Learn the important distinction between reused and recycled materials in LEED green building standards. Understand how incorporating discarded materials impacts LEED credits.
Table of Contents
Question
Materials that would otherwise be discarded but are incorporated into a new building are considered to be
A. reused materials
B. local materials
C. recycled materials
D. renewable materials
Answer
A. reused materials
Explanation
Reused materials are materials that have been used before and are incorporated into a new building without significant alteration. They are different from recycled materials, which are materials that have been reprocessed into new products or materials. Reused materials reduce the demand for new resources and the amount of waste sent to landfills. LEED v4 encourages the use of reused materials by awarding points for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials.
Materials that are salvaged from other sites or sources and incorporated into a new building without being reprocessed are considered reused materials under LEED standards. The key distinction is that reused materials are used in largely their original form, while recycled materials are broken down and reprocessed into new products before being used in construction.
Examples of reused materials include:
- Doors, windows, and wood trim salvaged from demolition
- Bricks and masonry cleaned and reused from another site
- Furniture and architectural elements repurposed in new spaces
Reusing materials reduces waste, conserves resources and embodied energy compared to using new materials, and can qualify for LEED credits under the Materials and Resources category. However, to be considered reused and eligible for credits, materials must make up at least 5% of total building materials by cost.
In contrast, recycled materials like steel, aluminum, glass, and plastics are melted down or processed back into raw materials that are then used to manufacture new building products. Using recycled content can also qualify for LEED points, but is classified differently than material reuse.
The other options are incorrect because:
B. Local materials refer to those sourced within a certain distance of the project site, regardless of if they are reused
C. Recycled materials are reprocessed into new products before use, not used in their original form
D. Renewable materials come from rapidly replenishing sources but are not necessarily discarded/reused
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.