What is a “water budget” in the context of LEED Water Efficiency?

A “water budget” in the context of LEED Water Efficiency refers to a calculated estimation of the expected water needs for a project. This concept is crucial as it helps in assessing how much water will be required for landscaping, irrigation, plumbing, and other uses based on factors like climate, plant types, and project specifications.

Having a water budget allows project teams to strategically plan and implement measures that ensure water efficiency is maximized while meeting the actual needs of the project. It serves as a baseline for evaluating water consumption and identifying potential areas for reduction, ultimately contributing to LEED certification objectives related to sustainability and resource management.

The other options, while related to water management, do not accurately capture the essence of a water budget. A fixed amount of water allocated for landscaping is a narrower focus, financial plans are broader and encompass various aspects of budget management without specifically addressing water needs, and a list of materials used for water-saving technologies pertains more to specific interventions rather than the overall assessment of water requirements.