855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 418
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salvage yards, donations, and more. Early coordination with contractors is recommended to help identify salvageable materials and align salvage efforts with the construction schedule. Teams should photograph materials before, during, and after salvage, as well as images of offsite-sourced items for verification if requested by reviewers.
Targeted materials found in Table 3 for this credit include carpeting, ceilings, furniture (ancillary and systems), and interior walls. Prioritizing these materials is based on several criteria, including high embodied carbon, toxic impacts in landfills, and significant potential for recovery in existing or emerging salvage and reuse markets, despite current low participation levels. Teams should refer to the EPA WARM tool and Build Reuse association for more on the impacts of targeted materials in LEED. [107,108] These targeted materials receive a 2x multiplier compared to other reused materials. However, all forms of reuse are recognized in this credit and are eligible for additional rewards in other LEED credits.
Salvaging materials Successful salvaging begins with careful planning and requires a thorough audit of the existing materials and structures to identify which materials can be reclaimed. It is recommended to conduct an early salvage assessment during building design to determine which tools and methods will be most valuable and effective for removal and preservation.
Teams must calculate the percentage of salvaged materials per material type categories listed in the credit, Table 3. Calculation must be based on the unit specified per the materials type. Project teams are welcome to include unlisted material type(s) in the table as “project defined other.”
Conduct salvage assessment for projects with deconstruction or demolition in scope For projects with deconstruction or demolition in scope, conduct a salvage assessment to document the quantity of materials that could be salvaged and reused on- or off-site. A salvage assessment is most useful when conducted before construction activities begin. Conducting a salvage assessment identifies valuable materials and components that can be reclaimed and reused, thus reducing waste and disposal costs. Examples of salvageable materials include clean wood, siding, roofing materials, plumbing, finishes, and lighting fixtures.
Teams are recommended to connect with local/regional reuse organizations and/or visit reuse facilities to understand available materials that could be incorporated into the project. Teams can also better understand the demand in the local area for salvaged materials generated by
107 “Waste Reduction Model (WARM)”, United States Environmental Protection Agency, (n.d.), https://www.epa.gov/warm. 108 “Home page”, Build Reuse, (n.d.), https://www.buildreuse.org/.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 408