LEED Zero Water Certification

In an era where environmental sustainability and responsible resource management are paramount, the quest for innovative solutions to mitigate our ecological footprint has never been more crucial. Among the forefront initiatives driving this change is the LEED Zero Water Certification. As the world grapples with pressing water scarcity issues, this certification program stands as a beacon of hope, offering a comprehensive framework to guide businesses and organizations in achieving water neutrality. In this blog, we delve into the world of LEED Zero Water Certification, exploring its significance, requirements, and the transformative impact it has on our planet's most vital resource – water. Such initiatives revolutionize how we think about water and inspire tangible action towards a more sustainable and water-secure future.

Relevant Bodies for LEED Zero Water Certification

The USGBC is an international body that governs the LEED rating program. LEED program was made for the buildings to recognise the ones which promote sustainable life practices and recycling habits. These are called Green Buildings. USGBC also stands for US Green Building Council. The newest edition in the LEED certifications is the LEED Zero category. The USGBC in partnership with the GBCI recognises the LEED Zero projects across the world and awards the LEED Zero certificate.

GBCI is the certification body that examines the viability of the projects environmentally and adherence to the set standards. If it is found to comply with the standards, it is provided a license for LEED Zero Certification.

Significance of LEED Zero Water Certification

The LEED Zero Water Certification holds immense importance in saving the crucial resource of water on this planet. The significance of water is well known across the masses but the LEED Zero Water Certification’s impact on the sustainability goal is worth mentioning. The USGBC encourages businesses to build future-ready projects that have advanced water circulation system to support the recycling and reuse of water which minimizes the overall potable water intake also collects the wastewater back to the source to neutralize the water usage and achieve the target of net zero potable water usage.

There are four types of LEED Zero certification programs. They target different resources and allow businesses to get a LEED Zero certification after achieving neutrality in any of these four domains. The four categories in which, USGBC provides LEED Zero Certification are the following-

• Carbon Emission Neutrality
• Potable Water Use Neutrality
• Zero Source Energy Usage
• Zero Waste Generation

Applicability of LEED Zero Water Certification

The LEED Zero Water Certification applies to buildings that have attained the target of zero net potable water usage on the premises. It can be any kind of business. If your business has achieved the same target and returned the same amount of water back to the source as consumed in the building, then it can get the LEED Zero Water Certification. The water balance which has to be zero in order to get the certificate is calculated with the following formula-

Water Balance = Total Potable Water Consumed - (Total Alternative Water Used + Water Returned to Original Source)

For instance, when the building's current consumption of potable water is 1000 liters, achieving a net-zero potable water balance can be accomplished through two methods. The first approach involves returning the same quantity of water, i.e., 1000 liters, back to the source. The second approach is to return a portion of the water, perhaps 600 liters, to the source while utilizing 400 liters of alternative water within the building.

LEED Zero Water Certification provides multiple benefits for various stakeholders. Some of the major benefits that the recognition comes with are as follows-

• The LEED Zero Water-certified buildings are better in terms of water sustainability. They need less water to survive and hence are the viable option for the regions hit by water scarcity.
• These certified buildings are recycling-oriented and promote the recycling culture among the masses by implementing a net zero potable water use policy.
• The self-sustainable buildings are the solution for the future as they reduce the stress on freshwater resources.
• The groundwater levels can be sustained for as long as the extraction of groundwater is also reduced.
• It saves the ecosystem by protecting the diversion of freshwater from the ecosystem.

The Buildings that save water and achieve Zero Potable water usage can apply for the LEED Zero Water Certification online after fulfilling the following requirements-

• Pre Certification

The projects that wish to get the LEED Zero Water Certification in India need to get the prior LEED Certification for any of the following categories- Building Design and Construction, or Building Operations and Maintenance. If you possess core and shell certification then you need to ensure that your building has minimum occupancy requirements which is the necessity of having at least fifty per cent occupancy in the last twelve months.

• Performance Data

You need to provide performance data of your building for the last 12 months. If the data is not available then also you need to wait until the data of the past 12 months is recorded appropriately because the same has to be submitted to the certifying body.

• Proof of Conformity

To get LEED Zero Water Certification, you must ensure that the total potable water intake of your building is nullified by the returned water and the use of alternative water sources. The data regarding the same must be readily available to verify the performance of the building in this regard.

The procedure for the LEED Zero Water Certification License in India includes the following steps which may seem confusing that is where corpseed proves to be a helping hand for the businesses. You just need to connect with us and share the details of your requirement, following which we will ensure all the steps are duly followed and a certificate is issued to your building. The major steps involving the LEED Zero Water Certification are as follows-

• Enrollment Process

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) offers online project registration for those seeking LEED Zero Water Certification online. To initiate the registration process, project details must be provided to the council, and there is no associated registration fee. Corpseed assists in preparing the necessary documents and submitting project details to complete the registration with the council.

• Data Compilation for Performance Assessment

The subsequent step involves gathering performance data for the previous twelve months. This data is critical for assessing whether the building has zero potable water usage balance. Building administrators are responsible for recording and providing this data during the LEED Zero Water Certification application form. Corpseed offers support to ensure accurate data recording, facilitating a smooth certification process.

• Documentation for Compliance

The data must also be documented appropriately for submission to the Green Building Council in an accepted format. Corpseed employs widely recognized and authoritative platforms to record various building performance data. This ensures the timely execution of services and delivery of the LEED Zero Water Certificate for your building.

• Application Form Submission

Corpseed prepares the application form and submits it to the relevant authority along with the necessary data for analysis before certification. The council proceeds to the next step, which is the application review, based on the validity of the application form.

• Application Review

The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) conducts a two-part application review. The first part is a preliminary assessment, followed by a final review. The entire review process typically spans from fifteen to twenty business days and then a LEED Zero Water License is issued.

• Certification Award

Upon successful completion of the final review and satisfaction of both the GBCI and the Council with your building's performance, a LEED Zero Water Certification is granted to your business. Once you receive the certificate, compliance with its prescribed rules is necessary to maintain its validity.

The LEED Zero Water Certification remains effective for a duration of three years from the date of issuance. Within this timeframe, the business is required to periodically submit performance data to the council. Once the initial three-year period concludes, it becomes necessary to undergo recertification for your building in order to keep the LEED Zero Water Certification up-to-date.

LEED Zero Water Certification Fees

Registering for the LEED Zero Water Certification doesn't have a registration fee and you only have to pay for the certification review. The total cost for the certification varies between $1,600 to $3,400 which may change over time. It's based on the size of your building. If you're already a LEED member, you can also get a discount based on your membership level.

At Corpseed, we recognize the profound significance of achieving LEED Zero Water Certification in India and its potential to propel your business towards unparalleled success. Our team of seasoned LEED Zero Project Consultants boasts extensive knowledge and an unwavering mastery of the intricate procedures involved in securing LEED Zero Water Certifications. We are well-versed in the legal intricacies and regulatory framework as well as dedicated to ensuring an impeccably smooth and efficient certification process for you. With our unwavering commitment to excellence, you can rest assured that your registration will be handled with the utmost diligence and precision, leaving no room for errors. Corpseed - the best LEED Zero Certification Consultancy Firm stands as your all-encompassing solution for meeting every facet of your business requirements, ensuring that you're well-equipped to excel in a world where sustainability and eco-conscious practices are paramount.