What does the LEED category "Materials and Resources" address?

The "Materials and Resources" category in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) specifically addresses resource procurement and waste management. This category focuses on the responsible sourcing of materials used in construction as well as the management and reduction of waste generated throughout the building's lifecycle. It encourages the use of sustainable materials, promotes recycling and reuse, and seeks to minimize the environmental impact associated with building materials.

In this context, the emphasis is placed on how materials are sourced (considering factors like environmental impact, life cycle assessments, and local sourcing) and how construction waste is managed to reduce landfill contributions.

While energy consumption, indoor air quality, and site development are crucial elements of sustainable building practices, they fall under different LEED categories. Energy consumption pertains to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, indoor air quality relates to ventilation and occupant health, and site development covers land use and ecological conservation. Thus, the primary focus of the "Materials and Resources" category is rightfully on the aspects of resource procurement and waste management.