New Release LEED-Green-Associate Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Questions

Installing new flush valves or flow restrictors is a low-cost strategy to improve water efficiency. These devices reduce the amount of water used in each flush or flow, leading to significant water savings over time. Other strategies like installing subsurface cisterns to collect stormwater, using only compostable toilets throughout the facility, or incorporating an on-site blackwater treatment system can also improve water efficiency, but they typically involve higher upfront costs. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Xeriscaping is a landscaping practice that uses drought-tolerant native and adaptive plants to reduce water use and maintenance. Xeriscaping also incorporates other strategies such as mulching, efficient irrigation, soil improvement, and appropriate design and zoning. By using xeriscaping, projects can conserve water, protect natural habitats, reduce stormwater runoffand pollution, and enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of the site. References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 123 1; [Xeriscape Colorado website]

Retrocommissioning is a process applied to existing buildings to ensure that they continue to perform optimally for the current use. This process involves checking systems to see if they function as intended, making necessary repairs or improvements, and ensuring that building staff are trained in the operation and maintenance of systems. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

One of the things that LEED promotes by encouraging compact development is walkability. Compact development is a form of urban planning that aims to reduce sprawland make more efficient use of land and resources by increasing density, diversity, and connectivity of land uses5. Compact development can enhance walkability by creating mixed-use neighborhoods that provide a variety of destinations within walking distance, such as shops, services, workplaces, schools, parks, and transit stops. Walkability can offer multiple benefits for the environment, health, economy, and social equity. For example, walkability can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution byreplacing car trips with walking or transit; improve physical and mental health by increasing physical activity and reducing stress; support local businesses and generate tax revenues by increasing foot traffic and property values; and foster social cohesion and civic engagement by creating vibrant public spaces and enhancing accessibility for all6. References: Compact urban development6; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Location and Transportation, page 15