Implement the plan for diverting durable goods from the solid waste stream. Divert at least 75% of the durable goods waste stream from the landfill to achieve this credit. If you divert 95% you can earn an Exemplary Performance point through IOc1.
Check regularly during the performance period to make sure the target sustainable product purchase rates are being met, and that all procurement staff are purchasing sustainable options when appropriate.
Make sure to retain cut sheets that clearly quantify the product’s environmental benefits. Vague environmental claims do not make appropriate LEED documentation.
Track all materials used for alterations and additions (both those that meet credit requirements and those that don’t) during the performance period. (See the sample tracking form in the Documentation Toolkit.)
Consider developing a list of all approved materials, and have the project supervisor or other member of the project team occasionally walk the project site with the list to compared installed products with those in the list.
Review subcontractor product submittals ahead of time to help avoid the purchase of inappropriate materials and eliminate the need for costly change orders. Remember, at least 50% of the total material budget needs to be sustainable materials.
Breaking out specific materials costs (excluding labor) for construction materials is a requirement for this credit. Some subcontractors prefer not to do this because they don’t want to reveal their markups on products they purchased at wholesale. However, contractors don’t need to break the markup separately from wholesale cost. (Just be sure to break out the product cost from labor and installation costs.)
