LEED v4
Data Centers – NC
Sustainable Sites
Rainwater management

Data-Centers-NC-v4 SSc4: Rainwater management 2-3 points

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Credit language

USGBC logo

© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Intent

To reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site, based on historical conditions and undeveloped ecosystems in the region.

Requirements

Option 1. Percentile of rainfall events
Path 1. 95th percentile (2 points except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)

In a manner best replicating natural site hydrology processes, manage on site the runoff from the developed site for the 95th percentile of regional or local rainfall events using low-impact development (LID) and green infrastructure.

Use daily rainfall data and the methodology in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Technical Guidance on Implementing the Stormwater Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects under Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act to determine the 95th percentile amount.

OR
Path 2. 98th percentile (3 points except Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare)

Achieve Path 1 but for the 98th percentile of regional or local rainfall events, using LID and green infrastructure.

OR
Path 3. Zero lot line projects only – 85th Percentile (3 points except Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare))

The following requirement applies to zero lot line projects in urban areas with a minimum density of 1.5 FAR. In a manner best replicating natural site hydrology processes, manage on site the runoff from the developed site for the 85th percentile of regional or local rainfall events, using LID and green infrastructure.

OR

Option 2. Natural land cover conditions (3 points except Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare)

Manage on site the annual increase in runoff volume from the natural land cover condition to the postdeveloped condition.

Projects that are part of a multitenant complex only

The credit requirements may be met using a coordinated approach affecting the defined project site that is within the master plan boundary. Distributed techniques based on a watershed approach are then required.

SITES-LEED Equivalency

This LEED credit (or a component of this credit) has been established as equivalent to a SITES v2 credit or component. For more information on using the equivalency as a substitution in your LEED or SITES project, see this article and guidance document.

See all forum discussions about this credit »

Frequently asked questions

What calculations will I need to complete?

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How do I perform the 95th percentile storm calculation?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

How do I calculate runoff from impermeable areas?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

See all forum discussions about this credit »

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Cost estimates for this credit

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Our tab contains overall cost guidance, notes on what “soft costs” to expect, and a strategy-by-strategy breakdown of what to consider and what it might cost, in percentage premiums, actual costs, or both.

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Addenda

This credit has no LEEDuser summary

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Guest expert

Michael DeVuono

PE, CPESC, LEED AP BD+C

Arcadis North America
Regional Stormwater Leader

LEEDuser overview

Frank advice from LEED experts

LEED is changing all the time, and every project is unique. Even seasoned professionals can miss a critical detail and lose a credit or even a prerequisite at the last minute. Our expert advice guides our LEEDuser Premium members and saves you valuable time.

For full access, sign up now for LEEDuser Premium

Already a premium member? Log in now

Credit language

USGBC logo

© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Intent

To reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site, based on historical conditions and undeveloped ecosystems in the region.

Requirements

Option 1. Percentile of rainfall events
Path 1. 95th percentile (2 points except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)

In a manner best replicating natural site hydrology processes, manage on site the runoff from the developed site for the 95th percentile of regional or local rainfall events using low-impact development (LID) and green infrastructure.

Use daily rainfall data and the methodology in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Technical Guidance on Implementing the Stormwater Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects under Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act to determine the 95th percentile amount.

OR
Path 2. 98th percentile (3 points except Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare)

Achieve Path 1 but for the 98th percentile of regional or local rainfall events, using LID and green infrastructure.

OR
Path 3. Zero lot line projects only – 85th Percentile (3 points except Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare))

The following requirement applies to zero lot line projects in urban areas with a minimum density of 1.5 FAR. In a manner best replicating natural site hydrology processes, manage on site the runoff from the developed site for the 85th percentile of regional or local rainfall events, using LID and green infrastructure.

OR

Option 2. Natural land cover conditions (3 points except Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare)

Manage on site the annual increase in runoff volume from the natural land cover condition to the postdeveloped condition.

Projects that are part of a multitenant complex only

The credit requirements may be met using a coordinated approach affecting the defined project site that is within the master plan boundary. Distributed techniques based on a watershed approach are then required.

SITES-LEED Equivalency

This LEED credit (or a component of this credit) has been established as equivalent to a SITES v2 credit or component. For more information on using the equivalency as a substitution in your LEED or SITES project, see this article and guidance document.

See all forum discussions about this credit »

Frequently asked questions

What calculations will I need to complete?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

How do I perform the 95th percentile storm calculation?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

How do I calculate runoff from impermeable areas?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

See all forum discussions about this credit »

Documentation toolkit

The motherlode of cheat sheets

LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit is loaded with calculators to help assess credit compliance, tracking spreadsheets for materials, sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions, and examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects for you to check your work against. To get your plaque, start with the right toolkit.

For full access, sign up now for LEEDuser Premium

Already a premium member? Log in now


Frequently asked questions

What calculations will I need to complete?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

How do I perform the 95th percentile storm calculation?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

How do I calculate runoff from impermeable areas?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

See all forum discussions about this credit »
Guest expert

Michael DeVuono

PE, CPESC, LEED AP BD+C

Arcadis North America
Regional Stormwater Leader