Hello.
I'm now working on a large project (180 000 m2) certification under LEED 2009 NC. I have 2 questions.
First question is:
As far as I understand there are 5 LEED obligatory waste fractions - glass, cardboard, paper, plastic and metal. In LEED v3 guide these recycables total to 59% of total waste. However according to Local Kazakhstan statistics, we can see that these freactions make up to around 50% of total waste generated. Thus my first question is do I have to base my calculations on LEED data or I can use our local data in order to calculate amounts of recycables? Do we have to conform to 59% of recycling during operation? Or do we still get this prerequisite if we have bins for all 5 recycling materials in each waste storage area, regardless of volume generated?
My second question is:
With the development of compact waste to energy stations, we are currently considering a possibility of installing Terragon's Micro Auto Gasification System. It basicly burns waste and recycables to creat thermal energy. Waste streams that can be treated by MAGS, without the need for segregation, include but are not limited to paper/cardboard, plastics, food, oily rags, oils and sludges.
I understand that we still need to provide bins for the collection of 5 recycables.
Therefore my question is this: can we use waste to energy tech and still get MR P1? If yes, then how can we appropriately document this?
Thank you in advance for your response.
James Wilson
Sustainable Design ResearchBKSK Architects
9 thumbs up
January 8, 2017 - 4:40 pm
Darya,
Regarding your first question, I would say you should design and size your recycling storage area according to the most accurate data you have for the location of your project. The important thing for proper documentation of this credit is to provide a clear narrative explaining the rationale behind the design of your project's recycling collection and storage area. If the recycling storage area is designed based on local Kazakhstan statistics rather than LEED data, be sure to indicate this in the narrative. As long as you demonstrate that the area dedicated for recycling storage is located and sized properly, according to the expected volume of recycling and the frequency of pick-ups, you should have no problem meeting this prerequisite.
Regarding your second question, I have not heard of project teams using waste-to-energy systems such as the one you describe in order to demonstrate compliance with this prerequisite. However, the only thing that this prerequisite demands is that the project include adequate, dedicated space for the collection and storage of recyclable materials. If you plan to provide this storage area either way, with or without installing MAGS, your project will be compliant with this prerequisite.
As far as obtaining further guidance on how MAGS might contribute to various LEED credits, I would recommend submitting a request for a Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR) to GBCI.