Kelly, thanks for your question.

The credit you’re referring to, I’m assuming, is Water Efficiency Credit 1 (WEc1), Water Efficient Landscaping. To limit or eliminate the use of potable water or other natural surface or subsurface water resources available on or near the project site for landscape irrigation. Two points are awarded for reducing potable water consumption for irrigation by 50% from a calculated midsummer baseline, and another two points may be awarded for projects that use no potable water for irrigation.

Many strategies can be utilized for reducing potable water usage, but to your question the applicable requirement would be to address plant species, density and micro-climate factor. The LEED Reference Guide states specifically that to maximize irrigation water efficiency, landscaping should be designed with climate-tolerant plants that can survive on natural rainfall and to minimize the area covered with conventional turf grass, etc.

So my first impression is that this credit would be hard to earn by installing traditional sod and just removing the associated irrigation. The LEED Reference Guide lays out a 4 step design process to incorporate all necessary or beneficial items to include. Note that if your project doesn’t include irrigation for sod areas, you may not need any irrigation at all and could possibly apply for six points. And (as specifically called out in the credit description) ‘Hose bibs are not considered permanent irrigation and can be used for temporary irrigation during periods of drought.’

I’ve worked on a project in the past that achieved both parts of this credit and had accessible hose bibs on the building exterior, but this project also utilized reclaimed rainwater for irrigation. So I would be inclined to say your project could also attempt all 4 points.

Ultimately the only sure way to know if your project is employing a combination of design strategies to help earn WEc1 would be to perform a Design Case and Baseline Case calculation for comparison. Instructions for all the variables and calculations needed for this credit are available in the Reference Guide, and the credit template will provide additional guidance. Good luck!

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