US Green Building Council's LEED Green Associate program: Evaluating water efficiency in washrooms through the use of flow fixtures, measured in gallons or liters every minute.

In the realm of sustainable building practices, the US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification plays a significant role. One of the key areas of concern for LEED is water efficiency, and this is particularly evident in the consideration of flow fixtures.

The measurement of water used by flow fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and hose bibs is a crucial factor in the evaluation of water efficiency in LEED certification. This practice is aimed at promoting water conservation, with Gallons per Minute (GPM) or Liters per Minute (LPM) being the units used to measure water usage.

For instance, LEED may require faucets to have a flow rate of no more than 1.5 GPM and showerheads no more than 2.0 GPM. This ensures that water consumption in buildings is kept to a minimum.

Using low-flow fixtures conserves water compared to conventional higher-flow fixtures, making them a strategic choice for achieving water efficiency. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook advises the use of low-flow faucets and showerheads, with a maximum flow rate of 2.5 GPM at 80 psi.

It's important to note that flush fixtures like toilets and urinals use a set amount of water per flush, measured in Gallons per Flush (GPF) or Liters per Flush (LPF), not a continuous flow rate. On the other hand, stormwater runoff, which is precipitation that flows over land, is not measured in GPM/LPM.

Captured rainwater, which is water collected from roof runoff, is measured in total gallons/liters, not GPM/LPM flow rates. This water, when used appropriately, can contribute to the water efficiency of a building.

LEED certification takes into account the water usage by flow fixtures to assess the water efficiency of a building. The measurement of water used by these fixtures is an important aspect of ensuring water conservation in buildings. Moreover, LEED sets maximum flow rates for water-using fixtures to reduce water consumption in buildings.

For those preparing for the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam, there are free online resources available to help pass the exam and earn the USGBC LEED Green Associate certification. These resources include practice questions and answers for the exam.

In conclusion, the measurement of water used by flow fixtures in LEED certification is a key aspect of water efficiency. By promoting the use of low-flow fixtures and setting maximum flow rates, LEED certification encourages the conservation of water in buildings.