Designers can construct green buildings that use significantly less municipal water by taking which action?

Incorporating native landscapes that eliminate the need for irrigation is a highly effective strategy for designing green buildings that significantly reduce the use of municipal water. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which means they require less water to thrive compared to non-native species. By focusing on native landscaping, designers can create a sustainable environment that not only supports local biodiversity but also minimizes the need for additional irrigation systems, thereby conserving water resources.

In contrast, using only non-native landscapes may lead to increased water consumption as these plants often require more maintenance and supplemental watering to survive in a non-native environment. Standard fixtures do not contribute to significant water savings when compared to specifically designed water-efficient fixtures or strategies that engage with the landscape's natural water retention capabilities. Limiting the use of plants could unsustainably simplify the ecosystem and reduce aesthetic value, but it does not necessarily enhance water efficiency, as maintaining what little planting exists may still require irrigation. Therefore, the strategy of incorporating native landscapes is the most beneficial for achieving water efficiency in green building design.