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www.greenbuildermag.com 03.2012


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The St. Johns River Water Management District created this interactive online graphic—one of the better hands-on educational tools we’ve seen. Each point of water use on the graphic has its own mini- calculator to help homeowners estimate their own water consumption—and devise strategies to reduce waste.


work? The applicant must fi rst determine which level of certifi cation to seek. The resi- dential program includes two tiers—silver and gold—with gold denoting a higher standard for water effi ciency. A commercial tier will be launched this year, following successful pilot-testing on several projects across the state. A community tier for mas- ter-planned communities—which are prev- alent in Florida—is now being pilot-tested.


The Water Star Process Once a builder/developer decides on a level of Florida Water Star certifi cation for a proj- ect, here’s the trajectory: Commitment. Sign a participation


agreement and agree to participate in the inspection process. Construction. This part is obvious. Site Inspection. A Florida Water Star


certifi er inspects the property, looking for such things as effi cient design and proper


installation of irrigation systems, including head-to-head sprinkler spacing, matched precipitation and rain shut-off devices. In- doors, WaterSense and Energy Star-labeled fi xtures and appliances are required. Paper Trail. In addition to the on-site


visit, the certifi er will review supporting documentation provided by the applicant. Documentation includes irrigation and landscape drawings, an irrigation sched- ule that is posted by the controller and a list of water-saving appliances and devices used indoors. The certifi ers must complete mandatory training, an apprenticeship and earn a successful score on a comprehensive exam of the Florida Water Star program. The commercial tier includes an out-


door water budget allowing 20 inches of landscape irrigation annually. An irrigation budget tool provided to applicants enables them to demonstrate that their system will comply with the requirements. Requiring


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