Hauling fees for recyclable materials will vary by region, but keep in mind that improved recycling rates will decrease the amount of landfill waste, thus reducing your garbage hauling fees. There may be additional costs associated with expanding collection efforts, ranging from purchasing additional receptacles to increased fees for pickup and transport of recyclables.
Include a cushion in case of changes in design and purchasing. For example, if you are counting on points for using 2.5% rapidly renewable materials, plan for 5% of your budget to be spent on rapidly renewable materials to avoid coming up short.
If you decide to go after this credit, it is usually attainable, as it only requires a small percentage of your budget. Rapidly renewable finish materials may have a slightly higher cost than their conventional counterparts, however.
Review subcontractor product suggestions ahead of time to avoid the purchase of inappropriate materials and eliminate the need for costly change orders.
Using the estimated budget to integrate regional materials into the design and specs early on can help prevent costly change orders during construction.
Include a cushion for this credit, in case of changes in design and purchasing. For example, if you are counting on points for using 20% regional materials, plan for 30% of your budget to be spent on regional materials to avoid coming up short.
There is no formal training required to pass the exam and become a LEED AP. The cost of exam preparation can be reduced through independent studying and use of free information on green building.
