4.4: Waste

(80 maximum points possible)

4.4.1 Construction & Operational Waste (80 points)

GREEN GLOBES #4.4.1.1 What percentage of the construction waste, including interior building demolition waste, will be diverted from the landfill? 

• >74% (20 points) 
• 50% - 74% (15 points) 
• <50% (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

When calculating percentage of construction waste, be consistent with units used – either by weight or by volume. Develop a waste management/reduction plan and strategy, which should include a waste audit and waste diversion strategy report. In retrofit situations, check that there is an asbestos removal plan; a procedure to minimize the risk of exposure to lead-based paint; instructions for a waste audit; a dismantling and source separation plan; a list of construction materials that are to be source-separated on-site for reuse and recycling; addresses universal waste (i.e. fluorescent tubes, ballasts, batteries, etc.); and a contractual means of ensuring that all recyclable materials and equipment are diverted from landfill. Estimates of waste diversion will be verified by the Green Globes Assessor. Mark N/A if there will be no construction waste or there is clearly no material that can be repurposed or diverted from a landfill.

Assessment Guidance

Construction recycling requirements should be discussed with the General Contractor before start of work. Licensed haulers of recyclables should be identified and what materials they will or will not accept. The owner should make the contractor and hauler aware that demolition waste should be tracked separately from construction waste and that the demolition waste should be separated into hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Salvaged materials, intended to be used on this project site or another, shall be kept separate from the recyclables for the hauler.

Hazardous waste by-products of construction include paints, solvents, oils, lubricants, etc. A separate procedure should be developed for disposing and recycling of these wastes. The procedure should conform to all federal, state, and local regulations.

References 

• Northeast Recycling Council, Hauler Terms and Waste Conversion Factors

GREEN GLOBES #4.4.1.2 Does the building design address operations-related recycling programs through one or more of the following:

Tooltip

Storage areas must include collection of mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals. There should be at least 20 ft2 (1.86 m2 ) of designated storage space for recyclables per 10,000 ft2 (929 m2 ) of space, or 100 ft2 (9 m2 ) for buildings greater than 50,000 ft2 (4,645 m2 ). It is preferable to locate storage areas near a loading dock, when applicable. There should also be adequate space for the temporary sorting and storage of recyclables at collection points near the sources of waste - either in each office or on each floor. Chutes may also be used to separate materials. Review the construction documents for details of a recycling system and facilities for handling and storing recyclables.

Assessment Guidance

A Waste Minimization Plan should be developed and should include waste minimization measures through requirements in the following areas: 

• Zoning permits 
• Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (deed restrictions) (CC&Rs) 
• Lease agreements

When the construction documents do not specifically call out recycling or composting areas, a narrative should be provided to the Green Globes Assessor explaining the facilities proposed recycling and composting program.

GREEN GLOBES #4.4.1.2.1 Operational flow for waste handling and storage facilities for recycling? 

• Yes (15 points) 
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #4.4.1.2.2 Storage areas for recyclable waste at points of service?

• Yes (15 points) 
• No (0 points)

Tooltip

All gaps and cracks should be sealed within designated storage areas for recyclable waste protect against pests.

GREEN GLOBES #4.4.1.2.3 Storage areas for recyclable waste at pick-up areas?

• Yes (15 points) 
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #4.4.1.2.4 Operational flow for handling and storage facilities for composting? 

• Yes (10 points) 
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Mark “N/A” for buildings that do not have compostable organic waste, and/or have no grounds except minimal hardscape, and/or are prohibited to compost onsite by the local jurisdiction.

GREEN GLOBES #4.4.1.3 Are any components of the interior fit-out made utilizing prefabricated construction methods? 

• Yes (5 points) 
• No (0 points)

Tooltip

Pre-fabricated versus conventional construction methods often reduce waste; both from a manufacturing perspective, as well as the at the actual construction site for an interior fit-out. Examples include wall and partition panels built off-site for installation on-site.

Recommended Documents 

• Construction documentation for interior fit-out 
• Specifications for any pre-fabricated components of the interior fit-out (including wall and partition panels, excluding movable furnishings)

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