Learn the top strategies for reducing construction waste and acing the LEED Green Associate Exam. Our expert guide covers key tactics like performing waste stream audits and developing waste management policies.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following actions Is a strategy to reduce construction waste?
A. Perform a waste stream audit
B. Use materials with a high recycled content
C. Develop a construction waste management policy
D. Hire a consultant to sort construction waste off site
Answer
C. Develop a construction waste management policy
Explanation
Using materials with a high recycled content is a strategy to reduce construction waste. Recycled content materials are made from pre-consumer or post-consumer waste that has been diverted from landfills or incinerators and reprocessed into new materials.
Using recycled content materials reduces the demand for virgin materials, saves energy and resources, and prevents waste generation. The other options are not strategies to reduce construction waste. Performing a waste stream audit is a strategy to measure and analyze the types and quantities of waste generated by a building or project.
Developing a construction waste management policy is a strategy to establish goals and procedures for diverting construction waste from landfills or incinerators. Hiring a consultant to sort construction waste off site is a strategy to outsource the responsibility of separating recyclable or reusable materials from construction waste, but it does not necessarily reduce the amount of waste generated.
Developing a construction waste management policy is the most effective strategy for reducing construction waste out of the options provided. A waste management policy establishes clear guidelines and procedures for minimizing waste generation, sorting and diverting waste streams, and responsibly disposing of remaining waste.
Key components of a good construction waste management policy include:
- Identifying major waste streams and reduction opportunities
- Setting waste diversion goals (e.g. recycle 75% of waste)
- Providing on-site separation of waste materials
- Educating workers on waste handling procedures
- Documenting waste diversion and disposal
While the other options can support waste reduction, they are not as comprehensive as establishing an overarching waste management policy:
A) A waste stream audit assesses types and quantities of waste, but alone does not reduce waste. It informs waste reduction strategies.
B) Using high recycled content materials is a sustainability best practice but does not actively minimize waste produced on-site.
D) Third-party sorting can divert waste from landfills but is less preferable than preventing and separating waste on-site.
Therefore, developing a construction waste management policy is the best choice, as it directly addresses waste minimization throughout the construction process. A robust policy is essential for achieving significant reductions in waste sent to landfills.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.