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Recycled Content

Products containing recycled content are made from materials that would otherwise be discarded.  Recycled content material reduces the need for virgin materials.  There are two types of recycled content: post-consumer and pre-consumer (also called post-industrial).  Post-consumer recycled content comes from materials that have already lived a useful life as a product.  For example, a plastic soda bottle that is melted and used to create carpet backing.  Pre-consumer recycled content includes materials that typically result from a manufacturing process.  For example, fly ash – a byproduct of the coal industry that is typically sent to the landfill - can be used to replace a portion of the cement mix in a concrete batch.

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/buyrecycled.htm

http://www.wbdg.org/references/mou_rc.php


Key Learning Topics

Materials & Resources

In the construction and day-to-day operations of buildings, many materials and resources are used and a great deal of waste is generated.  The materials selected for use in a facility and the way they are disposed of impact the environment.


Materials

Ceiling Tile

Acoustical ceiling tiles are typically used in offices with dropped ceilings. The ceiling tiles come in various sizes and finishes and frequently contain high levels of recycled content.

Gypsum Board

Gypsum board (i.e. drywall) ceilings are similar to acoustical ceilings in that they improve the acoustical properties of a space and sometimes contain recycled content.

Composite Wood

Interior doors are often made of a composite wood core covered with a laminate or wood veneer. Doors made with engineered wood are cheaper than solid wood doors, but may pose indoor air quality problems from emissions in the binders or adhesives. Greener engineered wood alternatives include formaldehyde-free door cores, those that are made of recycled content or made from agricultural waste, such as wheat straw. Additionally, veneers may be made of sustainably grown and harvested wood. These greener alternatives must be explicitly specified, as they are not standard materials.

Casework / Millwork

Select casework and millwork that have sustainable attributes such as rapidly renewable, recycled content and sustainably managed forest material. Also look for products that are low-VOC and formaldehyde-free. In addition, consider ease of maintenance and durability when choosing any material.

Entrance Mats

Entrance Mats located at the main doors of the building, either on the exterior or interior, trap the contaminants from foot traffic. Dust, dirt and other pollutants are walked off at the building entrance, increasing the indoor air quality within the office building. Entryway systems can be an inset grill or grate, or it can be a roll-up mat. Consider installing at least 10 foot long entryway systems along the path of travel to effectively capture dust, dirt and other pollutants. Entrance Mats can be made with recycled content and low VOC materials.

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Toilet / Shower Accessories

Toilet and shower accessories include soap dispensers, soap dishes, hand dryers, paper towel dispensers, trash cans, etc. These items may contain recycled content if they are made of metal or plastic. Hand dryers allow for drying without using paper products which reduces waste. Although automated paper towel dispensers typically use non-rechargeable batteries, they can also reduce waste by controlling the amount of paper dispensed.