What requirement must be met to earn one credit under the Construction and Demolition Waste Management MR credit?

To earn one credit under the Construction and Demolition Waste Management MR credit, the requirement is to divert 50% of the waste generated during the construction process away from landfills and incineration. This focuses on the importance of reducing waste through recycling, reusing materials, and employing better waste management strategies during the construction process.

The rationale behind this requirement aligns with LEED's overarching goals of promoting sustainable construction practices and minimizing environmental impact. By setting a standard at 50%, projects are encouraged to actively implement waste diversion strategies that can be more realistically achieved while still making a significant positive impact on reducing landfill contributions.

Diverting all waste is impractical for most projects, as some waste stream will typically be non-recyclable or non-reusable. Similarly, while higher diversion rates such as 75% are recognized for additional credits, the foundational credit starts at a more attainable goal of 50%. This progressive approach allows for more widespread participation in sustainable practices within the construction industry.