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What to Consider Before Pursuing the Water Efficiency LEED Credit Category

This Water Efficiency credit category within LEED focuses on promoting efficient water use and responsible water management practices. Here’s what you should know before starting your project:

  1. Establish water use baselines: Before implementing water-efficient strategies, it’s important to establish water use baselines for your project. This helps in quantifying and comparing water savings achieved through various measures. Collect data on current water consumption patterns and establish a baseline to measure improvements.
  2. Efficient fixtures and appliances: Incorporate water-efficient fixtures and appliances throughout your project. Consider installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads that use less water without compromising performance. Additionally, choose ENERGY STAR-rated appliances that are designed to minimize water usage.
  3. Landscape water conservation: Implement water-wise landscaping strategies to reduce outdoor water consumption. Utilize native or drought-tolerant plants that require less irrigation. Design the landscape to capture and retain rainwater, and use efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation or smart controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions.
  4. Greywater and rainwater harvesting: Consider incorporating greywater and rainwater harvesting systems into your project. Greywater systems collect and treat water from sinks, showers, and laundry for reuse in irrigation or non-potable applications. Rainwater harvesting systems capture and store rainwater for later use, reducing the need for potable water in landscape irrigation.
  5. Water metering and monitoring: Install water metering systems to accurately track and monitor water usage. Sub-metering can help identify areas of high consumption and detect leaks promptly. Monitoring water usage data allows you to make informed decisions and identify opportunities for further water savings.
  6. Education and awareness: Promote water conservation and awareness among building occupants through educational initiatives. Provide information on efficient water use practices, such as turning off taps when not in use, reporting leaks promptly, and using water responsibly. Engage occupants in the water conservation efforts to foster a culture of sustainability.
  7. Documentation and reporting: Proper documentation is essential for achieving the Water Efficiency credit category. Keep records of water-efficient fixtures and appliances installed, landscaping and irrigation design, greywater and rainwater harvesting systems, water metering data, and educational initiatives. Thorough documentation demonstrates compliance and supports the certification process.

Considering the Water Efficiency credit category from the outset of your project can lead to significant water savings and environmental benefits. By incorporating efficient fixtures, implementing landscape water conservation measures, utilizing greywater and rainwater harvesting systems, monitoring water usage, and promoting water conservation education, you can create a project that minimizes water consumption and supports sustainable water management practices.

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The Regional Priority LEED Credit: Knowing where your project is located matters!

The Regional Priority credit category provides an opportunity to earn additional points by addressing specific environmental priorities relevant to your project’s geographic location. Here’s what you should know before starting your project:

  1. Regional priorities: The Regional Priority credit category focuses on addressing key environmental concerns or priorities specific to your project’s region. Each geographic area may have its own set of priorities, such as water conservation, urban heat island reduction, native habitat preservation, or renewable energy promotion. Research and identify the regional priorities applicable to your project.
  2. Additional points: The Regional Priority credit category offers extra points that contribute to your overall LEED score. These additional points can boost your project’s certification level, so it’s essential to understand and address the regional priorities to maximize your score potential.
  3. Regional credits: LEED provides a list of regional credits for different geographic regions. These credits are tailored to address specific sustainability challenges or opportunities within a particular region. Familiarize yourself with the available regional credits and determine which ones align with your project goals.
  4. Collaboration and engagement: Engage with local stakeholders, experts, and community organizations to gain insights into the region’s sustainability priorities. Collaborate with local governments, environmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations to understand their sustainability initiatives and align your project with regional goals. Building strong relationships and engaging in dialogue can enhance your project’s impact and address regional concerns effectively.
  5. Documentation and reporting: Proper documentation is crucial for achieving the Regional Priority credit category. Clearly demonstrate how your project addresses the specific regional priorities. Provide evidence, data, or case studies that illustrate your project’s positive environmental impact and alignment with regional sustainability goals.
  6. Research and analysis: Conduct thorough research and analysis to understand the regional challenges and opportunities related to sustainability. Evaluate the existing infrastructure, climate conditions, environmental policies, and community needs to inform your project’s approach. This understanding will help you develop strategies that are tailored to the region and its unique sustainability context.
  7. Continuous learning: Stay updated on regional sustainability trends, policies, and best practices. Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within your project team. By staying informed and adapting to evolving regional priorities, you can ensure your project remains relevant and impactful.

Considering the Regional Priority credit category from the outset of your project allows you to address the specific environmental concerns and opportunities of your region. By identifying and addressing regional priorities, collaborating with local stakeholders, documenting your efforts, conducting thorough research, and embracing a culture of continuous learning, you can maximize the sustainability impact of your project while aligning with the unique needs and goals of your region.

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Creating an Eco-Friendly Oasis with the Sustainable Sites LEED Credit Category

Before embarking on your project, it’s important to understand the Sustainable Sites credit category within the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. This credit category focuses on promoting environmentally responsible site selection, design, and land use practices. Here’s what you should know before starting your project:

  1. Site selection and planning: The Sustainable Sites credit category encourages thoughtful site selection and planning to minimize the project’s impact on the environment. Consider factors such as ecological sensitivity, land use compatibility, access to public transportation, and proximity to existing infrastructure when choosing your project site.
  2. Stormwater management: Effective stormwater management is crucial for achieving points in this credit category. Implement strategies to reduce runoff and enhance water quality, such as using permeable surfaces, rain gardens, bioswales, or green roofs. These measures help prevent erosion, mitigate flooding, and protect natural water resources.
  3. Open space and biodiversity: Incorporating open spaces and preserving or restoring natural habitats on the site can contribute to earning points within this credit category. Designing landscapes that support biodiversity, using native plant species, and creating wildlife habitats help maintain ecological balance and promote a healthy environment.
  4. Reduced heat island effect: Minimizing the heat island effect is another key consideration. Utilize strategies such as reflective roofing materials, light-colored pavement, shade structures, and landscaping techniques to reduce the absorption and re-emission of heat, keeping the site cooler and more comfortable.
  5. Light pollution reduction: The Sustainable Sites credit category encourages minimizing light pollution to protect natural ecosystems and promote better nighttime visibility. Use dark-sky-compliant lighting fixtures, shields, and controls to reduce light trespass and glare, ensuring that lighting is focused on intended areas and doesn’t disrupt the surrounding environment.
  6. Construction activity pollution prevention: Implement measures to minimize pollution during the construction phase. Develop a construction waste management plan, control sedimentation and erosion, and properly store and handle construction materials to prevent pollutants from entering water bodies and harming the environment.
  7. Documentation and reporting: Proper documentation is essential for achieving the Sustainable Sites credit category. Maintain records of site selection criteria, stormwater management strategies, open space and biodiversity initiatives, heat island reduction measures, light pollution reduction strategies, and construction activity pollution prevention efforts. Thorough documentation demonstrates compliance and facilitates the certification process.

Considering the Sustainable Sites credit category early in your project can significantly enhance its environmental performance. By prioritizing sustainable site selection, implementing stormwater management strategies, preserving biodiversity, reducing heat island effects and light pollution, and preventing construction-related pollution, you can create a project that respects the natural surroundings and contributes positively to the environment.

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Navigating the Location and Transportation LEED Credit Category

Before commencing your project, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the Location and Transportation credit category within the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. This credit category emphasizes sustainable transportation practices and strategic site selection. Here’s what you should know before starting your project:

  1. Site selection importance: The Location and Transportation credit category places great emphasis on selecting a site that minimizes environmental impact and promotes sustainable transportation options. Consider factors such as proximity to public transportation, walkability, access to bike lanes, and existing infrastructure that supports sustainable mobility.
  2. Access to amenities and services: This credit category encourages selecting a site that provides convenient access to a wide range of amenities and services. Prioritize locations with nearby amenities such as grocery stores, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas. Having these amenities within walking distance or a short commute can reduce the need for long-distance travel and promote sustainable lifestyles.
  3. Transportation infrastructure assessment: Evaluate the existing transportation infrastructure in and around the project site. Look for opportunities to enhance or connect to public transportation options, such as buses, trains, or light rail systems. Incorporating infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation, like bike lanes, pedestrian paths, and electric vehicle charging stations, can also contribute to meeting the requirements of this credit category.
  4. Parking considerations: The Location and Transportation credit category encourages the promotion of sustainable transportation choices by providing preferential parking for fuel-efficient vehicles, carpools, and bicycles. Consider implementing policies or designating parking spaces to incentivize and support these sustainable modes of transportation.
  5. Transportation demand management (TDM): Implementing effective transportation demand management strategies is crucial for earning points within this credit category. TDM measures can include carpool programs, bike-sharing or bike-to-work initiatives, telecommuting options, and providing information on public transportation schedules and routes. These strategies encourage reduced single-occupancy vehicle use and promote sustainable transportation alternatives.
  6. Documentation and reporting: Proper documentation plays a vital role in achieving the Location and Transportation credit category. Maintain records of site selection factors, transportation infrastructure improvements, available amenities, and transportation demand management efforts. Thorough documentation demonstrates compliance and supports the certification process.

Considering the Location and Transportation credit category during the early stages of your project can contribute to a more sustainable and accessible development. By prioritizing strategic site selection, supporting sustainable transportation options, and implementing transportation demand management strategies, you can minimize environmental impact, enhance community connectivity, and encourage healthier transportation choices.

Remember, collaborating with sustainability professionals, such as Watearth, can provide valuable guidance and expertise to navigate the requirements of the Location and Transportation credit category and maximize sustainable outcomes for your project.

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Mastering the Integrative Process LEED Credit for Sustainable Success

Before diving into your project, it’s essential to understand the Integrative Process LEED credit category and its significance in achieving LEED certification. The Integrative Process credit category encourages a collaborative and holistic approach to sustainable design and construction. Here’s what you should know before starting your project:

  1. The goal of the credit: The Integrative Process credit category aims to foster a collaborative environment where project teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders, work together from the early stages to identify and implement sustainable strategies. The category emphasizes a systems-thinking approach to optimize building performance and reduce environmental impact.
  2. Early engagement is key: To maximize the potential of the Integrative Process credit category , it’s crucial to engage the project team as early as possible. The category encourages involving key stakeholders from various disciplines from the beginning of the project. This allows for the integration of diverse perspectives, expertise, and ideas to identify sustainable strategies that align with project goals.
  3. Establish project goals and performance targets: The Integrative Process credit category requires defining clear project goals and performance targets early on. This helps shape the decision-making process and ensures that sustainable strategies are aligned with the project’s objectives. Establishing performance targets allows the team to prioritize and focus on areas where significant improvements can be achieved.
  4. Foster a collaborative environment: The category emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration and communication among project team members. Regular meetings and workshops can facilitate knowledge sharing and brainstorming sessions. Encourage open dialogue, active participation, and the exchange of ideas to maximize the effectiveness of the integrative process.
  5. Embrace a systems-thinking approach: The Integrative Process category encourages the consideration of the building as a whole system. Rather than addressing components or systems in isolation, a systems-thinking approach takes into account the interdependencies and interactions among various building elements. This approach can lead to synergistic solutions that optimize performance and reduce resource consumption.
  6. Documentation and reporting: Like other LEED credit categories, proper documentation is essential for maximizing points. Track and record the collaborative activities, decision-making processes, and implementation of sustainable strategies throughout the project. Documenting the integrative efforts helps demonstrate compliance and facilitates the certification process.

The Integrative Process credit category offers an opportunity to enhance the sustainability outcomes of your project. By embracing collaboration, early engagement, and a systems-thinking approach, you can unlock synergies among project team members and optimize the environmental performance of your building.

Remember, consulting with sustainability professionals, such as Watearth, can provide valuable guidance and expertise to ensure the successful implementation of the Integrative Process category and other sustainable strategies throughout your project.

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6 LEED Rating Systems Demystified

Navigating the world of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating systems can be overwhelming. To make the process easier, here’s a breakdown of the different LEED rating systems available:

  1. LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C): This rating system is designed for new construction or major renovations. It focuses on sustainable design and construction practices, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and material selection.
  2. LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C): If you’re working on interior fit-outs or renovations within existing buildings, the ID+C rating system is relevant. It emphasizes sustainable interior design practices, lighting efficiency, water and resource conservation, indoor air quality, and occupant comfort.
  3. LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M): The O+M rating system is applicable to existing buildings and addresses their ongoing operations and maintenance practices. It covers optimizing energy and water usage, improving waste management, enhancing indoor air quality, and implementing sustainable maintenance practices.
  4. LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND): ND focuses on sustainable community planning and development. It encourages smart growth, compact and walkable neighborhoods, access to transportation options, and the integration of green infrastructure.
  5. LEED for Homes: If you’re involved in residential projects, the LEED for Homes rating system is designed for single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and mixed-use developments. It promotes energy-efficient design, water conservation, healthy indoor environments, sustainable material choices, and homeowner education for sustainable living practices.
  6. LEED Zero: LEED Zero recognizes buildings or projects that have achieved net-zero energy, water, waste, or carbon emissions. It provides a platform for showcasing exceptional performance in any of these categories.

Understanding the different LEED rating systems is crucial in tailoring your sustainability efforts to the specific needs of your project. By aligning your goals with the appropriate rating system, you can effectively address key sustainability areas and work towards achieving LEED certification.

Remember, each rating system has its own set of prerequisites, credit categories, and certification levels. Collaborating with sustainability professionals can provide invaluable guidance throughout the process, ensuring that you meet the requirements and maximize your sustainability outcomes.

Whether you’re embarking on new construction, interior renovations, or maintaining an existing building, integrating sustainable practices through LEED certification is a significant step towards reducing environmental impact and improving building performance.

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Unlocking Sustainability: Quick and Critical Tips for LEED Certifications

As a sustainable engineering and environmental consulting firm, Watearth has been helping clients achieve their sustainability goals for years, including on LEED projects.

LEED certifications are a vital way for businesses and organizations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and reduce their environmental impact. We understand the importance of achieving a LEED certification and the benefits it can bring, including reduced operating costs, increased property value, and improved indoor air quality.

If you are developing a LEED project, consider the following critical tips:

  • Start planning early: The earlier you begin planning your LEED certification project, the easier and more successful it will be. It allows you to identify potential roadblocks and make adjustments before they become major issues.
  • Involve all stakeholders: Involving all stakeholders in the project, including building owners, architects, engineers, and occupants, can lead to a more successful LEED certification. Everyone’s input can help identify opportunities for sustainable practices and ensure that everyone is on board with the project’s goals.
  • Set achievable goals: Setting realistic goals for your LEED certification project can help you stay on track and achieve success. Consider your budget, timeline, and available resources when setting goals.
  • Consider life-cycle costs: While sustainable building practices may require a larger initial investment, they can result in significant long-term cost savings. Consider the life-cycle costs of materials and systems when planning your LEED certification project.
  • Keep documentation organized: LEED certification requires extensive documentation, and keeping it organized can make the certification process smoother and more efficient. Create a system for tracking and storing documentation from the beginning of the project.
  • Partner with experienced professionals: Partnering with an experienced firm, like Watearth, can help make your LEED certification project more successful and easier. Their knowledge and expertise can help guide you through the certification process and identify opportunities for sustainable practices.

At Watearth, we offer a range of sustainability services, including green building certification, energy modeling, and water management. Our team can assist with all aspects of the LEED certification process, from initial planning and design to final certification and ongoing monitoring. We provide guidance on sustainable building practices, such as energy-efficient systems, low-flow water fixtures, and use of sustainable materials. We also assist with documentation and tracking of LEED credits, ensuring that your building earns the maximum number of points possible.

We believe that sustainability is not just a trend, but a necessity in today’s world. We’re dedicated to helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals while also maximizing cost savings and improving building performance. We understand that each client’s needs and goals are unique, and we work closely with them to develop a tailored approach that meets their specific requirements.

Whether you’re looking to achieve a LEED certification, reduce energy costs, or improve your building’s sustainability, Watearth is here to help. Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to learn more about our sustainability services and how we can help you achieve your goals.

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Plants and Today’s Water

Image via Pexels.

Today, water is scarce, salty, contaminated, polluted, torrential, rising, and perilous.

As a water-minded practice, Watearth looks to a broad scope of techniques to resolve water-related challenges. Plants are an integral element to the nature-based solutions proposed throughout much of our work. The following highlights instances where plants are instrumental to challenges of water supply, water quality, food supply, and natural disasters.
Water Supply
Plants are an integrated part of hydrology and can be a component of water supply conservation. The use of native, drought tolerant plants integrate the benefits of plants without a huge demand on a scarce water supply. Additionally, plants better facilitate infiltration and groundwater recharge as their roots create infiltration channels within the soil called macropores.
Water Quality
Plants can have a positive impact on groundwater and downstream water quality. Plants reduce erosion, a major contributor to water quality pollution. Not only do plants hold soil in place with their roots, but also slow down the speed of rainfall, as foliage and branches intercept rainfall, reducing erosion. The construction of upstream vegetated wetlands and other vegetated best management practices, such as filter strips and bioretention features, protect downstream waterbodies from sediment and nutrient pollution. According to the EPA, phytoremediation, the practice of using plants to reduce contamination, has been an economical and feasible solution to contain and degrade contaminants affecting soils and groundwater at Superfund sites.
Food Supply
With increasing agricultural issues relating to water, plants provide solutions to production of food. In response to excessive flooding impacting rice production in Southeast Asia, scuba rice was hybridized as a flood-tolerant rice crop. In California, many tree crops are grafted onto drought and salt-tolerant rootstocks as today’s farmers face drought and saltwater intrusion into available groundwater.
Natural Disasters
Native plants have evolved to withstand and regenerate form natural disasters. Native plants, in some instances, can even mitigate impacts. For example, mangroves, tropical trees that grow along the water’s edge, reduce wave energy, and protect coastline from flooding and erosion damage. Mangrove forest regeneration is being coordinated around the world as coastlines become more threatened by rising sea level and increasingly severe storm events and hurricanes.

Constructed wetland habitat at the Crosby Arboretum, Picayune, MS

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Celebrate Earth Day through the photography of Watearth

To celebrate this year’s Earth Day, the Watearth team wanted to showcase their love for this amazing planet through their own personal photos. From the Swiss Alps to the deserts of California to the depths below and everywhere in-between, the Watearth team loves to explore Mother Earth.

We are so grateful that every single day, we work towards preserving the beauty of this planet.

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Jennifer J. Walker featured on Environmental Professionals Radio

In late January of 2022, our principal-in-charge, Jennifer J. Walker, sat down with Environmental Professionals Radio. Walker spoke with podcast host Laura Thorne and discussed small business opportunities, field stories, and vegan eats.

Walker covered her love of water resources from an early age:

 “I think it probably started back with water resources when I was about 11. My parents’ basement flooded repeatedly when it rained, and I was the one tasked with sweeping the water into the drain. And I got tired of doing it. So, I thought ‘let’s figure this out’ and realized that the whole backyard drained into the window well, which basically then just flooded into the basement – so not quite environmental, but I did dig a little swale and reroute the water out to the front yard curb and gutter.”

Walker also touched on what led to the formation of Watearth, Inc, which has now been thriving for more than a decade:

“At the time, I was working purely in hydrology and hydraulics and flood control, which is a great field. I really love it. And I’m passionate about it, but it just didn’t have the breadth that I was looking for, [and I was] wanting to tie back to some of my earlier environmental work and a lot of the sustainability and resiliency that I was doing outside of work. I really wanted to bring that into our practice. I looked at positions that were out there, there wasn’t really anything at the time that was a good fit in terms of where I was in my career and wanting such an integrated approach. And that’s what led me to start Watearth.”

The podcast is 35-minutes long. You can listen to the full show, which covers much more, here:

https://environmentalprofessionalsradio.buzzsprout.com/1534030/9950496