LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

How can reductions beyond 30% be achieved for outdoor water use reduction?

1. Efficiency and rainwater harvesting

2. Efficiency, alternative water sources, and smart scheduling technologies

3. Installing low-flow fixtures and native landscaping

4. Using conventional irrigation methods and chemical treatments

The correct answer is: Efficiency, alternative water sources, and smart scheduling technologies

The answer highlights effective strategies for achieving reductions beyond 30% in outdoor water use. Focusing on efficiency, alternative water sources, and smart scheduling technologies provides a comprehensive approach to water management that can significantly lower consumption. Enhancing efficiency involves using irrigation systems and practices that maximize water usage effectiveness, such as drip irrigation, which directly targets the root zones of plants. This is coupled with alternative water sources, including greywater or rainwater harvesting systems, which capture and reuse water for irrigation, further reducing the dependency on potable water. Smart scheduling technologies, such as weather-based irrigation controllers, allow for precise timing and dosage of water application. These systems adjust irrigation schedules based on current weather conditions, moisture levels in the soil, and the specific needs of the landscape, ensuring that water is not being wasted during rainfall or when not necessary. Other choices may include elements that can contribute to water efficiency but do not encompass the complete range of strategies that allow for exceeding the 30% reduction target effectively. While low-flow fixtures and native landscaping are beneficial, they may not fully utilize the diverse methods available within the chosen response that would lead to greater outdoor water use reductions.