MA Req 1: Minimum Material Effectiveness + Life Cycle Planning – Above Green

(Required)

INTENT

Improve the ecological and economic life-cycle of all materials used on the project by increasing material recycling + reuse; local extraction, harvesting, recovery and manufacturing; improving labor equity and work-environment practices; and reducing the inappropriate use of toxins in buildings, communities, the environment and living systems.

STRUCTURE + COMMUNITY REQUIREMENTS

MA Req. 1.1 Storage + Collection of Recyclables

Provide dedicated space for recycling a minimum of: mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals. Provide space for safely collecting, storing and managing discarded batteries, mercury-containing lamps and electronic waste.

Refer to the LEED® v4 NC “Storage and Collection of Recyclables” Credit or equal for criteria.

MA Req. 1.2 Construction + Demolition Waste Management Planning

Develop and implement a construction and demolition waste recovery plan.

Refer to the LEED® v4 NC “Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning” credit or equal for criteria.

MA Req. 1.3 Project Material Selection + Use Planning

Develop a plan during conceptual design that identifies the main 10 to 15 materials and/or product needs that are likely be significant contributors to the project’s overall material use in terms of weight, volume and/or environmental, economic, health impact. Identify materials, products or components that can potentially fill those needs early in the process so the information can be used to inform the design. Important product attributes for consideration include:

Manufacturing supply chains that are socially and ecologically responsible. Companies treat the earth and the people that produce the materials, components and products with respect. They provide a safe work environment, reasonable work hours and pay a living wage. Guidance on living wages in the U.S. can be calculated by Zip code using the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
Contain notable quantities of recycled content, preferably post-consumer. The materials recycling and manufacturing preferably have modest, low or positive environmental impacts. h
Contain notable quantities of locally extracted, harvested or recovered materials and are manufactured (500 mile radius of the project site). The materials and manufacturing preferably has modest, low or positive environmental impacts.
Are salvaged and/or are presently on-site and can be reused or refurbished with low or modest impacts.
Are designed and/or can be adapted, used flexibly, reused, recycled and/or composted. The materials and manufacturing preferably have modest, low or positive environmental impacts.
Have developed Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). EPDs and LCAs preferably that include toxin reporting and cover all life cycle phases as recommended by the U.S EPA and United Nations. Products that show a positive life cycle or reduced impacts compared to other choices are preferred.
Have developed Health Product Declarations (HPDs), preferably that include toxin reporting in compliance with U.S EPA and UN recommendations. Products that indicate a positive life cycle or reduced impacts compared to other choices are preferred.
Have leadership third party certifications including Forest Stewardship Certification or SMaRT Certification that include meaningful performance minimums and requirements. Multi-attribute certifications should include toxins.
Have reduced and/or positive environmental and human health impacts.
Identify products to avoid that are known to have significant negative environmental and/or social impacts during their life cycle. Products to avoid are identified, including those known to have significant negative environmental and/ or social impacts during their life cycle.