures need to have which of the following labels for LEED?
A. Building Green B. LEED Certified C. Green-e D. WaterSense
D. WaterSense
WaterSense makes it easy to find and select water efficient products and ensures consumer confidence in those products with a label backed by independent certification.
What is an environmental benefit of using graywater for irrigation?
A. Reduced heat islands B. Preserving aquifers C. Drip irrigation can be used D. Increased irrigation efficiency
B. Preserving aquifers
Water that is used for dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making is considered what type of water?
A. Blackwater B. Process water C. Reclaimed water D. Recycled water
B. Process water
Which of the following reduces outdoor water use while also improving the triple bottom line?
A. Using well-water for irrigation B. Using permeable pavement for all parking spaces C. Replacing vegetated areas with impermeable pavement D. Installing a landscape that doesn’t require a permanent irrigation system
D. Installing a landscape that doesn’t require a permanent irrigation system
In many buildings the most significant savings associated with water efficiency result from:
A. Reduced development costs B. Reduced energy costs C. Keeping contaminants at safe levels in reservoirs and aquifers D. Reduced maintenance costs
B. Reduced energy costs
Energy is used to heat, cool, and distribute water within a building. Water heating in commercial buildings accounts for 15% of total energy use (CBECS). Reducing the quantity of water used has a direct impact on the energy it takes to heat, cool, and distribute the water.
Which of the following is NOT a strategy for reducing potable water use for irrigation?
A. Install smart-sensor technology B. Only use grass for play fields or other activities that require turf C. Install building-level metering D. Use treated wastewater
C. Install building-level metering
Building level metering will track the whole building’s water use but not allow a determination regarding whether the irrigation potable water use is being reduced. Irrigation water use would have to be tracked separately.
Designers and builders can construct green buildings that use significantly less water than conventional construction by performing which of the following actions?
(Choose 3)
A. Installing water-efficient fixtures B. Reducing the site’s runoff volume C. Using graywater and/or rainwater for nonpotable water needs D. Decreasing the number of fixtures in a project E. Incorporating native landscapes that eliminate the need for irrigation F. Installing water meters
A. Installing water-efficient fixtures C. Using graywater and/or rainwater for nonpotable water needs E. Incorporating native landscapes that eliminate the need for irrigation
What type of water can NOT be used for irrigation purposes? A. Rainwater B. Blackwater C. Potable water D. Laundry water
B. Blackwater
If a developer is looking for water efficient appliances to install in residences what label should they look for on the appliances?
A. Green-e B. LEED Certified C. ENERGY STAR D. EPA Approved
C. Energy Star
The baseline water use of a lavatory faucet is:
A. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm) B. 1.0 gpf (3.8 lpf) C. 1.0 gpm (3.8 lpm) D. 2.2 gpf (8.3 lpf)
A. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm)
2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) (8.3 lpm) per the EPAct of 1992.
Rain gardens, vegetated rooftops, and permeable pavements are strategies to manage rainwater and contribute to:
A. Increased potable water B. Increased water efficiency C. More compact development D. Low impact development
D. Low impact development
What minimum indoor water savings are LEED projects required to achieve?
A. 10% B. 15% C. 0% D. 20%
D. 20%
The Water Use Reduction prerequisite requires a 20% reduction of the design case compared to the baseline case.
During the integrative process, which of the following improvements in water efficiency would most likely need to be researched to confirm that they are legal to implement within the project?
A. Fixtures and fittings B. Alternative water sources C. Site conditions D. Submetering
B. Alternate Water Sources
Submeters are a strategy to reduce outdoor water use by:
A. Preventing irrigation runoff B. Providing water consumption tracking and leak identification C. Billing tenants based on their portion of building occupancy D. Providing weather-based irrigation control
B. Providing water consumption tracking and leak identification
What is the EPAct of 1992 used for?
A. To define the VOC content limits of certain building materials B. To set the baseline water flow requirements of toilets and fixtures C. To define ODP and GWP limits for refrigerants D. To determine the baseline building energy performance for buildings 20,000 sq. ft. or less
B. To set the baseline water flow requirements of toilets and fixtures
What is a strategy for water efficient landscaping?
A. Use drip irrigation B. Treat wastewater onsite C. Create a pond on the property D. Use potable water
A. Use drip irrigation
Water efficient landscaping helps reduce the need from potable water from local and regional aquifers. Drip irrigation is a highly effective way to deliver water to a plant’s roots because the water isn’t lost to the wind, evaporation, or runoff.
Which of the following project designs would help with both rainwater management and outdoor water use reduction?
A. Rainwater harvesting B. Vegetated roof C. Underground parking D. Submetering
A. Rainwater harvesting
The addition or increasing the use of graywater in a building can help with: A. Reducing rainwater harvesting B. Reducing potable water used by urinals C. Reducing runoff D. Reducing potable water use in faucets
B. Reducing potable water used by urinals
Which of the following would be considered graywater?
A. Recycled water from the city B. Water from a dishwasher C. Untreated laundry water D. Air conditioning condensate
C. Untreated laundry water
Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.
The installation of water submeters in a building will provide the facility manager with the ability to do each of the following EXCEPT:
A. Determine fixture performance B. Pinpoint leaks C. Evaluate the quality of captured rainwater D. Track consumption
C. Evaluate the quality of captured rainwater
What project design strategy would minimize a project’s water usage the most?
A. Minimize the quantity of hardscapes on the project site B. Directing runoff into retention ponds or bioswales C. Increasing the area of permeable surfaces D. Installing a landscape that needs no irrigation
D. Installing a landscape that needs no irrigation
A landscape that requires no irrigation uses less water.
