For the baseline material budget, you must use the actual value of all materials purchased in the above applicable CSI categories (sustainable and non-sustainable). The default 45% materials budget option available for other rating systems is not available for CI projects.

You can use the guidance from LEED-NC MRc3 to help determine construction items as defined in CSI MasterSpec Format, Divisions 3-10, Sections 31.60: Foundations, 32.10: Paving, 32.30: Site Improvements, and 32.90: Planting.

Include in your materials budget the cost (excluding labor) of all construction items. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and equipment costs are excluded. Furniture is also excluded, as it is dealt with in a separate credit, MRc3.2. (See the Resource tab for a breakdown of CSI divisons.)

Include in your materials baseline budget the materials cost (excluding labor) of all items that apply under CSI Master Spec 2004 (see the Resources section for a breakdown of CSI divisions):

Divisions 3–10, 
Sections 31.60: Foundations
32.10: Paving 
32.30: Site Improvements
32.90: Planting
Division 12: Furniture is optional. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and equipment costs are also excluded.  

Your baseline material budget assumptions and material costs should be consistent across MRc3–7. The LEED Online credit form helps ensure this, as you only enter the information once for multiple MR credits.

Begin creating a baseline materials budget. Even if you don’t know the actual material costs, it will be helpful to establish estimates at this stage. You can use a spreadsheet to help create the baseline budget and track its environmental benefits, such as the one offered in the Documentation Toolkit. 

While salvaged materials—such as a reclaimed raised-floor frame—may be hidden from the end user’s view, other salvaged materials can add historic character to a space when displayed prominently, such as reclaimed wood flooring. Both types of reuse offer environmental benefits.

Research the availability of appropriate salvaged materials for your project. See the Resources section for sites that can help with this.

Evaluate what materials the project will use that might be targeted for reuse. Set goals in the owner’s project requirements regarding salvaged materials. This can include material recovered from demolition, materials that can be reused as part of a relocation, or materials that are acquired from architectural salvage vendors, donations, or other projects.  

Work with existing and new product vendors to help identify environmentally preferable products. They may already offer EPP options, thus making your product research easier.