Lehigh University
OP-27: Rainwater Management

Part 1 

Institution uses Low Impact Development (LID) practices as a matter of policy or standard practice to reduce rainwater/stormwater runoff volume and improve outgoing water quality for new construction, major renovation, and other projects that increase paved surface area on campus or otherwise significantly change the campus grounds. 

The policy, plan, and/or strategies cover the entire campus. While the specific strategies or practices adopted may vary depending on project type and location, this credit is reserved for institutions that mitigate rainwater runoff impacts consistently during new construction. Implementing a strategy or strategies for only one new development project is not sufficient for Part 1 of this credit. 

Part 2 

Institution has adopted a rainwater/stormwater management policy, plan, and/or strategies that mitigate the rainwater runoff impacts of ongoing campus operations and treat rainwater as a resource rather than as a waste product. 

The policy, plan, and/or strategies address both the quantity and quality (or contamination level) of rainwater runoff through the use of green infrastructure. Though specific practices adopted may vary across the campus, the policy, plan, and/or strategies cover the entire institution. Implementing strategies for only one building or area of campus is not sufficient for Part 2 of this credit. 

Policies adopted by entities of which the institution is part (e.g. state government or the university system) may count for both parts of this credit as long as the policies apply to and are followed by the institution. 

This credit applies to all institutions. 

Each part is scored independently. 

Part 1 

Institutions earn 1 point for having a policy, plan, and/or strategies that meet the criteria outlined above. Partial points are not available for Part 1. 

Part 2 

Institutions earn 1 point for having a policy, plan, and/or strategies that meet the criteria outlined above. Partial points are not available for Part 2. 

Timeframe

Report on current policies, plans, and/or strategies.

Sampling and Data Standards

Report on policies, plans, and/or strategies employed throughout the campus.