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

What percentage of water distribution must be sub-metered for specific systems?

1. 50%

2. 70%

3. 80%

4. 90%

The correct answer is: 80%

Sub-metering is a crucial strategy in water management as it allows for the monitoring and verification of water usage by different systems within a building, thereby promoting conservation and identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements. The requirement for 80% of water distribution to be sub-metered underscores the importance of accurately tracking water consumption across significant systems, such as irrigation, mechanical systems, and domestic water distribution. By achieving this level of sub-metering, building operators can better understand water use patterns and implement strategies to reduce waste, optimize performance, and enhance overall sustainability. This requirement also aligns with LEED's goals of promoting environmental stewardship and resource efficiency in buildings, demonstrating a commitment to water conservation. In contrast, lower percentages of sub-metering may not provide sufficient data to drive meaningful improvements or to meet water use reduction goals. The choice of 80% strikes a balance, ensuring that the majority of water use is monitored while remaining feasible for most projects to implement. This is why the specification for 80% sub-metering is recognized as best practice in enhancing water efficiency and supporting sustainability objectives in the Building Design and Construction sector.