countertops CSI classification

Having spent years struggling with this on the committee (MR-TAG), I've learned that there is no simple way to delineate which categories of materials should be included in these credits. The MasterFormat divisions approach is far from perfect, but it's what we've got. You have to just go with it, unless you want to petition for a special exception in how your credit is reviewed. According to CSI, casework that is constructed on site is specified in Division 6, but premanufactured casework and countertops are in Division 12.

Follow up question - how about insulation? Is piping insulation an MEP item? Or is it a building item? I know that building insulation is in the calculations, and there are many products that include significant recycled content, what about ductwork and piping insulation?

Pipe insulation and ductwork are specified in the plumbing and HVAC sections. So they cannot be included in the MR-credit calculations. Yes, it's a bit illogical, but, as I mentioned earlier, we weren't able to come up with a manageable way to distinguish what items should or should not be included within these sections.

How about HVAC equipment, PV arrays, Solar hotwater collectors, generator, fire alarm control panels, etc. are they excluded in our overall project materials costs when calculating percentages of reused or recycled material used?