How Demolition Contributes to LEED Certification in Calgary

Green building is no longer a niche trend in Calgary. It has become a standard expectation for commercial developments, municipal projects, and forward-thinking property owners. At the centre of this shift is LEED certification, the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world.

What many project owners don't realize is that demolition plays a foundational role in achieving LEED certification. Before a single new wall goes up, how you tear down and manage existing materials can determine whether your project qualifies for critical sustainability credits.

This guide explains how demolition contributes to LEED certification, what Calgary projects need to know about waste diversion requirements, and how working with the right demolition contractor can support your green building goals.

What Is LEED Certification?

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. In Canada, it is administered by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC).

LEED certification evaluates buildings across several categories:

Sustainable site development

Water efficiency

Energy and atmosphere

Materials and resources

Indoor environmental quality

Innovation and design process

Projects earn points in each category, and the total determines the certification level: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.

Canada ranked second globally for LEED-certified buildings in 2024, with 438 projects certified representing approximately 10 million square metres of space. Calgary has been at the forefront of this movement, with notable projects like the Environmental Education Centre at Ralph Klein Park (LEED Platinum) and the Calgary Composting Facility, Alberta's first commercial building registered under LEED v4.

How Demolition Earns LEED Points

The Materials and Resources (MR) credit category is where demolition has the most direct impact. Under LEED v4.1 and the newer LEED v5, projects can earn points through construction and demolition waste management.

LEED v4.1 Waste Diversion Requirements

Under the current LEED v4.1 standard, projects can earn points by diverting construction and demolition waste from landfills:

1 Point (Path 1): Divert at least 50% of total construction and demolition materials through at least two material streams

2 Points (Path 3): Divert at least 75% of total construction and demolition materials through at least three material streams

Material streams typically include concrete, metals, wood, cardboard, drywall, and asphalt. Each stream must be tracked separately to demonstrate compliance.

LEED v5 Updates (2025)

The latest LEED v5 standard, launched in 2025, continues to emphasize waste diversion but with updated requirements. General contractors must create a Construction and Demolition Materials Management Plan that promotes recycling and diversion. Points are still awarded based on diversion percentages, with higher points available for achieving 50% or 75% rates.

One important change: comingled waste now receives a maximum 35% diversion rate credit unless processed at a recycling facility with third-party verified diversion averages.

Why Waste Diversion Matters in Calgary

Calgary's construction industry generates significant demolition waste. Without proper management, this material ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation and missed sustainability opportunities.

Professional demolition services that prioritize waste diversion offer several benefits:

Environmental Impact

Recycling concrete, metals, and wood reduces the demand for virgin materials. Concrete can be crushed and reused as aggregate for new construction. Metals are infinitely recyclable. Wood can be repurposed or converted to mulch and biomass.

Cost Savings

Landfill tipping fees in Alberta continue to rise. Diverting materials to recycling facilities often costs less than disposal, especially for high-volume projects. Some materials, like scrap metal, can even generate revenue.

Regulatory Compliance

The City of Calgary's Sustainable Building Policy requires LEED certification for municipal projects where the City pays over $1 million or 33% of construction costs. Private developers pursuing LEED certification for market differentiation or tenant requirements must also meet these standards.

The Demolition Process for LEED Projects

Achieving LEED credits through demolition requires more than just sorting debris at the end of a project. It demands a systematic approach from planning through completion.

1. Pre-Demolition Assessment

Before any work begins, a thorough site assessment identifies all materials present. This includes:

Structural materials (concrete, steel, wood framing)

Finishing materials (drywall, flooring, ceiling tiles)

Mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)

Hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint, PCBs)

The assessment informs the waste management plan and identifies materials with the highest recycling potential.

2. Hazardous Material Abatement

Asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials must be removed before general demolition begins. This work requires licensed abatement contractors and follows strict Alberta Occupational Health and Safety regulations.

Hazardous materials are excluded from LEED waste diversion calculations but must be handled properly to avoid contaminating recyclable materials.

3. Selective Demolition and Deconstruction

Rather than wholesale destruction, selective demolition carefully removes materials to maximize salvage potential. This approach:

Preserves materials in reusable condition

Reduces contamination between material streams

Enables accurate tracking and documentation

For projects targeting high LEED scores, deconstruction may involve hand-dismantling certain elements to recover fixtures, millwork, or architectural features for reuse.

4. On-Site Sorting and Separation

Materials are sorted on-site into designated containers for each stream. Clear labeling and worker training ensure materials reach the correct bins. Contamination between streams can disqualify materials from diversion credits.

5. Documentation and Verification

LEED certification requires detailed documentation:

Waste hauler receipts showing material types and weights

Recycling facility certifications

Diversion rate calculations

Photos of sorting operations

This paper trail proves compliance during LEED review and certification.

Calgary's Green Building Leadership

Calgary has embraced sustainable construction at both the municipal and institutional levels. The University of Calgary operates one of Canada's largest concentrations of green buildings on any post-secondary campus, with 1.8 million square feet across 13 LEED-certified projects.

The MacKimmie Complex achieved LEED Platinum and became UCalgary's first Zero Carbon Building Design certified project. These facilities demonstrate that high-performance green buildings are achievable in Alberta's climate.

The City of Calgary's Green Buildings Priority Stream Program offers expedited permit processing for projects meeting specific sustainability criteria, providing additional incentive for developers to pursue green building certification.

Choosing a Demolition Contractor for LEED Projects

Not all demolition contractors have the systems and experience to support LEED certification. When selecting a partner for a green building project, look for:

Waste Tracking Capabilities: The contractor should have established relationships with certified recycling facilities and systems for documenting material weights and destinations.

Experience with Material Streams: Different materials require different handling. Concrete goes to crushing facilities, metals to scrap processors, wood to recyclers or biomass facilities.

Hazardous Material Expertise: Proper abatement is essential before general demolition can proceed safely.

Communication and Reporting: Regular updates on diversion rates help project teams track progress toward LEED goals.

Partner with Makki Demolition for Your LEED Project

At Makki Demolition, we understand that sustainable demolition is about more than meeting minimums. Our team brings experience in waste stream management, material salvage, and the documentation LEED projects require.

We work with Calgary developers, general contractors, and property owners to:

Develop project-specific waste management plans

Maximize diversion rates through careful sorting and material handling

Coordinate with certified recycling facilities across Alberta

Provide detailed documentation for LEED submissions

Handle hazardous material abatement in compliance with provincial regulations

Whether you're pursuing LEED certification for a commercial development, institutional project, or municipal facility, our team can help you achieve your sustainability goals while keeping your project on schedule.

Contact Makki Demolition today at +1 (403) 392-2803, email us at info@makkidemolition.ca, or reach out online to discuss how we can support your green building project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of demolition waste needs to be diverted for LEED certification?

Under LEED v4.1, projects can earn 1 point by diverting 50% of materials through at least two streams, or 2 points by diverting 75% through at least three streams.

Does hazardous material count toward LEED waste diversion?

No. Hazardous materials like asbestos and lead are excluded from diversion calculations. However, they must be properly abated before general demolition to avoid contaminating recyclable materials.

Can residential demolition projects pursue LEED certification?

Yes. While LEED is most common for commercial projects, residential developments can also pursue certification. The waste diversion principles apply equally to residential demolition projects.

How do I document waste diversion for LEED?

You'll need hauler receipts showing material types and weights, recycling facility certifications, and calculated diversion rates. Your demolition contractor should provide these records throughout the project.

What materials have the highest recycling value in demolition?

Metals typically have the highest value and can often generate revenue. Concrete is readily recyclable as aggregate. Wood, depending on condition, can be repurposed or processed into mulch and biomass.