LEEDING THE WAY: USGBC REVISES LEED RATING SYSTEM

The USGBC’s LEED rating system is a road map for property managers, portfolio owners and service providers to drive down operational costs, while increasing occupant productivity in an environmentally responsible manner. To stay current, it’s often necessary for the USGBC to revise its guidelines based on new issues and challenges.

Companies looking to decrease their impact on the environment and reduce energy costs often turn to water-reduction programs as they are easy to implement and because of the simple access to water-efficient foodservice equipment. Recently, the USGBC revised its LEED rating system to include updated Water Efficiency Credit guidelines. These revisions and additions include:

LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance

• Water Efficiency Credit 1.2: Water Performance Measurement, 2 Points

LEED for New Construction and Major Renovation

• Innovation & Design Credit for Process Water Reduction - 10% Reduction, 1 Point

LEED for Retail: Commercial Interiors Pilot

• Water Efficiency Credit 1.1: Water Use Reduction – 20% Reduction, 1 Point
• Water Efficiency Credit 1.2: Water Use Reduction – 30% Reduction, 1 Point

LEED for Retail: New Construction and Major Renovations Pilot

• Water Efficiency Credit 3.1: Water Use Reduction – 20% Reduction, 1 Point
• Water Efficiency Credit 3.2: Water Use Reduction – 30% Reduction, 1 Point

LEED for Schools

• Water Efficiency Credit 4: Process Water Use Reduction – 20% Reduction, 1 Point

LEED for Commerical Interiors

• Innovation & Design Credit for Potable Process Water Reduction - 10% Reduction, 1 Point

Hobart has created several LEED fact sheets that outline specific details on the new guidelines. These fact sheets are available via links in the accompanying sidebar. Click here for more information on the LEED rating system or to learn more about how Hobart can help you advise your clients on energy- and water-efficient strategies.

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