MaterialSpaceDetails - GSA Sustainable Facilities Tool

Design Guidance

Overall Strategies

Trays, cutlery and plates can be either reusable or compostable and biodegradable, and each option has advantages and disadvantages. Reusable serviceware keeps material out of the waste stream and prevents the overuse of plastic which does not decompose, however it also requires energy- and water-intensive machinery to clean and sterilize. The cleaning equipment must be planned out carefully as it requires significant floor area. Compostable and biodegradable serviceware, however, does not require the cleaning equipment and can be discarded after single use with little adverse effect on the environment. Plates, cups, and cutlery can be plant-based in lieu of plastic, and trays can be made of heavy unbleached paperboard. These options require planned storage for inventory since they cannot be reused, and though biodegradable they do increase the overall waste stream.

Best Practices

Using reusable trays and serviceware minimizes waste, but they require hot water and soap to clean and sterilize.
Use biodegradable alternatives to plastic if using disposable take-out containers, flatware, and plates.
Serve condiments via large dispensers and small recyclable cups to reduce waste and support buying condiments in bulk.

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EB = Existing BuildingsNC = New Construction and Major Renovation

Federal Requirements

Guiding Principles

Materials - Recycled Content ( Guiding Principles criteria 5.1)

Section: Guiding Principles 5:  Reduce the Environmental Impact of Materials

“Use products that meet or exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recycled content recommendations for building construction, modifications, operations, and maintenance, where applicable and as required by statute.”
See the Green Procurement Compilation (GPC) for recycled content recommendations by product type.
US EPA | Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines
Products ( Guiding Principles criteria 5.3)

Section: Guiding Principle 5:  Reduce the Environmental Impact of Materials

“Procure and utilize construction materials and building supplies that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment over their life cycle when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose.”

See the Green Procurement Compilation (GPC) for federal requirements by product type.
Whole Building Design Guide | Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers
EPA Greener Products and Services
2018 IgCC Section 901
Solid Waste Management ( Guiding Principles criteria 5.6)

Section: Guiding Principle 5:  Reduce the Environmental Impact of Materials

“Reduce waste disposed of in landfills and incineration facilities by recovering, reusing, and recycling materials. Provide in building design, construction, renovation, and operation for the collection and storage of recyclable materials, including, as appropriate, compostable materials. Maintain a waste reduction and recycling program, and maximize waste diversion to the extent practicable. Pursue cost-effective waste minimization during the construction and renovation phase of the building, and maximize reuse or recycling of building materials, products, and supplies.”

EPA | Waste Management Hierarchy.
Whole Building Design Guide | Construction Waste Management
2018 IgCC Section 901

Tray Service

Design Guidance

Overall Strategies

Best Practices

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Federal Requirements

Guiding Principles

Materials - Recycled Content ( <span>Guiding Principles criteria 5.1</span>)

Products ( <span>Guiding Principles criteria 5.3</span>)

Solid Waste Management ( <span>Guiding Principles criteria 5.6</span>)