This presentation brings the water-energy nexus to the building scale discussing tradeoffs that are made on projects. For example, focusing on energy efficiency using evaporative cooling or irrigated landscape for shading saves electricity locally, but at a higher water use which, in turn uses energy at a municipal level to treat and pump that water. Conversely, air-cooled equipment eliminates cooling tower water use, but at lower efficiency therefore using more electricity which uses water at the power plant. Similar to the “site” versus “source” discussion for energy use, the water energy nexus brings this consideration to water use.