Richard Ludt is the director of environmental affairs and LEED AP for Interior Removal Specialist Inc. (IRS Demo). He has been in the demolition and recycling industry for more than 22 years, working to reshape the C&D recycling industry to increase diversion and transparency. After taking lead on permitting a C&D material recovery facility, Ludt spearheaded diversion at IRS Demo, working to achieve one of the highest diversion rates for commercial interior C&D debris to be found in the United States.

Ludt has held the position of corporate director of recycling and material recovery for the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) for the last 12 years, sat on the board for the Los Angeles Chapter of the US Green Building Council for six years, and currently sits on the board of the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association, where he chairs the legislative committee.