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

Which of the following methods can be used to achieve reductions for water use reduction?

1. Increased lawn size

2. Plant species selection

3. Rainwater harvesting

4. Surface watering

The correct answer is: Plant species selection

Plant species selection is a key strategy for achieving reductions in water use because it directly influences the landscape's overall water needs. By choosing native or drought-tolerant plant species, a project can significantly decrease irrigation requirements. These plant species are adapted to local climate conditions and often have lower water consumption rates, which can lead to reduced reliance on irrigation systems, lower water bills, and improved sustainability of the landscape. In contrast, the other methods mentioned are not effective in reducing water use. For instance, increased lawn size would typically raise overall water consumption because more grass requires more water to maintain. Similarly, surface watering might promote water wastage through evaporation or runoff, rather than efficient water usage. While rainwater harvesting can be a valuable tool for managing water resources sustainably, it does not directly reduce water use in the same way that careful plant selection can. Thus, among the provided options, plant species selection stands out as a focused and practical method for achieving water use reduction.