LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

What is one approach to achieve exemplary performance in indoor water use reduction?

1. Use recycled water for flushing

2. Efficacious fixture replacement

3. Reduce indoor water use by 20%

4. Implement rainwater harvesting

The correct answer is: Reduce indoor water use by 20%

Achieving exemplary performance in indoor water use reduction often extends beyond basic compliance with standard requirements. The correct approach emphasizes not only meeting but exceeding the standard benchmarks. An exemplary performance in this context typically requires a target reduction that goes significantly beyond typical thresholds. Reducing indoor water use by 20% can serve as a goal that qualifies for exemplary performance in water efficiency credits. This approach demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by implementing strategies that could include updating fixtures, enhancing maintenance practices, and optimizing operational processes, thereby leading to a more substantial decrease in overall water usage. The other approaches are certainly beneficial in increasing water efficiency but may not inherently guarantee the achievement of exemplary performance criteria as defined under LEED standards. Using recycled water for flushing, for instance, contributes to reducing potable water consumption, but does not necessarily quantify the overall reduction to meet exemplary standards. Similarly, while fixture replacement is effective, it may not lead to the requisite level of indoor water use reduction as specified for exemplary performance unless offset by aggressive strategies. Lastly, rainwater harvesting is an impactful water management strategy, but again, it does not address indoor water use explicitly. Thus, focusing on achieving a specific percentage reduction directly aligns with the criteria for exemplary performance.