855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 417
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Deconstruction, which involves carefully dismantling structures to salvage materials, supports environmental outcomes by reducing waste, air pollution, carbon emissions, and resource use while conserving energy from the creation of otherwise new materials. [106]
Teams must conduct a salvage assessment to identify opportunities for reusing materials within the project. The assessment must also scan local or regional sources for reclaimed materials from off-site locations that could be incorporated into the project. A salvage assessment is typically conducted prior to any construction taking place, and is done by deconstruction professionals, sustainability consultants, or salvage experts and includes an inventory of materials categorized by type, quantity, and reuse potential. An assessment is considered adequate if it thoroughly covers all relevant materials, addresses safety concerns, and provides actionable guidance for stakeholders to implement reuse or recycling strategies effectively.
The assessment also includes evaluating the existing building or site for salvageable components and exploring local markets, suppliers, or deconstruction initiatives for reusable materials. Architectural salvage stores, reuse websites/databases, and Habitat for Humanity ReStores are places to find reused building materials.
Table 2 of the requirement outlines the points awarded for incorporating reused materials into a project. Points are based on the reuse percentage per material type, by quantity, relative to the total amount of the material type. Higher percentages of reused materials and achieving more material types earn more points, encouraging teams to prioritize salvaging and reusing structural elements, enclosure components, and other building materials.
Reusing materials Reusing existing materials for a purpose other than what it was originally built or designed for, reused for the same purpose, or materials that are modified and reinstalled can reduce waste and extend useful life, providing economic and environmental benefits to owners, contractors, building occupants, and communities. Reduce the need to purchase new materials when reusing existing materials, leading to direct savings on materials and transportation costs. Reusing materials onsite also helps reduce the overall embodied carbon on the project as it eliminates the need to produce new materials that generate greenhouse gas emissions. A reduction in construction and demolition waste will decrease the environmental burden on waste management systems.
This credit option rewards projects for incorporating reused elements into the building. The sources for reused materials can be from onsite or gathered offsite from vendors, other projects,
106 “Deconstruction and Building Material Reuse: A tool for local governments and economic development practitioners”, Delta Institute, (2018, May), https://delta-institute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Deconstruction-Go-Guide-6-13-18-.pdf.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 407