What does the term "post-consumer recycled content" refer to in the context of LEED?

The term "post-consumer recycled content" specifically refers to materials that have been recycled after they have been used by consumers. This indicates that the materials were once part of a product that was consumed and subsequently discarded, and then they were processed and reintroduced into the manufacturing cycle for new products. This is a critical aspect of reducing waste and promoting sustainability, which aligns with LEED's goals of encouraging the use of recycled materials in construction and design.

Using post-consumer recycled content helps to lower the demand for virgin materials, reduces landfill waste, and minimizes the environmental impact associated with the extraction and processing of new raw materials. This concept is integral to many LEED credits focused on materials and resources, promoting a circular economy where resources are reused and repurposed rather than disposed of after a single use. Thus, the identification and use of such materials contribute positively to a project's sustainability profile and support LEED certification objectives.