For Materials and Resources Prerequisite 1, we would like to clarify the requirements for multi-family/multi-story residential projects. We are proposing to include central recycling areas, easily accessible to all occupants. Our project consists of two high rise towers and one level of townhouses. On level P1 of each tower we will provide a 260 square foot area dedicated to the collection and storage of recyclables. The ground floor will include a 100 square foot recycling area for townhouse residents. Our project includes space for the collection and separation of: glass and plastic bottles paper cardboard aluminum cans Total building square footage (minus parking) = 463,537 Number of residential units = 246 Total square footage of recycling area = 620 There will not be separate space for collection of recyclables on each floor. Please confirm that our approach will meet the requirements of Materials and Resources Prerequisite 1.
For multi-family/ multi-story residential units, easily accessible and central recycling areas are appropriate for prerequisite compliance. Facilities must be provided for each building, with adequate capacity for all building occupants, and for all required recyclable material per LEED. The strategy outlined appears appropriate for prerequisite compliance. Additional information should be provided with the submittal describing how the recyclables will be handled such that the proposed area is sufficient for each building. As noted in MRp1 CIR Ruling 5/17/02: "Table 3 (on page 189 of the LEED-NC v2.1 Reference Guide) provides Recycling Area Guidelines for commercial office buildings. If a project wishes to meet this prerequisite with less area than indicated in the guidelines , especially because the program is significantly unique, a narrative should be provided indicating how the recyclables will be handled such that the proposed area is sufficient."