Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM In-Use Version 6) Waste Credits Guide

Oct 27, 2026

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM In-Use Version 6) Waste Credits Guide

Up to 6 management performance credits are available within BREEAM for waste management, depending how the data is collected and communicated, with a requirement to target-set and document either tonnage or cubic feet of diverted waste.

To calculate the additional tonnage of diverted waste by using K&N reusable filters, before installing K&N filters, weigh a representative sample of legacy disposable filters from each air handling unit (AHU) operated in the building, when they have reached the end of their service life, as they are removed before they are sent to landfill. Multiply the weights of individual used filters by the number of filters installed in each AHU to derive the total weight of filters being sent to landfill for the building. This is the additional diversion weight for your table below.

Alternatively calculate the additional volume of diverted waste by using K&N reusable filters, before installing K&N filters, measure a representative sample of legacy disposable filters from each air handling unit (AHU) operated in the building, when they have reached the end of their service life, as they are removed before they are sent to landfill. Be sure to measure the filters in the state they are disposed of in case they are usually crushed before disposal. Multiply the volumes of individual used filters by the number of filters installed in each AHU to derive the total volume of filters being sent to landfill for the building. This is the additional diversion volume for your table below.

Use the highlighted row below.

Landfill	tons/ft³
Incineration	tons/ft³
Diverted – waste to energy	tons/ft³
Diverted – recycling – not closed-loop/unknown	tons/ft³
Diverted – recycling – closed-loop	tons/ft³
Diverted – reuse – not at the asset	tons/ft³
Diverted – reuse – at the asset (or stored for reuse on the asset)	tons/ft³
Diverted – recycled – at the asset	tons/ft³
Diverted – other	tons/ft³

To learn more about BREEAM for waste management credits, click here.

UL Standard 2799 Waste Diversion Guide

The formula used to calculate the zero waste to landfill diversion rate is as follows:

When installing K&N reusable filters, the weight of diverted filter waste counts towards the mreduced, Mass reduced (onsite) weight in the above table.

To calculate the additional mass of diverted waste by using K&N reusable filters for this table, before installing K&N filters, weigh a representative sample of legacy disposable filters from each air handling unit (AHU) operated in the building, when they have reached the end of their service life, as they are removed before they are sent to landfill. Multiply the weights of individual used filters by the number of filters installed in each AHU to derive the total mass of filters being sent to landfill for the building. This is the additional diversion mass, mreduced, to contribute to your table.

Pro Tip

The UL Standard requires each facility of an organization to prove at least 90% diversion through methods other than waste to energy for that facility to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) designations (Silver, Gold, Platinum). The highest designation, platinum, is validated by UL Solutions when a facility can prove that it consistently achieves a landfill waste diversion rate of 100%. This may not be achievable if your building uses disposable HVAC filters. Your building may now be able to meet this requirement by switching to K&N reusable filters, especially if you show intent to reuse them with, say a washing procedure or cleaning contract.

To learn more about UL Solutions Waste Diversion Credits, click here.

Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) Sustainability Credits Guide

TRUE is a zero waste certification program dedicated to measuring, improving and recognizing zero waste performance by encouraging the adoption of sustainable materials management and reduction practices.

K&N reusable filters may contribute to the pursuit of certain credits within the TRUE rating system as part of a larger strategy. Some of these opportunities to contribute to your TRUE certification are outlined below.

Redesign Credit 4: Complete Review of the Supply Chain

Amend your supply chain to reduce waste from vendors by using reusable air filters. Show documentation to prove policy change.

Reduce Credit 1: Materials Reduced by Commodity

Identify at least one material (in this case your HVAC filters) which are being reduced. Collect documentation of the material volumes from a determined baseline period that is representative of ongoing operations.

Reuse Credit 1: Develop Systems that Emphasize Reuse

Identify single-use materials (HVAC filters) and establish a program to help reduce or eliminate at least one material/item type, by replacing conventional filters with K&N reuseable filters.

Zero Waste Reporting Credit 1: Document Diversion by Commodity or Waste

Develop and implement tracking procedures for HVAC filters. Strive to obtain actual weights for HVAC filters.

Zero Waste Reporting Credit 2: Track Financial Data for Diversion and Waste Disposal

Develop a diversion and associated cost matrix (landfill disposal cost, avoided landfill cost, recycling hauling costs, any other fees/cost) on a building size basis. Identify your waste hauling/landfill fees and, depending on your local jurisdiction and waste management utility/vendor, you may be able to show avoided costs for your HVAC filter waste reduction.

Diversion Credits

Develop a case history to demonstrate 12-month diversion benefits:

Divide weight of materials diverted by the total weight of materials generated and compare with credits available which range from 90.1% to 100%.

To create additional credit for the use of K&N reusable filters, before installing K&N filters, weigh a representative sample of legacy disposable filters from each air handling unit (AHU) operated in the building, when they have reached the end of their service life, as they are removed before they are sent to landfill. Multiply the weights of individual used filters by the number of filters installed in each AHU to derive the total weight of filters being sent to landfill for the building. This is the additional diversion weight in the reduction category for the calculation above.

Zero Waste Purchasing Credit 2: Include Preference for Durable Goods in EPP Policy or Guideline

As part of the project’s written EPP policy or guideline requiring first preference be given in purchasing to durable goods, Add K&N reuseable filters to your list of durable goods.

Purchasing Credit 4: Identify EPP Items in purchasing catalogs

As part of your environmentally preferred items catalog, include K&N reuseable filters, and add reusable air filters to your central purchasing system.

Pro Tip

TRUE certification can support the pursuit of Materials and Resources credits in LEED for Operations and Maintenance and LEED Zero Waste certification.

If you’re interested in learning more about TRUE, visit true.gbci.org.

Why Sustainability is a Hot Topic – and How it Can Help Your Business

Don’t Miss Out on Innovations – Like Sustainable Air filters – That Can Cut Costs While Helping the Planet

If you’ve been involved in industry events, kept up with the latest sector news, or noticed an increase in eco-friendly advertising, you’re likely aware that sustainability is a hot topic in today’s business world. This focus on environmentally conscious practices is becoming increasingly prominent across various industries, highlighting a growing universal concern about ecological responsibility.

Globally, the industrial sector is a major consumer of energy. In 2022, it accounted for 37% of global energy use, marking a significant increase from 34% in 2002. This growth is primarily attributed to rising production in the energy-intensive industry subsectors.

But the good news is that the emphasis on climate protection has resulted in a flurry of new ideas and approaches to increase efficiency and reduce energy use across the globe. These innovations encompass enhanced airflow management, energy-efficient layout designs, variable-speed fans for optimized equipment cooling, and strategies to consolidate underutilized resources. Such advancements are making a notable impact in various sectors, effectively reducing energy consumption and yielding considerable cost savings. But more still needs to be done if the industrial sector is to rein in its considerable carbon footprint.

Consider your air filtration system. This often-overlooked component is a hidden treasure. For industrial facility managers, optimizing this system can be a golden opportunity to enhance sustainability and simultaneously reduce both energy consumption and operational expenses. Here are a few reasons why:

Rinse. Reuse. Reduce Landfill Waste.

The most unique aspect of our air filters is that they are the only washable, reusable and performance air filters on the industrial market today. Traditional disposable filters contribute to a substantial volume of landfill waste annually, a pressing concern especially for data centers that dispose of countless filters every year. The innovative design of K&N filters breaks the cycle of waste because each K&N filter is engineered to replace multiple years’ worth of single-use filters. This longevity translates not just to an environmental benefit by drastically reducing landfill contributions, but also to significant cost savings for facilities

By choosing K&N filters, you can eliminate the recurring expenses of purchasing and disposing of single-use filters, cutting down on both replacement costs and associated operational inefficiencies. This approach not only furthers corporate sustainability goals but also supports financial health through long-term cost reductions.

K&N Global Filtration estimates more than 100 million single-use filters end up in landfills each year.

Energy Efficiency

The energy consumption of your air filtration system impacts the overall cost and sustainability of your facility. A system that consumes more energy will result in higher operating costs, and usually a larger carbon footprint. Choosing an energy-efficient air filter can help reduce these environmental impacts — and save money in the long run.

That’s why K&N Global Filtration’s high-flow, low-impact industrial air filtration solutions are generating major interest in industrial and commercial facilities worldwide. Simply put, our industrial air filters are high-performance for optimal airflow, all while consuming less energy than single-use, disposable air filters. Why? Our filters are built with an innovative low-air-restriction design, which we pioneered in the auto industry more than 50 years ago and recently adapted for industrial facilities. In addition, our filters offer high-efficiency MERV ratings that help achieve your energy-saving goals.

Durability Translates Into Savings on Labor and More

In addition to improving energy efficiency, the reusability and extensive lifespan of a K&N air filter means fewer labor hours spent removing and re-installing new filters, as well as reduced transportation costs to dispose of end-of-life filters. That can add up to notable cost savings.

Frequent replacements can also be time-consuming and disruptive to operations. Our washable and reusable filters can be easily cleaned and re-installed, minimizing downtime and ensuring that your equipment remains in optimal condition. Washing is only needed every two to four years to prolong the life of your filters.

Sustainability from Head to Toe

From product to packaging, K&N Global Filtration’s commitment to sustainability shines through. Our industrial air filters not only enhance performance and reduce landfill waste but our V-Bank and panel filters also arrive in reusable, eco-friendly packaging crafted from 70-100% recycled materials. We pride ourselves on being eco-conscious in every way! If you’d like to learn more about how K&N Global Filtration industrial air filters can benefit your industrial facility, schedule a meeting with us here, sign up for a free pilot, or visit our website for more information.

Pioneering the Journey to Sustainable Air Filtration with K&N Global Filtration

Data centers are critical to many global tech operations. They are high-stakes environments where every kilowatt of energy and every cubic foot of air counts. Traditionally, data centers rely on single-use air filters, which are environmentally costly as they amass significant waste, totaling thousands of pounds of landfill waste annually to purify the air. Sustainable air filtration is the key.

As more companies grew their commitments to zero waste and energy reduction, the challenge was clear and pressing: the industry needed a sustainable air filtration systems solution that matched ambitious environmental goals. This challenge led Apple to us in 2019 — because of our renowned innovations in automotive air filtration. Known for creating high-performance, washable, and reusable filters, Apple saw the potential to apply K&N’s expertise in a new way — inside its data centers.

Crafting a Custom Sustainable Air Filtration Solution

The collaboration between Apple and K&N Global Filtration began in Apple’s Reno data center. The mission was specific: develop a filter that could meet Apple’s rigorous standards for efficiency and sustainability. The partnership was intense and hands-on, involving the prototyping and testing of 20 different filter designs. This iterative process was not about refining a product but redefining an industry standard.

The result of this collaboration was profound. Apple and K&N engineered a line of high-performance, reusable long-life sustainable air filters that stood up to the demands of the most advanced data centers in the world. By replacing 38,000 disposable filters with innovative washable, reusable units, Apple dramatically reduced its environmental footprint — avoiding the landfilling of 25 tons of waste annually and cutting fan energy use by 35%.

Apple dramatically reduced its environmental footprint — avoiding the landfilling of 25 tons of waste annually and cutting fan energy use by 35%.

Apple’s journey with K&N reflects its broader commitment to environmental stewardship and technological innovation. This partnership is a prime example of how strategic collaborations can lead to significant environmental and operational improvements. It demonstrates Apple’s role as a catalyst in the tech industry, advancing its own goals but also leading the way for others to follow.

K&N’s Message for the Industry – From Craig Scanlon, CEO

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Apple and others within the industry, lending our history and expertise in air filtration innovation to help achieve their ambitious sustainability and zero-waste goals.

The collaboration has led to a game-changing solution that leaves no compromise: our filters deliver sustainability, energy efficiency and superior performance. We have a massive opportunity to drive meaningful change and empower organizations worldwide to operate more efficiently and responsibly, ensuring a brighter and greener future for the next generation.”

More Than Just Filters

In celebrating Earth Day 2024, the choice is clear: embrace sustainable air filtration practices or fall behind. Choosing K&N’s high-performance, reusable filters for data centers and industrial facilities is not just an operational decision — it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. The remarkable partnership between Apple and K&N Global Filtration exemplifies how integrating innovative, washable, and reusable sustainable air filters can dramatically decrease environmental impact — eliminating thousands of pounds of landfill waste and reducing energy along the way.

K&N and its partners are demonstrating how sustainable practices in the tech industry can have substantial effects on the environment, inspiring others to take similar steps. In embracing innovation, K&N isn’t just changing sustainable air filters — we are changing the future of clean air technology.

Learn more about how your facility can benefit from The Original Red Washable, Reusable Filter ™ here.

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