Water conservation
Florida Water StarSM home
Technical manual introduction
Silver
This program for new and existing single-family residential construction provides water-efficient options for houses and landscapes.
Gold
This program is much like the Silver tier, but the water-efficient options for houses and landscapes conserve even more water.
Commercial/
Institutional
This program applies
to offices, retail and service establishments and institutional and non-industrial commercial buildings.
Florida Water StarSM Technical Manual
Landscape criteria
Innovation
Background
In some cases, landscape design practices that are not specified by Florida Water StarSM receive credit for water conservation potential. This type of practice is evaluated as landscape innovation.
Requirements and certification
Innovative water conservation is used.
Silver |
Gold |
Commercial/Institutional |
NA |
Up to 10 points |
NA |
Points are awarded based upon the water savings or increased efficiency that is demonstrated. Points are awarded after the review by and documentation provided to Florida Water StarSM program staff, after receiving recommendations from the program’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). In the absence of a recommendation by TAC or if there is a demonstrated need for timeliness, the administrator may render a decision, with the input of landscape design experts. Any innovation seeking credit must be in compliance with local codes/ordinances and homeowner association restrictions. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to research this for compliance.
Program tip 
Technology that can improve soil conditions is the most likely source of points for this category of design. Landscapes that use all native, site-appropriate species may also receive innovation credit. In addition, technologies that apply to the application of water may qualify for irrigation innovation points.
