LEED certification has started to become a staple of businesses in the United States. LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) is often the certification obtained by many property owners. It applies to building upgrades, retrofits and typically focuses on the performance of a building rather than the design.

If a business is going for LEED certification they are most definitely looking at their lighting systems for a retrofit or change over to the LEED-EB specified lighting standards. There is a category within LEED-EB called “Material Resources” that includes a prerequisite for low mercury bulbs. The prerequisite is detailed as to”establish and maintain a toxic material source reduction program to reduce the amount of mercury brought into buildings through purchases of light bulbs.”. It goes on to state the specifics including mercury content and specific lamps that meet LEED-EB. Most likely a business would need to change out it’s current bulbs resulting in a need for a proper lamp recycling program.

While lamp recycling is not required for LEED-EB it does fall under Occupant Recycling in Material Resources and up to 3 points can be awarded. Additionally this credit also requires 95% recycling for batteries, and 30% (1 point), 40% (2 points), or 50% (3 points) of all waste, including paper, metal, cardboard, plastic, etc.

We have always seen recycling as an easy initial rung on the LEED ladder. Setting up a lamp and battery recycling program is easy and can garner up to 3 points for a certification. We have put together the NLR LEEDPak to assist in this goal. The LEEDPak contains everything needed to start your recycling program including: Choice of any (2) 4′, 8′ BakPak or MultiPak containers and (1) BatteryPak at a reduced rate. Its the easiest way to start your path to LEED certification.

Learn About:

• LEED and LEED-EB