What does prioritizing recycled materials help to achieve?

Prioritizing recycled materials contributes to reducing the need for new resource extraction, which is a key goal in sustainable building practices. By using materials that have already been processed and manufactured, the demand for virgin resources is decreased. This practice not only conserves natural habitats and resources but also minimizes energy consumption and pollution associated with extracting and processing new materials.

Furthermore, using recycled materials can significantly lower the overall environmental impact of a construction project, as it often involves less energy and fewer emissions than sourcing new materials. This aligns with the principles of sustainability and responsible resource management, which are essential to achieving certifications like LEED.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purposes of prioritizing recycled materials in construction practices, making them less relevant in this context.