TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productsfor using materials with sustainable attributes, such as reused or salvaged materials. In a gut rehab project, maintaining existing exterior wall and floor framing qualifies these components as reused materials.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products (1–4 points)
Use products that meet one or more of the following criteria for at least 25%, 50%, or 90% (by cost) of the total materials:
Reused or salvaged materials: Materials that are reclaimed from the same or another project, such as existing framing maintained in a gut rehab.In gut rehab projects, existing structural components (e.g., wall and floor framing) that are reused in place qualify as reclaimed materials.Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products
Reclaimed materials, such as existing framing reused in gut rehab projects, contribute to the percentage of environmentally preferable products based on their cost.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The termreclaimed(Option B) is used in LEED to describe materials that are reused or salvaged, such as existing framing kept in place during a gut rehab. This reduces the demand for new materials and aligns with the credit’s intent.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160., C. Refurbished: Refurbished materials are restored or repaired for reuse (e.g., refinished doors). Framing maintained in place is not refurbished but simply reused, so this term does not apply.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160., D. Restructured: This term is not used in LEED and does not describe the reuse of existing framing.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes MR credits, including Environmentally Preferable Products, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the term “reclaimed.”, References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160., LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits)., LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4)., USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4)., LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming reclaimed material criteria., , , ]
