Building Better from LEED to Living: An Approach to Net Zero Water Management
Date
2024-12
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Abstract
In view of the increased concerns about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), there is a need to minimize water-related challenges and maximize water security and availability through sustainable green building practices. As significant water consumers, university campuses play a crucial role in addressing water-related challenges. By focusing on water-efficient buildings to achieve net-zero water management and exploring the influence of green building practices, universities can contribute to the UNSDGs, particularly in promoting sustainable water management, climate action, and the development of resilient communities. This thesis explores the influence of green building practices on water management by comparing objectives, directives, and applications suggested by the LEED certification system and the Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification system. It aims to understand the advantages and challenges in transitioning UCalgary from LEED-guided water-efficient operations to LBC-compliant net-zero water operations. This research evaluates best practices from three design precedent sites: CIRS at the University of British Columbia, Bullitt Center with the University of Washington, and Kendeda Building at Georgia Institute of Technology. For this purpose, two evaluation frameworks are used: Performance Assessment Framework (PAF) and Water Literacy Assessment Framework (WLF). UCalgary and design precedent sites are evaluated using the PAF and WLF frameworks to identify challenges and barriers to water performance efficiency and improve water management practices. This research hopes to encourage decision-makers and practitioners at higher education institutions (HEIs) to achieve net-zero compliance as per LBC, minimize performance gaps and water-related challenges, motivate water managers to develop an operational net-zero water scenario, and incentivize water users to support this scenario by promoting good water use behaviours on HEI campuses. This research provides insights into the factors influencing the adoption of LEED and LBC at higher education institutions. It also highlights the challenges and barriers project teams involved in LEED and LBC applications face. Additionally, the research identifies problem situations related to selecting and determining water strategies for LBC compliance. The understanding gained from this research is valuable for addressing the complexities of water management and promoting the appreciation and value included in the joy and everyday understanding of water.
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Keywords
green building practices, water performance gaps,, net-zero water management, higher education institutions (HEI), UNSDG6
Citation
Fatima, K. (2025). Building better from LEED to living: an approach to net zero water management (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.