Use K&N Global Filtration’s reusable industrial air filters to claim additional LEED points, up to 8 in the waste practices section, which is a prerequisite.

Measure the total weight of waste (in lbs., kg, or tons) that is generated and the total weight that is diverted from landfills and incineration facilities for one full year or from a waste analysis. Exclude any facility renovation waste.

To document the weight of disposable vs reuseable filters, before installing K&N filters, weigh a representative sample of legacy disposable filters from each air handling unit (AHU) operated in the building, when they have reached the end of their service life, as they are removed before they are sent to landfill. Multiply the weights of individual used filters by the number of filters installed in each AHU to derive the total weight of filters being sent to landfill for the building. This is the additional diversion weight for the calculation below.

Input generated and diverted waste totals and calculate a waste performance score for the project. LEED points for this prerequisite are awarded for waste performance scores above 40, as follows:

LEED Points for Waste Performance

Waste performance score calculation

To calculate waste performance score, the following data is required:

• Total waste generated (lbs., kg, or tons)
• Total waste diverted (lbs., kg, or tons) – ADD the calculated weight of used disposable filters to the value derived before adopting K&N reusable filters.
• Weighted occupancy

The waste generated is converted into an average daily waste generated per occupant, using the following equation:

_{Average daily waste generated = (waste generated / # days associated with waste total) / occupancy}

The waste diverted is converted into a daily waste undiverted per occupant, using the following equation:

_{Daily waste undiverted per occupant = (waste diverted / # days associated with waste total) / occupancy}

The daily undiverted waste is calculated using the following equation: 

_{Daily undiverted waste per occupant = daily waste generated per occupant– daily waste diverted per occupant}

The project’s calculated average daily waste generated per occupant AND average daily waste undiverted per occupant are input into the waste scoring function to calculate the waste performance score. 

Pro Tip

Since these equations uniquely normalize for occupancy, removing HVAC filters from the waste stream will have an outsize impact on lightly occupied buildings – like data centers. 

If you’d like to learn more about LEED credits, visit www.usgbc.org/credits.

TRUE is a zero waste certification program dedicated to measuring, improving and recognizing zero waste performance by encouraging the adoption of sustainable materials management and reduction practices.

K&N reusable filters may contribute to the pursuit of certain credits within the TRUE rating system as part of a larger strategy. Some of these opportunities to contribute to your TRUE certification are outlined below.

Amend your supply chain to reduce waste from vendors by using reusable air filters. Show documentation to prove policy change.

Identify at least one material (in this case your HVAC filters) which are being reduced. Collect documentation of the material volumes from a determined baseline period that is representative of ongoing operations.

Identify single-use materials (HVAC filters) and establish a program to help reduce or eliminate at least one material/item type, by replacing conventional filters with K&N reuseable filters.

Develop and implement tracking procedures for HVAC filters. Strive to obtain actual weights for HVAC filters.

Develop a diversion and associated cost matrix (landfill disposal cost, avoided landfill cost, recycling hauling costs, any other fees/cost) on a building size basis. Identify your waste hauling/landfill fees and, depending on your local jurisdiction and waste management utility/vendor, you may be able to show avoided costs for your HVAC filter waste reduction.

Develop a case history to demonstrate 12-month diversion benefits:

Divide weight of materials diverted by the total weight of materials generated and compare with credits available which range from 90.1% to 100%.

To create additional credit for the use of K&N reusable filters, before installing K&N filters, weigh a representative sample of legacy disposable filters from each air handling unit (AHU) operated in the building, when they have reached the end of their service life, as they are removed before they are sent to landfill. Multiply the weights of individual used filters by the number of filters installed in each AHU to derive the total weight of filters being sent to landfill for the building. This is the additional diversion weight in the reduction category for the calculation above.

As part of the project’s written EPP policy or guideline requiring first preference be given in purchasing to durable goods, Add K&N reuseable filters to your list of durable goods.

As part of your environmentally preferred items catalog, include K&N reuseable filters, and add reusable air filters to your central purchasing system.

Pro Tip

TRUE certification can support the pursuit of Materials and Resources credits in LEED for Operations and Maintenance and LEED Zero Waste certification.

If you’re interested in learning more about TRUE, visit true.gbci.org.

Up to 6 management performance credits are available within BREEAM for waste management, depending how the data is collected and communicated, with a requirement to target-set and document either tonnage or cubic feet of diverted waste.

To calculate the additional tonnage of diverted waste by using K&N reusable filters, before installing K&N filters, weigh a representative sample of legacy disposable filters from each air handling unit (AHU) operated in the building, when they have reached the end of their service life, as they are removed before they are sent to landfill. Multiply the weights of individual used filters by the number of filters installed in each AHU to derive the total weight of filters being sent to landfill for the building. This is the additional diversion weight for your table below.

Alternatively calculate the additional volume of diverted waste by using K&N reusable filters, before installing K&N filters, measure a representative sample of legacy disposable filters from each air handling unit (AHU) operated in the building, when they have reached the end of their service life, as they are removed before they are sent to landfill. Be sure to measure the filters in the state they are disposed of in case they are usually crushed before disposal. Multiply the volumes of individual used filters by the number of filters installed in each AHU to derive the total volume of filters being sent to landfill for the building. This is the additional diversion volume for your table below.

Use the highlighted row below.

To learn more about BREEAM for waste management credits, click here.

The formula used to calculate the zero waste to landfill diversion rate is as follows:

When installing K&N reusable filters, the weight of diverted filter waste counts towards the mreduced, Mass reduced (onsite) weight in the above table.

To calculate the additional mass of diverted waste by using K&N reusable filters for this table, before installing K&N filters, weigh a representative sample of legacy disposable filters from each air handling unit (AHU) operated in the building, when they have reached the end of their service life, as they are removed before they are sent to landfill. Multiply the weights of individual used filters by the number of filters installed in each AHU to derive the total mass of filters being sent to landfill for the building. This is the additional diversion mass, mreduced, to contribute to your table.

Pro Tip

The UL Standard requires each facility of an organization to prove at least 90% diversion through methods other than waste to energy for that facility to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) designations (Silver, Gold, Platinum). The highest designation, platinum, is validated by UL Solutions when a facility can prove that it consistently achieves a landfill waste diversion rate of 100%. This may not be achievable if your building uses disposable HVAC filters. Your building may now be able to meet this requirement by switching to K&N reusable filters, especially if you show intent to reuse them with, say a washing procedure or cleaning contract.

To learn more about UL Solutions Waste Diversion Credits, click here.