SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Resilience and Site

Topic

Site

Question #

R1.1 – Site Irrigation

Question

Which type of water efficient controls are used to irrigate the site’s landscaped areas?

Applicability

All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes = Points as indicated below

Select all that apply:

    • Drip or root-fed irrigation = 1 point
    • Rain and/or soil moisture sensors = 1 point
    • Weather-based controllers = 1 point
    • Pressure regulated head = 1 point
    • Smart scheduling = 1 point
    • Stormwater capture = 1 point
    • Landscaping does not require irrigation = 5 points
  • No = 0 points
  • Not Applicable – No exterior landscapes areas on site = 0/0

Max of 5 points

Requirements

Indicate which type of irrigation control is in place at the building and used to irrigate 80% or more of the landscape.

  • Drip irrigation: Water lines with low flow, dripping applicators spread throughout the irrigated area to more conservatively distribute water.
  • Root-fed irrigation: Applicators are below ground and close to the roots zone of plants.
  • Soil moisture sensors: Moisture sensors are placed in the soil of the irrigated area and communicate with an automatic scheduling system to adjust scheduling based on the real-time moisture levels of the irrigated area.
  • Rain sensors: Precipitation sensors placed in the irrigated area communicate with an automatic scheduling system to adjust scheduling based on previous rainfall on the irrigated area.
  • Weather-based controllers: Can be either a Smart or Central Controller. Must be WaterSense approved
  • Smart scheduling: Manual scheduling based on an interaction of factors to maximize the efficiency of water use in irrigating plants. Considers the following: timing (to reduce evapotranspiration, best at night or away from peak sun and heat loads); flow rate and distribution of irrigation system; slope; soil type and infiltration rate of area being irrigated; plant type (watering needs and root depth); seasonal changes in watering needs; and predicted and actual rainfall.

Documentation

  • Photos, specifications, excerpts from landscaping contract etc. showing example of specific strategy implemented

Suggested Lead

In-house, with third-party support

Value

  • Water use associated with landscaping can significantly impact the overall water consumption at a building
  • Reduce water use associated with landscaping by implementing landscaping designs that do not require irrigation or using water efficient irrigation systems

Description

Water-efficient irrigation controls reduce water consumption.

References

None

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

Question 02.04.01 – Which type of water efficient controls are used for irrigation?