Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors, LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, LEED BD+C: Schools

Rating System Version

v2 - Schools 2007, v2 - LEED 2.2, v2 - LEED 2.0

Inquiry

Under LEED-NC v2.0 projects with a total gross area of 200,001 square feet or greater are to provide at least 500 square feet of space dedicated to recycling activities in order to meet MR Prerequisite 1. Previous CIRs (9/28/2001 & 4/9/2007) have ruled that the recycling space need not be fully in the building, as long as the intent of the Prerequisite is met - to reduce building occupant generated waste that is disposed of in landfill. Our project consists of the major renovation of 1,300,000 square feet of office space in a dense urban area (midtown Manhattan, NYC). At present there is no space specifically set aside for recycling activities, aside from storage of routine supplies such as plastic bags. Waste from the building is processed for recycling however, through the services of a local hauler who accepts commingled recyclables and removes them to a downstream sorting and recycling center. There waste can be separated into paper, cardboard, glass, plastics and metals. An adequately sized container is available in the enclosed loading dock, accessible to building staff at all times for waste disposal. Wet refuse is handled separately. Due to the space requirements imposed by an intense urban setting, this is in fact the recycling method for virtually all waste generated in commercial buildings in Manhattan. Please advise us if this arrangement is adequate to achieve Materials and Resources Prerequisite 1.