The intent of this category is that the use, specification, and disposal of building materials will minimize the effect a building has on the environment.

Requirements for Certification:

MRp1 - Designated accessible end-user recycling area for paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals.

MRc1 - Maintain 75% (MRc1.1), or 95% (MRc1.2) of existing building structure and envelope. Maintain 50% of interior non-structural elements for MRc1.3.

MRc2 - Recycle and/or salvage 50% (MRc2.1), or 75% (MRc2.2) of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste and debris.

MRc3 - Use salvaged, refurbished, or reused materials for at least 5% (MRc3.1), or 10% (MRc3.2) of total materials, by cost.

MRc4 - Use 10% (MRc4.1) or 20% (MRc4.2) of total materials, by value, with recycled content (recycled content = post-consumer + ½ pre-consumer).

MRc5 - Use 10% (MRc5.1) or 20% (MRc5.2) of total materials by value that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well as manufactured, within 500 miles of the project site.

MRc6 - Use rapidly renewable building materials for 2.5% of the total materials by value.

MRc7 - Use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood materials and products for 50% of all wood-based materials and products used in the project.

Successful Strategies:

• Tie contractor retainage to complete submission of LEED product/material submittals and document everything.
• Education of subcontractors on recycling practices and established penalties (such as fees) for not following these practices help achieve the highest percentage of construction waste diverted from the landfill.
• Incentives, given by the general contractor or owner, to subcontractors for meeting targeted MR goals can both motivate and benefit all involved.

Helpful Hints:

1. Renovation and/or expansion projects are most applicable to MRc1 credits.
2. Help contractors develop a waste management plan early to ensure best practices from the initial phases of the project.
3. Identify local waste recycling /salvaging resources before demolition begins.
4. Target high-dollar items early in the project to include recycled content or local manufacturer/harvesting in the specifications.
5. Ensure application of renewable materials is appropriate.
6. Confirm lead time for any and all FSC materials.

Historical Data (updated June 2006):

• MRc1.1 and 1.2 - 6% of CA LEED v2.1 projects achieved.
• MRc1.3 - 0% of CA LEED v2.1 projects achieved.
• MRc2 - 79% of CA LEED v2.1 projects achieved.
• MRc3 - 9% of CA LEED v2.1 projects achieved.
• MRc4 - 85% of CA LEED v2.1 projects achieved.
• MRc5 - 85% of CA LEED v2.1 projects achieved.
• MRc6 - 3% of CA LEED v2.1 projects achieved.
• MRc7 - 36% of CA LEED v2.1 projects achieved.

Additional EDR Resources

E-News for Designers: e-News #32: Button Up That Overcoat: Exterior Insulation and Finishing

Case Studies: Teaming Up with Nature

Design Briefs: Design For Your Climate