In its current form the MRc2 is for diverting waste that has been created, it does not credit 'preventing' waste, however please take a look at the LEED 2012 2nd public comment version of this credit - there is a proposed option for 'reducing' the creation of on-site waste below a specific baseline. For NC it is to minimize total waste below 2.5 lbs per SF of the project. If you have an opinion or recommendation about the inclusion of 'waste reduction' either via this performance method of a baseline number or prescriptive means, please comment by Sept 14.
It might be suggested that MMC might just displace the waste creation to the off-site pre-fabrication or modular construction operation - but it seems pretty clear that since there is no particular benefit to creating waste simply from a purely economic perspective, an off-site operation has many ways and higher level of control by which to insure success at effective use of materials. Not the least of which is CNC systems, inventory control, controlled environment, etc. Having said that, it is interesting to note that one study found that one of the single greatest sources of construction waste was just design changes - which might impact any form of construction equally - except those that allow for changes to be made readily (and recover the materials for reuse or recycling) without disrupting other assemblies and components.
Susan Walter
HDRLEEDuser Expert
1296 thumbs up
August 29, 2011 - 1:46 pm
Thanks for the heads up on the credit change. There is a lot to consider in LEED 2012. Do you have a link or study name regarding the design changes?