The next chapter of materials management
The LEED v5 rating system for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) marks a major step forward in advancing material reuse and responsible waste management within green building standards. It emphasizes circularity—the idea of keeping materials in use for as long as possible—by rewarding projects that prioritize reuse, selective demolition and source-separated recycling. LEED v5 shifts focus from traditional mixed recycling toward strategies that have measurable impacts on reducing embodied carbon and waste. Projects can now earn additional points for retaining existing materials on-site, procuring reused materials from other projects and diverting salvaged materials for off-site reuse, which counts double toward waste diversion goals.
A key innovation in LEED v5 is its stronger commitment to source separation, where recyclables are sorted by material type (such as wood, steel, or drywall) instead of being collected in mixed bins. This approach ensures cleaner material streams and higher recycling quality, directly supporting circular economy principles. The system also establishes minimum thresholds for source-separated recycling, meaning projects can no longer rely solely on commingled recycling to meet diversion requirements. By integrating these changes, LEED v5 pushes the building industry toward more intentional, data-driven material management practices that not only reduce waste but also lower carbon emissions and promote long-term sustainability.
