What does LEED's MR credit for "Construction and Demolition Waste Management" promote?

The MR credit for "Construction and Demolition Waste Management" promotes diverting construction debris from landfills. This aspect of LEED emphasizes sustainable practices during the construction process by encouraging project teams to develop and implement a waste management plan that prioritizes recycling and reusing materials whenever possible. By targeting the diversion of waste, this credit helps reduce the environmental impact associated with disposal in landfills, thus contributing to overall sustainability goals.

Focusing on waste diversion rather than maximizing the use of new materials ensures that the lifecycle of existing materials is extended and that valuable resources are conserved. The strategy not only minimizes landfill use but also promotes a circular economy where materials can be reclaimed and repurposed, which is critical in a construction context where large amounts of waste are typically generated.