The Materials and Resources credit category focuses on promoting sustainable material choices, waste reduction, and life cycle thinking. Here’s what you should know before starting your project:
- Material selection: The Materials and Resources credit category encourages selecting materials with lower environmental impacts. Prioritize materials with recycled content, rapidly renewable resources, and low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Additionally, consider sourcing materials locally to reduce transportation-related emissions.
- Construction waste management: Implement effective construction waste management practices to minimize waste generation and divert materials from landfills. Develop a comprehensive waste management plan, set targets for waste reduction, and recycle or salvage construction and demolition debris whenever possible.
- Life cycle assessment: Consider the life cycle impacts of materials when making purchasing decisions. Conduct life cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate the environmental impacts of materials from extraction or manufacturing to disposal. Choose materials with lower embodied energy and reduced environmental footprints.
- Building product disclosure and optimization: Encourage transparency and disclosure of environmental and health-related information of building products. Look for products with third-party certifications, such as Cradle to Cradle or Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Optimize the use of materials by specifying products with high recycled content or products that can be easily disassembled and recycled at the end of their life.
- Indoor environmental quality: The Materials and Resources credit category also considers indoor environmental quality aspects. Choose materials that promote healthy indoor air quality by avoiding products with high VOC emissions. Opt for low-emitting materials, such as low-VOC paints, adhesives, and sealants.
- Furniture and furnishing considerations: Extend your sustainable material choices to furniture and furnishings within the project. Select products that align with environmental standards and certifications, such as GREENGUARD or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which ensure responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices.
- Documentation and reporting: Proper documentation is crucial for achieving the Materials and Resources credit category. Maintain records of material specifications, documentation of waste management practices, supplier certifications, and LCA reports. Thorough documentation demonstrates compliance and supports the certification process.
Considering the Materials and Resources credit category from the outset of your project can lead to significant waste reduction and environmental benefits. By selecting sustainable materials, managing construction waste, conducting life cycle assessments, promoting product disclosure and optimization, prioritizing indoor air quality, and documenting your efforts, you can create a project that is environmentally responsible and promotes resource efficiency.