How does one prove that "... at least 50% of nonstructural materials, by cost, are reusable or recyclable, as defined by the Federal Trade Commission Guide for Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, 260.12."? I skimmed thru the trade commission standard - it's all about truth in labelling and not claiming recyclability if it's not or if only limited facilities exist.
You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?
LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.
Go premium for
Renee Shirey
Stantec422 thumbs up
February 28, 2020 - 9:03 am
Did you attempt this Option, and if so - how did you support your claims?
Yarden Harari
CallisonRTKL Inc.2 thumbs up
October 29, 2020 - 9:28 am
I'll second this question - has anyone pursued this? Thanks!
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
December 10, 2020 - 12:10 pm
I have not pursued this option but I could look at the highest-cost items where manufacturers are known to be working on recyclability. For example, carpeting is an obvious one, drywall is another. Ask the manufacturers for documentation of recyclability or check for claims. Check that those claims seem viable, i.e., there is actually a viable way to get materials to the manufacturer or to a collection station.
Thinking out loud, I'm curious why this credit requirement is here, while it seems to be somewhat redundant and overlapping with the takeback program requirement in the Sourcing credit. Perhaps it is considered a more attainable option here, as the material can be reyclable without the company having a specific program. Again, drywall is a potential example of this in some urban areas where it is recycled.
Aleksandra Prawda
Sustainability ConsultantJacobs
12 thumbs up
December 11, 2020 - 8:13 am
Hi all
I had this strategy accepted in one of my projects 2 years ago, where we used the cost of free-standing furniture - this is by definition 100% reusable. The cost of furniture was higher than 50% of total fit-out cost and we got no comments regarding this strategy. Also, to my surprise, no additional documentation was required - no invoices etc. Our claim was sufficient.
Hope it helps :)