In a project pursuing WE Credit Outdoor Water Use Reduction using Option 1, what is the maximum establishment period after which the landscape should not be irrigated?

In the context of the WE Credit Outdoor Water Use Reduction, pursuing Option 1 involves establishing a landscape that minimizes the need for irrigation. The maximum establishment period specified is two years. This period is designed to allow for the plants to develop their root systems sufficiently to thrive with reduced irrigation. By the end of this two-year period, landscape plants should ideally be able to sustain themselves using only natural precipitation.

The rationale behind this establishment period is to promote sustainable landscape practices that align with LEED's goal of reducing water consumption. A shorter or longer period could lead to either inadequate establishment of the plants or an unnecessary reliance on irrigation, which counteracts the objectives of the credit.

In this case, establishing the landscape with minimal dependent irrigation after two years supports efficient water use while enhancing the resilience of the plants. This practice bolsters the sustainability goals of the project and aligns with best practices in landscape management.