Confirm that construction and demolition drawings highlight clear distinctions between the elements being restored and elements that will be taken down.

Architects should incorporate restoration specifications into the construction documents.

Fixed partitions and office furniture apply to MRc3: Materials Reuse and not to MRc.1.2 Building Reuse.

Consider tradeoffs when reusing certain elements. Retaining existing interior partitions, for example, is a simple strategy which can help to attain this credit. However, depending on the placement of the existing walls, this must be weighed against the possible loss of daylighting and views. It should also be balanced against trade-offs related to energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality, too.

Design style and aesthetics may be driving factors for preserving the interior finishes and elements.

Older buildings often contain hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, and others. The building owner may need to conduct an ASTM E1527-05 Phase I Environmental Assessment by an environmental consultant, and if required, a Phase II assessment with a remediation plan to ensure a safe and healthy facility. These hazardous materials are not included in any MR credit calculations—so they count neither for nor against you.

Design development may require community involvement in the case of an historic building undergoing renovation or addition.

Tabulate reused surfaces of following elements: the surface area (one side only) of all finished flooring, finished ceilings, interior doors, exterior or party walls, visible surfaces of built-in case goods, and two sides of interior non-structural walls.

Develop a renovation plan that outlines reuse, cleaning and restoration activities, and specifications for finishes. When possible use deconstruction, rather than demolition, so that elements that cannot be reused in the project may be reused offsite. This diversion contributes to MRc2: Construction Waste Management.

Update the checklist assembled during schematic design to confirm that the project is still on track with 50% of reused interior elements for LEED compliance. For example, a wall initially assumed to be in good condition may be found to be in poor condition, and needs to be replaced with new materials. The checklist will help track credit compliance throughout the design and construction process.