GREEN BUILDING TIP: Use a Certified Irrigation Pro

An EPA-certified professional can deliver a better irrigation system that saves water

Posted on Feb 1 by Daniel Morrison, GBA Advisor

As much as 60% of all household water consumption can go to outdoor uses. Irrigation systems should be designed not to waste potable water. A good system delivers water efficiently at the right time. Systems that distribute water indiscriminately, like lawn sprinklers, are inherently wasteful.

While lawn and garden work are tempting DIY projects, a certified pro can help you accomplish your water conservation goals more efficiently. At least they can help you make better choices when designing the system.

The Environmental Protection Agency has a national list of irrigation professionals who have completed a certification process through the EPA's WaterSense program.

—This GREEN BUILDING TIP is from our Strategy Generator. Build a tip sheet for your green building or remodeling project under the Strategies & Details tab.

Green points

LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. : Up to 4 points for high-efficiency irrigation systems.

NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: Up to 10 points for efficient irrigation (801.7); up to 8 points for rainwater harvesting (801.8); 2 points for irrigation zoning (801.9); 4 points for smart irrigation controller
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15 points for no irrigation system with green landscape plan (801.10); 5 points for gray-water irrigation use (802.1).