Which LEED credit encourages reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills?

The credit that focuses on reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills is Construction Waste Management. This credit encourages project teams to develop and implement a waste management plan that identifies which materials can be diverted from landfills and instead reused, recycled, or salvaged during construction activities.

By promoting practices that manage waste effectively, this credit plays a critical role in minimizing environmental impact and supporting sustainable practices in the construction industry. It sets specific targets for the diversion of construction and demolition debris, which can significantly reduce the overall volume of waste that ends up in landfills. This aligns with broader goals of sustainability by conserving resources and reducing the burden on waste management systems.

The other options, while relevant to materials and resources management, focus on different aspects of sustainability. Materials Reuse encourages finding ways to use existing materials in new construction projects, which indirectly supports waste reduction but does not solely target landfill diversion. Recycled Content promotes the use of materials that contain recycled content, contributing to sustainable sourcing but not specifically addressing waste management practices during construction. Responsible Sourcing looks at the procurement and sourcing of materials, focusing on social and environmental impacts rather than waste.