This is a performance-based prerequisite that must be documented through the Arc platform. Teams enter waste data into Arc for all ongoing and durable goods waste streams (facility renovations waste must be excluded). The data must cover at least 12 consecutive months with no gaps or missing data. Alternatively, teams can provide the results of at least one waste audit.
A Prerequisite with Points
A minimum performance score of 40 must be achieved to earn this prerequisite. Your project will receive 3 LEED points for reaching this threshold. Additional points (up to 8) are achieved as your performance score increases.
Performance Scoring
This prerequisite assesses the amount of waste generated and diverted (from landfills and incineration) by a project. The Arc platform uses a few key building details to generate a waste performance score, including total waste generated, total waste diverted, and weighted occupancy. The Arc platform also compares your waste data against other high performing buildings worldwide (ie—other LEED certified projects). Check out the LEED v4.1 O+M Beta Guide for more details on how energy performance is scored in v4.1.
Weight Versus Volume
Teams must enter data onto Arc in weight units. If weight cannot be measured for a given waste stream, teams may convert volume measurements to weight using an appropriate volume-to-weight conversion factor. The US EPA is a good source for appropriate conversion factors (see the Documentation Toolkit).
Additional Prerequisite Documentation
Don’t forget to provide a description of collection, storage, and disposal process for recyclable materials, batteries, and all lamps. This additional piece of documentation is required for this prerequisite.
What’s New in LEED v4.1
- This is a new prerequisite that assesses waste generation and diversion
- Both ongoing waste and durable goods waste are assessed together with a single performance score
- Performance is based on actual waste data for a 12-month period, or the results of at least one waste audit
- Data must be provided in units of weight
Should I upgrade?
The only way to determine your v4.1 waste performance score is to enter 12 months of total waste data (or the results of at least one waste audit) into Arc. Projects with robust composting and recycling programs, or that generate low quantities of weight compared to occupant headcount, are more likely to perform well on the Arc platform. When choosing between rating systems, remember that there’s a larger number of points available under v4.1 (eight points compared to two points in v4).