What Is the minimum additional percentage of recycled content (by mass) that must come from pre-consumer materials?

A project team has arranged to use recycled infrastructure components. Thirty percent (30%) by mass of the new material infrastructure components contain post-consumer recycled content. Ten percent (10%) by mass of the infrastructure is on-site reuse materials.

What Is the minimum additional percentage of recycled content (by mass) that must come from pre-consumer materials?
A . 0%
B . 10%
C . 20%
D . 25%

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

For the scenario provided, where 30% of the infrastructure components contain post-consumer recycled content and 10% by mass are on-site reuse materials, an additional 10% of the infrastructure’s mass must come from pre-consumer materials to meet the LEED requirements for recycled content.

Detailed Explanation

Recycled Content Credit:

The use of recycled materials in infrastructure contributes to sustainability by reducing the demand for virgin materials and minimizing waste. LEED credits are awarded based on the percentage by mass of recycled content in infrastructure materials. Recycled Content Categories:

Post-consumer recycled content refers to materials recycled after they have been used by consumers, such as paper, metals, or plastics.

Pre-consumer recycled content involves materials that are recycled from manufacturing waste, before they reach the consumer, such as scraps or trimmings.

Required Additional Percentage:

In this scenario, the project already has 30% post-consumer and 10% on-site reuse. To maximize the

recycled content credit, an additional 10% by mass of the materials must come from pre-consumer

recycled content, bringing the total recycled content to 50% (30% post-consumer, 10% pre-consumer,

10% on-site reuse).

Reference: The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development details the calculations and criteria for earning recycled content credits.

The LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation provides further information on the use of

recycled materials in infrastructure.

For more information, consult:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development