-
Allow time for documentation
Documenting this credit can take time, since cost and exact percentages of post- and pre-consumer materials must be collected for each recycled item used.
LEED requires the base materials budget to be consistent across all MR credits. The LEED Online credit forms help provide consistency across MR credits by applying the same data to multiple credits. Materials used to earn this credit cannot also be counted for MRc3: Materials Reuse, nor for MRc7: Certified WoodWood from a source that has been determined, through a certification process, to meet stated ecological and other criteria. There are numerous forest certification programs in general use...
Step-by-step credit help
Got the gist of the LEED credit but not sure how to actually achieve it? LEEDuser gives step-by-step help. Members get:
- Checklists covering all the key action steps you'll need to earn the credit.
- Hot tips to give you shortcuts and avoid pitfalls.
- Cost tips to assess what a credit will actually cost, and how to make it affordable.
- Ideas for going beyond LEED with best practices.
- All checklists organized by project phase.
- On-the-fly suggestions on useful items from the Documentation Toolkit, Resources, and Credit Language.
-
Credit language straight from USGBC
Need to check up on the exact LEED credit language from the LEED Rating System on the fly? LEEDuser includes the verbatim language. Members get:
- Easy access to the official LEED credit language with just a couple of clicks.
- On the jobsite without your bulky LEED Reference Guide? Check up on the credit language details here.
- Credit language content is used by permission of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Your credit-by-credit reference library
Why waste time chasing down referenced standards and supporting resources when LEEDuser links you directly to the ones you need? LEEDuser has gathered all the best tools out there and organized them by credit for easy reference. Members get links to:
- Organizations that can give information or help on a credit.
- Standards or studies that are key reference points for credits and prerequisites.
- Articles that help explain important topics.
- Key documents or references for credit inputs.
- Software tools you can use to run calculations or simulations.
Documentation Toolkit
In the end, LEED is all about documentation. LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit saves you time and helps you avoid mistakes with:
- Calculators to help assess credit compliance.
- Tracking spreadsheets for materials purchases.
- Spreadsheets and forms to give to subs and other team members.
- Guidance documents on arcane LEED issues.
- Sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions.
- Examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects.
177 Comments
Do MEP contractors need to supply any info on material costs
I'm working on a project with multiple prime contractors. Since the MEP work is excluded from the material costs calculations, do I need anything from the MEP contractors in regards to these calculations?
Do MEP contractors need to supply any info on material costs?
I'm working on a project with multiple prime contractors. Since the MEP work is excluded from the material costs calculations, do I need anything from the MEP contractors in regards to these calculations?
MEP contractors do not need to supply material costs. However, don't let your MEP contractors think they are off the hook for LEED. Several of my MEP contractors get this impression, until I talk with them about the IEQ3.1 and IEQc3.2 SMACNA Standards they must implement, filters (with product data) they must provide, flush-out coordination/implementation, and IEQc4.1 and IEQc4.2 requirements for MSDS1. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are detailed, written instructions documenting a method to achieve uniformity of performance. 2. A report that manufacturers of most products are required to make available to installers and purchasers, informing them of product information on chemicals, chemical compounds, and chemical mixtures, the existence of potentially hazardous ingredients, and providing instructions for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of products with VOC content highlighted of the various adhesives (for fire penetrations, ducts, pipes, conduits) and paints (black-out paint for behind grills, red paint for fire alarm backboxes).
Clarification of Total Materials Cost on an Industrial Project
The language for MR 4 and MR 5 indicates that the calculation of "total materials cost" should exclude: mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components; specialty items such as elevators; appliances and equipment. The language goes on to say, "include only materials permanently installed in the project." So the costs of very unique and highly specialized processing equipment installed in an industrial facility would be excluded -- correct -- even though the equipment clearly will be stabilized, for example by being bolted to pedestals on the floor? These large pieces of equipment will not be regularly moved, but will be able to be removed for replacement. The useful life spans of the pieces of equipment are shorter than the overall structure's design life.
It sounds like the equipment you describe can be excluded.
EPP certification for proof of recycled content?
Has anybody ever had an issue with using an EPPEnvironmentall preferable products (EPP) are those identified as having a lesser or reduced effect on health and the environment when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose. certified product to gain recycled content for a project? If I'm understanding it correctly, to be EPP certified it requires use of 100% recycled or recovered wood fiber. My issue is the definition of "recovered wood fiber" and if this still fulfills the definition of pre-consumer recycled content.
Uniboard Nu Green 2 MDFMedium-density fiberboard (MDF): Panel product used in cabinets and furniture; generally made from wood fiber glued together with binder; similar to particleboard, but with finer texture, offering more precise finishing. Most MDF is made with formaldehyde-emitting urea-formaldehyde binder. board is EPP certified, and wondered if it would be an issue if used on our project if the spec has required a minimum pre/post consumer recycled content.
It should be fine to use it for MRc4, but not for contribution to MRc7.
Integral color and LEED concrete tracking form
I have documentation from the project's concrete supplier that includes integral color together with cementitious materials. In this case, integral color contributes significantly towards both recycled content and regional materials.
On the LEEDuser LEED concrete tracking form, does integral color count as part of total materials cost of concrete, total cementitous materials, and/or recycled SCMs? If not, where would be the appropriate place to track it for LEED credit?
Thank you very much,
Wendelyn Bone
geothermal system
Our project includes a geothermal system. When calculating the total material cost I wonder in which division of the CSI masterformat should the cost of this system be accounted for. The installation of the thermal system consists of drilling the holes, filling them up with some special concrete type material and then putting in tubes. If I understand correctly the cost of the materials needed should not be counted in the calculation of the total material cost. Can anyone confirm in which CSI category these activities are to be placed and consequently if they count for the calculation of the total material cost?
I would include site work in Div 2 and the rest in Div 15. You may have some grout aroung the boreholes that would be in Div 3 but it isn't internal to the building.
Do I understand correctly from your assessment that I can include the metal from the geothermal tubes drilled 200'+ down in MR4 content (say even the basic 25%) in division 2 for my LEED2009 project? This is a very high cost item that would highly increase my recycled content figures I was led to believe I could not include as a part of Div 15 mechanical.
No, I would not include the cost of the tubes in MRc3 because they would be specified in Div 15 as part of the geothermal system. The best analogy would be AHUs which also are expensive, contain a lot of metal and are also not counted in MR credits. I think that only your site work would count.
My understanding regarding this issue is as follows:
LEED credits MRc4 Recycled Content, MRc5 Regional Materials, MRc6 Rapidly RenewableTerm describing a natural material that is grown and harvested on a relatively short-rotation cycle (defined by the LEED rating system to be ten years or less). Materials, and MRc7 Certified WoodWood from a source that has been determined, through a certification process, to meet stated ecological and other criteria. There are numerous forest certification programs in general use based on several standards, but only the Forest Stewardship Council's standards, which include requirements that the wood be tracked through its chain-of-custody, can be used to qualify wood for a point in the LEED Rating System. require the tracking of material costs for the project that fall into the following CSI MasterFormat 2004 Divisions 03 – 10, 31.60.00 Foundations, 32.10.00 Paving, 32.30.00 Site Improvements & 32.90.00 Planting.
For projects that are utilizing CSI MasterFormat 1995, the applicable divisions are as follows:
Divisions 3 – 10
Special Foundations and Load-Bearing Elements 02450 – 02490
Bases, Ballasts, and Paving 02700 – 02790 & 02335 (subgrade work)
Site Improvements 02820 – 02830 & 02850 – 02860
Plantings 02905, 02910, 02920, 02930, 02945 & 12810 (interior plants)
I am thinking that all of the Geothermal work falls outside of those specifications sections. Please let me know if I am looking at this incorrectly because I am working on a project right now that would be affected if there are portions of the geothermal work that would apply to the materials tracking numbers.
applying the 25% default recycled content value for steel
Can the 25% default recycled content value for steel be applied to door hardware and non-structural steel framing, or can it only be applied to structural steel? Door hardware is my primary concern here. Thanks!
Steve,
This is an interesting question and made me look at the reference guide a little closer. I would say yes, you can take the default 25% default for steel in door hardware. I have to admit, at first I was pretty negative on the idea. Then I found this statement on page 373 of the LEED Reference Guide for BD+C version 2009.
Under Calculating Assembly Recycled ContentAssembly recycled content is the percentage of material in a product that is either postconsumer or preconsumer recycled content. It is determined by dividing the weight of the recycled content by the overall weight of the assembly. - "For example, a pound of steel in a window assembbly is of equal significance in determining recycled content as a pound of fabric on a movable wall panel."
Hope this helps and gluck (good luck).
Thanks John, I've been looking at this as well and apparently you can take the 25% default for door hardware.
Continued line of questioning:
Could this work for finished plumbing fixtures as well? I'm told not because plumbing is not in the 2-10 divisions, but it strikes me as a lost opportunity if the knobs and faucets of stainless steel and brass (as well as porcelain perhaps?) wouldn't be allowable when they should be easily quantifiable.
Yup, materials outside of Div. 2-10 is disqualified. That doesn't make sense, even copper wire is highly reusable/recyclable.
Romano, there is some sound logic behind the exclusion of MEP. See this discussion down the page.
Seats in a Sports Arena
Hello there,
We all know that furniture does not need to be included in the Materials & Resources credits, right?
However, in a Sports Arena where seats are a permanent element of the bleachers should it be counted or not necessarily?
Thanks a lot!
Given that the seats are permanently attached, you should be able to count it in your MR categories if they are specified in CSI 2004 divisions 3 - 10, 31 and 32 or CSI 1995 divisions 2 - 10.
Documentation
Do I need to enter every single material used into the spreadsheet, or can I stop once I've reached the 10% or 20% threshold? Please tell me it's the latter!
I think if you are using the default budget method, you can enter the materials that reach your threshold. If you are using the actual budget method, you have to enter in everything. Also keep in mind that materials do cross reference across other material and IEQ credits for information consistency.
Pre- and post-consumer steel bolts
Our bolt manufacturer says the material is at least 85% recycled content but they cannot break down the content into pre- or post-consumerWaste material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of materials from the distribution chain (source: ISO 14021). Examples of this category include construction and demolition debris, materials collected through curbside and drop-off recycling programs, broken pallets (if from a pallet refurbishing company, not a pallet-making company), discarded products (e.g., furniture, cabinetry and decking) and urban maintenance waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings, etc.).. How should I account for this uncertainty in my recycled content calculations?
Maura, in a case like this I would assume the worst relative to your LEED calculations, and call it all pre-consumer.
Is this recycled material.
In the wake of recent storms, a municipality has collected and stored logs from falled trees that have been cleared. Typically these logs are taked to a landfill or left to rot or are ground to create mulch (which is often left to rot). If we obtain these logs and have them milled and dryed and use them in our project, can this be considered recycled material?
Peter - I was getting ready to kill your idea when I read the definition of Postconsumer recycled content -
Postconsumer recycled content is the percentage of material in a product that was consumer waste. The recycled material was generated by household, commercial, industrial, or institutional end-users and can no longer be used for its intended purpose. It includes returns of materials from the distribution chain (ISO 14021). Examples include construction and demolition debris, materials collected through recycling programs, discarded products (e.g., furniture, cabinetry, decking), and landscaping waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings).
Though I think it might be cost prohibitive you would be the better judge of that. You should also be able to get Regional Content using this material. We had lots of damage where I live but it was mainly small limbs and everything is getting turned into mulch.
Gluck
FSC Mixed Credit
Can materials certified as FSCIndependent, third-party verification that forest products are produced and sold based on a set of criteria for forest management and chain-of-custody controls developed by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an international nonprofit organization. FSC criteria for certifying forests around the world address forest management, legal issues, indigenous rights, labor rights, multiple benefits, and environmental impacts. Mixed Credit be counted under MRc4, if they are NOT also counted under MRc7 (so no double-dipping)? Or must they be counted under MRc7 only, no options.
Thanks!
Hi Erica,
I believe you can do this. There is a short discussion on this topic under the CI forum for this credit here.
Rainwater Harvesting
The rainwater harvesting tanks on our project contain a lot of recycled content, but because it is Div 33, does that mean it cannot contribute to MRc4? it seems a shame to not be abe to include such a sustainable feature in achieving this credit.
Unfortunately, the Reference Guide is pretty clear about the CSI divisions and the tank's recycled content will not contribute to MRc4. In v2.2, they are still specified in Div 2 and I was able to count them for that project.
Looking for "New Materials Spreadsheet"
I am looking for the "New Materials Spreadsheet" that was announced today, and is supposed to be available for download under the "Credit Resource Upload Utility section of LEED Online." But so far no luck. Has the spreadsheet not actually been released yet?? If not, when should I expect to see it. If it IS available, can you tell me more specifically how to find it? Thanks!
I'm having the same problem. I looked under both MRc4 and MRc5 but no luck. Then again, I can't seem to find the Credit Resource Upload Utility section of LEED Online. Can anyone from LEEDuser help us out with this? Xie xie.
LEEDuser Administrators -- Any info on the New Materials Spreadsheet?? Thanks.
John - I **think** they mean the link on the "Credit Information" page for each credit -- under "Quick Links" in the box on the right. If I am mistaken, perhaps a LEEDuser Admin can clue me in? Thanks again!
Hi Erica and John,
If you're looking for the BDC Material and Resource Calculator (July 2011) then it is under the Credit Resources page (you're right John) but only if you have the latest version of the form, in this case v04.
I do not know of a New Materials Spreadsheet specifcially.
Thank you Emily! That would seem to be the problem. Will have to request an upgrade.
Recycled Aluminum
Is there a default recommendation for recycled aluminum like there is for steel? Thank!
No, steel is the only material given a default post-consumerWaste material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of materials from the distribution chain (source: ISO 14021). Examples of this category include construction and demolition debris, materials collected through curbside and drop-off recycling programs, broken pallets (if from a pallet refurbishing company, not a pallet-making company), discarded products (e.g., furniture, cabinetry and decking) and urban maintenance waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings, etc.). recycled content rate of 25%.
Keith is right about the default. If you are looking to establish a specification minimum, we request that aluminum have a combined post and pre consumer recycled content of 25%. This works well for bidders because they only have to remember one number, gets them looking at the issue and we know that it is a low minimum and will get higher levels in general (except for some curtainwall).
If provided with a blanket recycled content percentage of 25% from an aluminum manufacturer, are we to assume worst case scenario and enter 0% post-consumerWaste material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of materials from the distribution chain (source: ISO 14021). Examples of this category include construction and demolition debris, materials collected through curbside and drop-off recycling programs, broken pallets (if from a pallet refurbishing company, not a pallet-making company), discarded products (e.g., furniture, cabinetry and decking) and urban maintenance waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings, etc.). and 25% pre-consumer recycled content?
It depends on how wide a net you are casting and where you anticipate earning most of your recycled content credits. We put in the low level recycled content statement in spec sections where the materials specified in that section are not the major contributors to earning that credit. For the sections where the product does contribute significantly, we are very detailled and have done our research. Because aluminum has such a high post consumer recycled content, we find that just giving a threshold is enough.
Thanks Susan! I was referring more to a manufacturer's submittal. If provided with a document that states something generic such as 'XY's recycled content is 25%' -assuming there is no further information attainable, are we to fill out the LEED letter templates as: 0% post-consumerWaste material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of materials from the distribution chain (source: ISO 14021). Examples of this category include construction and demolition debris, materials collected through curbside and drop-off recycling programs, broken pallets (if from a pallet refurbishing company, not a pallet-making company), discarded products (e.g., furniture, cabinetry and decking) and urban maintenance waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings, etc.). and 25% pre-consumer recycled content?
Thanks
Ah! This i don't know but what i would do is go to the Aluminum maker's organization (there is one for every product) and see what they are quoting for post vs pre consumer content. My guess is that aluminum is more heavy on post consumer. If you can find something similar to the steel people's statement and present it as a reasonable approach, you at least have something to argue with a reviewer. Good luck.
Exclusion of all Electrical Components
I am aware that for the Recycled Content credit, you must exclude all Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Components, but would like further clarification on this. For example, does this mean that I have to exclude the recycled content of piping used by plumbers? What about the recycled content of lighting fixtures? Those are really my two clarifications that I am looking for. Anyone?
Thanks!
Joshua, piping and light fixtures would be considered MEP components, and excluded.
Its interesting that LEED would not include piping into the recycled content calculation. The reasonf or the MEP exclusion is because their cost and relative recycled content ratio would overweight the project's overall calcs, but piping from recycled copper would not do that, and has a high recycled value... comments?
I think MEP is excluded because documenting all the parts and pieces is a nightmare. And most buildings are going to use very similar technology and parts for their MEP systems.
Just like steel structure has an assumed industry average recycled content, all steel ductwork or steel conduits will have the same average recycled content. Copper in the pipes and wires may have a different percentage but it will be similar among all manufacturers and won't likely change because of LEED.
Is the burden of documenting the recycled content in the MEP trades going to create a market shift in using higher recycled content in the products. I haven't seen steel manufacturers yet change their industry average. Or seen an I-beam that is marketed as 100% recycled. They all appear to be doing the same thing they did 10 years ago, we're just more aware of what they're doing.
I remember hearing that the other part of the MEP exclusion was the ability that this would be to swing the credit calculations because MEP is such a large percentage of a building cost. The LEED math would be entirely different and Div 9 contributions would be nil. As it is LEED 2012 is studying the ability of structural materials to dwarf the other divisions.
Bill, the recycled content of a steel beam (or rebar) typically approach 100% (95+% is very common). Where sheet steel products (studs, metal deck, HVAC duct work) can vary from approximately 30% to over 90% depending on the steel producer and the basic of steel production. Relying on the "assumed industry average" may short change the calculations. I strongly recommend obtaining documentation directly from the steel producer whenever possible.
LEED Certification for Phase wise construction
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have few clarification of whether the old constructed portion material should be considered for all the materials credits.
Project Details:
The building has been developed by the developer which including the structure (column, beams, roof, operable windows etc. for G+8 floor). They have not started any interior work. At that stage, the building has been procured by our client and replacing the operable window with Aerocon block wall. The client has not demolished any structure except lift which has been changed little bit.
Client is constructing the interior in phase wise. (i.e G+2 floors will be completed within 6 months from now and will be occupied and operated. Then remaining all other floor interiors will be started one by one and every 6 months one floor will be completed & occupied. All the floor interiors will be completed and occupied by 3 years from now.
By considering the above project description, we have two queries.
1. For MR Credit’s calculation, if we consider only the materials involved & construction waste generated under the scope of work done by our client will be okay or should we consider the materials & construction waste generated by the developer who has done till the structural development.
2. By considering the whole building will be completed & operated by 3 years from now, but the first phase (i.e G+2 floors) will be completed within 6 months from now, how to go ahead with certification. I mean when should approach Green Building Council for documentation. Should I submit the documentation once first phase is completed (i.e G+2 floors).
Hope your experience will be helping us to overcome this issue. Your reply at the earliest will be highly appreciable.
Hi Ramesh,
One solution to this situation would be to certify each phase separatly as a LEED for Commercial Interiors project. That's the rating system that was created to address this kind of project--in which the core and shell are completed and you're doing interior construction.
If that doesn't work for you and you really want whole-building LEED-NC certification, you'll have to submit a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide to get clarification about how to deal with the previously constructed parts, and you'll have to wait until all phases are complete to submit your final application for certification.
Thank you very much Mr.Nadav Malin.
All phases will be completed by 3 years from now, that time surely the Phase 1 (G+2 floor) will be finished their 2 year operation. Whether that time this phase 1 will be applicable for LEED NC certification. Some body told that those time the phase 1 building is a existing building due to 2 year operation over and that will not be treated as a new building.
Your comments are welcome.
TOTAL MATERIAL COST for PRE-CAST CONCRETE COMPONENTS
Currently I am working on a project registered under v2.3. My question is related with TOTAL MATERIAL COST for PRE-CAST CONCRETE COMPONENTS in MR credit 4 & 5.
What should Manufacture/vender use as total material cost for Precast sub-components? Does Manufacture/vender need to include all cost incurred in the fabrication due to the precast being fabricated off-site? Is total material cost same as entire purchase order issued to manufacture/vender for the Precast sub-components?
Thank you in advance for any clarification you can provide.
Yes, the cost is for the material delivered to the site, including off-site labor during fabrication.
CSI Divisions - out the window?
Hi all,
I’m working on a project in Australia and we are having a hard time with the CSI divisions!
The building has a selection of sustainable materials installed, including reclaimed solar panels, high recycled content concrete (all applications – including slabs and walls) and recycled wooden floors and carpets.
The LEED reference guide is vague and contradictory in its directive. E.g. the MRc5 example calculation includes gypsum and carpet, even though these wouldn’t fit into the prescribed CSI divisions.
Can we largely ignore the CSI Divisions as a strict requirement?
Clare, can you clarify what kind of difficulty you're having? In my experience it is not impossible to find an appropriate Masterformat division for most things. I don't fully understand your point about the LEED Reference Guide—those materials are appropriately included, I think.
Clare, this really is pretty easy but maybe you are having a hard time with the different CSI MasterFormat years and finding the 'odd' items like solar panels. MR 4 and 5 reference CSI divisions 3 through 10, 31 and 32 (which are site related divisions). Both gypsum board and carpets are considered finishes and are in Division 9. If you are still struggling with the spec items, pm me and I'll respond.
30% EP
If we are pursuing exemplary performanceIn LEED, certain credits have established thresholds beyond basic credit achievement. Meeting these thresholds can earn additional points through Innovation in Design (ID) or Innovation in Operations (IO) points. As a general rule of thumb, ID credits for exemplary performance are awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold. However, this rule varies on a case by case basis, so check the credit requirements. in recycled content, do we need to upload 30% (in cost) of the cut sheets? This would make sense, as they would be the supporting evidence, however all the LEED guides just ask for 20%. I have the same question about regional content as well.
Ryan, the requirement is to upload 20% of the cut sheets for material for which you're claiming recycled content. So you don't need to do 30% for EP.
The 20% is by cost, correct?
Supplying documentation for 20% by cost, is the correct answer. Tip: Focus on uploading documentation with the largest cost value, first, because this saves you uploading several files when you only have to upload a few; and then upload documents that the Review Team might be most interested in verifying, like those with high recycle values or complex assemblies.
Recycled Steel content
We have several steel items that have been purchased for our contractors project. Most of the items show a total recycled content, then a post- and pre-consumer recycled content. I need to know if the total recycled content is less than 100%, does the recycled value after factoring in the post- and pre-consumer %'s need to be multiplied by that total recycled content.
Example: $10,000 spent on steel with a post-consumerWaste material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of materials from the distribution chain (source: ISO 14021). Examples of this category include construction and demolition debris, materials collected through curbside and drop-off recycling programs, broken pallets (if from a pallet refurbishing company, not a pallet-making company), discarded products (e.g., furniture, cabinetry and decking) and urban maintenance waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings, etc.). 83.6% and a pre-consumer 16.4%. but the product contains only 25% recycled material.
(or explaied a little differently: 25% recycled material and of that 83.6% is post- and 16.4% is pre-)
is the answer: $10,000(83.6% + 1/2 of 16.4%) then time 25% ?
that would only make sense since most steel is not from 100% recycled material (usually there are addatives).
So the total product value is $10,0000 and the product only contains 25% recycled content. So the total value of recycled materials is $2,500 (10000*.25). Of that $2,500, 83.6% is post consumer and is worth $2,090 (2500*.836) and the pre-consumer value is worth $410 (2055*.164).
That's what I thought, but it doesn't seem to be spelled out like that in LEED anywhere (that i could find).
I'm looking for some documentation to show the contractor and others in our office. Any suggestions?
My first thought was to have you review the assembly recycled contentAssembly recycled content is the percentage of material in a product that is either postconsumer or preconsumer recycled content. It is determined by dividing the weight of the recycled content by the overall weight of the assembly. calculation. But the situation isn't explicitly covered in the Reference Guide. You'll have to walk them through the same math. You could also try going to some of the 'greener' product companies websites and look for their LEED documentation for examples.
I agree, it simply seems like math to me. I don't know of any additional policies, etc, that would explain this.
Sorry for the late reply but I think there is some confusion here...Is the 25% recycled content statement something from the manufacture or are you thinking the 25% figure is what comes from the LEED default post-consumerWaste material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of materials from the distribution chain (source: ISO 14021). Examples of this category include construction and demolition debris, materials collected through curbside and drop-off recycling programs, broken pallets (if from a pallet refurbishing company, not a pallet-making company), discarded products (e.g., furniture, cabinetry and decking) and urban maintenance waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings, etc.). recycled content rate for all steel?
If you have specific steel mill documentation which spells out the recycled content of the particular product, then the default of 25% does not apply since you have more specific information.
Calculating material costs in MRc4 and MRc5
I have similar concerns as Maria described earlier, and I would really appreciate some advice on how to calculate material costs in a case where a sub-contractor is performing concrete works on-site with a lump sum compensation policy, i.e. costs of labour, material, equipment and transportation are all invoiced with one sum.
The problem here is how I should determine the material costs of the concreting works. And if I understood correctly the 0.45 default multiplier can only be used for determining the total material costs of the project, so using this method is not eligable for calculating material costs in a separate sub-contract.
How can I proceed in determining the material costs for the on-site concrete works, when the sub-contractor is not able to specify material costs of the works? Any advice is much appreciated!
Go back to the subcontractor and ask him! This will require a private conversation between the main contractor, the sub and the LEED project manager. Don't do this in a general sub meeting. You will have to assure him that this is for LEED only and that the contractor will not share or shop his product cost around. You may even have them submit that number to you directly and leave the general contractor out of it if their fear is high enough. Hopefully, this is reluctance is short term and as the sub contractor works on more and more LEED projects, they will realize that this cost information is normal.
Thanks Susan, I guess there's no way around this one then... simply have to get the required material cost information regardless of the sub's reluctance.
Please register to use the forum.