855773667-LEED-v5-O-M-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 207

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does not reward high volumes of diversion. Apply a volume-to-weight conversion factor for each material type and multiply the volume per material type to determine the total estimated weight for disposal.

For either method, project teams can optionally choose to manually monitor the fullness of each bin and then report the average percent full of each materials bin/type at collection over the reporting period, rather than take the default values. This method includes physically observing material volumes to convert to weight using volume-to-weight conversion factors. While the observation time frame should capture what the team considers to be representative, it is recommended to observe the containers for a minimum of one week. U.S. EPA volume-toweight conversion factors for the specific waste type may be used to quantify the amount of materials for each type. For all cases, facility-specific or regional conversion factors may also be used.

CALCULATION FOR REDUCTION AND REUSE

There are two methods for calculating potential diversion numbers through the reduction and reuse of materials in the project site’s material streams.

Calculating reduction Many projects find ways to reduce the amount of materials being purchased and generated by implementing more efficient practices within the project boundary. When a project switches to a new strategy, like a reusable container, and prevents the generation of material in the process, then this action would be documented under the Reduction category in your diversion data tracking system. The weights of materials not generated due to a reduction action are tracked and used in calculations in the same way as the weights for actual materials. [89]

• Measure the weight of the object that was used and disposed of before switching to the new waste prevention strategy.

• Multiply the weight of that object by the number of objects no longer being purchased or discarded.

• Subtract the current weight total of the object from the weight total that is no longer being purchased to get the reduction.

Reduction weights can continue to be counted every year regardless of when the initial reduction event took place as long as the original reduction strategy is still in place and being implemented.

89 Green Business Certification Institute, Inc., TRUE Diversion Data Additional Guidance Version 1.2 (GBCI, 2024), true.gbci.org/sites/default/files/resources/TRUE-Diversion-Data-Technical-Guidance_1.pdf.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, April 2025 Launch Edition 197