This prerequisite requires you to create and implement a compliant policy that provides guidelines for facility maintenance and renovation (FMR) activities. Teams should be able to create the policy with in-house staff at little to no additional cost. The policy covers three major areas: materials purchasing, waste management, and protecting indoor air quality during FMR activities.

The policy needs to cover all maintenance and renovations work in the building (including work done by tenants). However, the purchasing section specifically can be targeted to cover only products purchased by the building management.

Policy template

Project teams should definitely use the template created by USGBC as the foundation for the policy (see the Doc Toolkit). Customizing the template is encouraged so that the policy reflects your building’s operational practices. But remember that all prerequisite requirements must be addressed, so take care when removing or adjusting content.

Connection to the purchasing credit

The related purchasing credit outlines all of the building materials and furniture sustainability criteria and compliance thresholds that must be reflected in your purchasing policy. But remember, tracking for your project’s actual purchases is completed under the credit, and not the prerequisite.

Keep FMR waste separate

Teams are required to track the ongoing waste streams covered by MRp3 Waste Performance separately from FRM waste. This means that any furniture, furnishings, or construction waste generated by maintenance and/or renovation activities must be excluded from MRp3.

What’s New in LEED v4.1

• A requirement to separate FMR waste from ongoing waste has been added

Should I upgrade?

This credit has only minor updates compared to v4 so shouldn’t impact your choice of rating system.