Under LEED-CS v2.0 projects with a total gross area of 100,001 to 200,000 square feet are to provide 275 square feet of space dedicated to recycling activities in order to meet MR Prerequisite 1. A previous CIR of 9/28/2001 indicated that it is acceptable for part of this space to be outdoors, with an indoor portion dedicated to temporary staging of refuse. Our project consists of 150,000 square feet of office space. As a Core and Shell building it is a Tenant Requirement that recyclables are separated from trash at each workstation, conference room, copy room, pantry or other user space into containers provided by Building Management. In the cafeteria and snack bar paper, plastic, glass and refuse are placed in separate containers by users and by staff. To facilitate recycling several clearly labeled containers (for glass, plastic and refuse) will be kept at all times in an enclosed outdoor recycling area directly adjacent to the building service entrance. In addition a compactor will be available in the same enclosure for paper and cardboard. Each night the cleaning staff will place the separated refuse from the tenant spaces and the cafeteria directly into the appropriate containers. At no time will refuse be staged within the building, since this does not conform to Building Management practices. The outdoor recycling area will exceed the LEED CS MRp1 275 square foot requirement. However, under this arrangement there is no need for any indoor recycling space to be set aside, except for some shelf space for garbage bags and other small supplies. Please advise us if this arrangement is adequate to achieve Materials and Resources Prerequisite 1.
Yes, the arrangement described is consistent with the intent and requirements of this prerequisite. The areas dedicated to the separation, collection, and storage of recyclables do not need to be located within the building and can be located on-site so long as the space meets the credit intent, the project occupants needs and those of the collection infrastructure. Given that the recyclables are collected nightly and placed in the appropriate bins outdoors there is no need for an inside storage and collection area. Keep in mind the design considerations for recycling areas including signage to prevent contamination, protection from the elements, and security for high value materials. Also, keep in mind that this prerequisite requires recycling of glass, plastic, paper, cardboard, and metal. The description above does not address metal. The documentation submittal must demonstrate how metal is recycled. Applicable Internationally.