When calculating indoor water use in a mixed-use building, which of the following must be considered?

When calculating indoor water use in a mixed-use building, it's essential to calculate each occupant group separately because different types of occupants—such as residential, office, retail, or hospitality—will have distinct water use patterns and needs. Each group may have unique fixtures, appliances, and usage behaviors that significantly affect overall water consumption.

Using a generalized approach like averaging water use across all facilities or considering only the total number of occupants would not provide an accurate representation of the building's total water usage. Additionally, focusing solely on the highest water-consuming tenant would overlook contributions from other groups that could also significantly impact overall water use. By assessing each occupant group separately, you achieve a more accurate and targeted understanding, which can lead to improved water efficiency strategies tailored to the specific needs of each group within the mixed-use building. This approach is crucial for effective water management and for pursuing any LEED certification credits related to water efficiency.