LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

Which of the following indicates performance requirements under ongoing purchasing and a waste policy?

1. Frequent equipment updates

2. Annual waste audits

3. Conducting a waste stream audit every 5 years

4. Recycling rates of less than 50%

The correct answer is: Conducting a waste stream audit every 5 years

The selection of conducting a waste stream audit every 5 years indicates a long-term commitment to evaluating waste management practices and improving performance standards related to ongoing purchasing and waste policies. This scheduled audit allows an organization to regularly assess the effectiveness of its waste policies, identify areas of improvement, and ensure that purchasing decisions are aligned with sustainability goals. By reviewing the waste stream periodically, the organization can analyze how much waste is generated and what materials can be redirected towards recycling or reduced overall. This data not only informs better purchasing decisions—such as selecting more sustainable products or materials—but also helps develop strategies to reduce waste, thereby fulfilling the performance requirements of the waste policy. In contrast, frequent equipment updates primarily focus on the physical assets rather than the policies addressing waste. Annual waste audits, while proactive, may not offer the same depth of insight when spread across all operations as a comprehensive 5-year analysis, which can track trends and establish a clearer picture of waste management. Lastly, recycling rates of less than 50% suggest a potential failure to meet goals rather than an indicator of performance requirements.