How does LEED encourage water-efficient landscaping?

LEED encourages water-efficient landscaping primarily through the Water Efficient Landscaping credit. This approach emphasizes reducing water usage for landscape irrigation by promoting practices such as the use of native and drought-resistant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and other strategies that minimize the need for supplemental water. By earning this credit, projects can showcase their commitment to sustainability while also addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity.

This credit involves strategies that focus on conserving water in landscaping practices, which can directly contribute to a project's overall water efficiency goals. The intent is not only to reduce the consumption of water resources but also to enhance the biodiversity and resilience of the landscape itself.

In contrast, the other options do not align with LEED's emphasis on sustainable practices. While synthetic turf can have its advantages in certain scenarios, it does not inherently promote water efficiency and may have environmental drawbacks. Mandating irrigation systems does not take into consideration the necessity for such systems; instead, the focus is on using them only when needed, guided by landscape design practices that prioritize water conservation. The mention of chemicals does not fit within LEED's goals of promoting natural, sustainable landscaping techniques that support environmental health and water quality.