Which of the following earns 1/2 point for Environmentally Preferable Products?

The countertop with 25% post-consumer recycled content earns ½ point for Environmentally Preferable Products because it demonstrates a commitment to recycling and sustainability. In the LEED rating system, products that incorporate recycled materials contribute to reducing the demand for virgin materials and help minimize waste.

Products with post-consumer recycled content are particularly valued because they repurpose materials that have already been used by consumers and would otherwise end up in landfills. By using this type of countertop, a project not only reduces its environmental footprint but also supports a market for recycled materials, which enhances overall sustainability in construction practices.

In contrast, options with no recycled content or made strictly from natural stone do not contribute to the same degree of environmental benefits. While natural stone can have its own attributes of sustainability, it does not directly incorporate recycled materials, which is a key factor for earning points in this category. Similarly, countertops with post-industrial recycled content might be beneficial, but the specified amount in option C may not qualify for the same point threshold as the one combining post-consumer recycled content suitable for earning the ½ point.