LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a type of responsible extraction criterion for sourcing raw materials?

1. Extended producer responsibility

2. Linear production methods

3. Mass production techniques

4. Single-use materials

The correct answer is: Extended producer responsibility

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a type of responsible extraction criterion for sourcing raw materials as it places the onus of waste management and sustainability on the producers of goods. EPR promotes the design of products with their entire lifecycle in mind, encouraging manufacturers to minimize the use of harmful substances, maximize recyclability, and take back products at the end of their life. This approach not only helps in reducing the environmental impacts associated with extraction and production but also fosters innovation in materials and processes that contribute to sustainability. In contrast, linear production methods, mass production techniques, and single-use materials do not align with responsible sourcing principles. Linear production methods typically refer to a "take-make-dispose" model, which does not prioritize sustainability or resource conservation. Mass production techniques often lead to overproduction and waste without consideration for the end-of-life impacts of the materials used, while single-use materials are inherently unsustainable as they promote a throwaway culture, contributing to significant waste and environmental degradation. Together, these options do not reflect the responsible approach encouraged by practices like EPR, which strive for a circular economy and reduced reliance on virgin materials.