Learn about the key metrics that must be collected and measured in a LEED building’s waste reduction, reuse and recycling program, including waste diverted through recycling and reuse. Prepare for the USGBC LEED Green Associate Exam with this expert question breakdown.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following must a waste reduction, reuse and recycling program collect and measure?
A. Excavated soil and land-clearing debris
B. Hazardous materials leaving the building
C. Recycled content 0t purchased office supplies
D. Waste diverted through recycling and reuse
Answer
D. Waste diverted through recycling and reuse
Explanation
A waste reduction, reuse and recycling program must collect and measure the waste diverted through recycling and reuse, which is the amount of waste that is prevented from going to landfills or incinerators by being recovered, reused, or recycled. This is one of the key indicators of the environmental performance and benefits of a waste management program, as it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, save energy and water, and create jobs.
LEED v4 recognizes and rewards this strategy in the Construction and Demolition Waste Management credit1, which aims to reduce construction and demolition waste disposed of in landfills and incineration facilities. The other options are not directly related to the waste reduction, reuse and recycling program, as they involve different types of materials or metrics that are not relevant for measuring waste diversion.
A successful waste reduction, reuse and recycling program in a LEED building must collect and measure the amount of waste that is being diverted away from landfills and incinerators through recycling and reuse efforts. This is a key performance metric for assessing the effectiveness of the program.
While the other options listed may be part of a building’s overall sustainability practices, they are not the primary focus of measuring the performance of a waste reduction, reuse and recycling program:
A) Excavated soil and land-clearing debris are addressed more in the site selection and development process rather than ongoing building operations and waste management.
B) Hazardous materials like chemicals and electronics require special handling and disposal methods separate from the main recycling and waste stream.
C) Tracking recycled content in purchased materials like office supplies relates more to sustainable purchasing practices rather than waste diversion.
Therefore, the amount of waste being diverted through recycling and reuse is the essential metric that must be collected and measured to gauge the success of a LEED building’s waste reduction program. This data helps identify opportunities for improvement and demonstrates the building’s commitment to minimizing its environmental impact.
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.