CS-2009 MRc3: Materials Reuse 1 point

This credit inquiry seeks clarification on how to account for reuse of materials "harvested" from an existing building for reuse in the same building. By definition, on page 188 of the Reference Guide: "Salvaged materials are construction materials recovered from existing buildings and reprocessed for reuse in other buildings." This seems to imply that materials from an existing building cannot be counted as salvaged materials if they are reinstalled in the same building.Our project includes deconstruction of a number of building components with the specific intent of reprocessing them for reinstallation into the building. For example, about 11,000 board-feet of old-growth timbers were harvested from the demolition of existing roof framing. The wood was milled and used throughout the building for architectural millwork features. Clearly, reprocessing was almost total. Also, over two hundred (200) doors were removed, restored to their original finish, fitted for new hardware, and reinstalled. About half were reinstalled into different locations. Some reprocessing was required. A number of other components, such as tack boards, blackboards, and display cases, were harvested, protected and reinstalled into new locations. The only reprocessing was to recondition and reinstall the components.We seek LEEDTM credit for the extensive salvaging work that was accomplished. To exclude the harvesting program we undertook seems an unintended consequence of the definition of salvaged materials. Can we include materials harvested from the building as salvaged materials? We have also considered the potential of applying for an Innovation credit for conducting a "harvesting" program. Is that a better approach?

Our project team is requesting the ability to contribute Renaissance Specialty Veneer Product, Redwood Veneer towards MRc3.1 credit achievement. The intent of MRc3.1 is to reuse building materials and products in order to reduce demand for virgin materials and to reduce waste, thereby reducing the impacts associated with the extraction and processing of virgin resources. The redwood veneer product is produced from salvaged redwood logs which have been blown down or damaged during natural forest fire. Utilizing salvaged redwoods reduces the degradation associated with the extraction of virgin timber from sensitive forests. Renaissance Specialty Veneer Products has certified the harvesting of redwood trees through the Forest Stewardship Council (SCS-COC-00872). The FSC Chain of Custody number tracks the wood through the production process ensures that the sourcing of the redwood veneer is both socially and environmentally responsible. Our project is requesting recognition for the use of innovative new products which provide environmental benefit and meet the intent of the credit requirements. By salvaging and utilizing downed trees, Renaissance Specialty Veneer is reducing the stress placed on natural forests and demand on virgin resources. As product sourcing and material options continue to grow and become more unique, our project team is interested in selecting products which contribute to the progressions of sustainable principles and environmental stewardship. Please confirm whether our calculation of FSC Certified Salvaged Redwood Veneer towards MRc3.1 credit achievement is acceptable.

Kalamazoo College\'s Hicks Student Center is an existing building that houses a number of campus functions. To create a more dynamic Student Center, the building is currently undergoing a significant renovation. The existing food service and dining areas will be relocated from one part of the building to another area within the building. The Materials Reuse credit requires a 5% reuse of salvaged, refurbished or reused materials based on the total material value of the project. The credit does not allow mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment to be included in the 5% material cost required. There are several new pieces of food service equipment in the renovated kitchen and food service area, but a significant portion of the existing equipment can be refurbished and reused. We do not consider the reused kitchen and serving items to be mechanical or electrical, but necessary equipment that is required for functionality of the space. Rather than simply discarding the existing and purchasing new equipment, we are responsibly reusing existing equipment that has remaining useful life, and would like to confirm your support in their application to MR credit 3.1. The example below is provided to show our calculation methodology: Value of contracts including Food Service Equipment: $5,680,133 + $1,165,000 = $6,945,133 Total material cost based on 45% (including Food Service Equipment): $6,8456,133 x .45 = $3,080,310 5% of material cost (reused materials): $3,080,310 x .05 = $154,016 Estimated Material cost for reused food service equipment = $200,000 (6.5%)