In response to increasing implementation of sustainability rating systems, the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute board of directors has approved a
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In response to increasing implementation of sustainability rating systems, the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute board of directors has approved a position on LEED credits. The Institute thereby addressed submittal information required for U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED certification relating to Materials and Resources credits MR4 (Recycled Content) and MR5 (Regional Materials). Accordingly, CRSI advises that the following information and guidance be used when evaluating the contributions of reinforcing steel in credits MR4 and MR5:
MR4 (Recycled Content) – The vast majority of domestically produced, conventionally available reinforcing steel, i.e., ASTM A615 and A706, has recycled material content typically greater than 97 percent. Specialty reinforcing steel products, such as ASTM A1035 low-carbon, chromium steel and ASTM A955 stainless steel, have a recycled content typically greater than 75 percent.
MR5 (Regional Materials) – Regional materials are those both harvested and manufactured within 500 miles (as the crow flies) from the project site. Identification, then, is required of site locations for (1) the steel billet producer, i.e., the collector of scrap and, thus, the point of harvest; and, (2) the point of manufacture, defined by the USGBC as the point of final assembly. In the case of reinforcing steel, the fabricator is recognized as the manufacturer, since the fabricator modifies the product into shape and size for final use. Additional information on the Institute’s LEED credit position can be obtained from Darren Szrom, 847/517-1200; [email protected].