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Tenant limits for Core and Shell
To get the full benefit of this credit, consider requiring VOC limits for tenant construction by incorporating either recommended compliant products, or recommending that tenants use compliant paints and coatings with specific VOC limits in a tenant guideline document (per SSc9: Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines).
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An easy, no-cost credit
Like the similar credit, IEQc4.1: Low-Emitting Materials: Adhesives and Sealants, it shouldn’t cost you anything extra to earn this credit—it will just take some work. Your first priority should be to specify only paints and coatings that comply with the credit’s VOC limits, and enforce those specifications on the jobsite. Research low-VOC paints and coatings before construction begins and provide lists of acceptable materials to contractors to help ensure that the right products are used.Performance should not be an issue
Major manufacturers offer paints and coatings that are just as durable and perform just as well as their higher-VOC counterparts. Performance of low-VOC products has sometimes been an issue in the past, but the market has largely moved beyond this point.
Low-VOC acrylic paint is readily available. While it may be more difficult, it is not impossible to find low-VOC oil-based and high-gloss paints. Darker shades of paints also tend to have higher VOC levels. Rust proofing coatings also tend to have higher VOC content, but several name brand providers have low-VOC alternatives.
Proactive communication on the jobsite
Low-VOC paint like this 0-VOC Acrylic from Sherwin-Williams does not have to sacrifice performance or cost. Photo – Sherwin-Williams Making sure that VOC limits are observed demands proactive communication between the designer, contractor, and all subcontractors who do work inside the building. Subcontractors have to be educated about the requirements, and their contracts should require that they document their compliance.
If you make a mistake, you can still earn the credit
Unlike some LEED credits where only a certain percentage of the materials have to comply, this credit is all-or-nothing—all paints and coatings must comply. If a non-compliant paint or coating gets used by mistake, or if you need to bend the VOC limits to meet the requirements of a warranty or fire code, you can still earn the credit following the “VOC budget process.” You’ll simply have to do some calculations to show that your extra use of VOCsA volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a carbon compound that vaporizes (becomes a gas) at normal room temperatures. VOCs contribute to air pollution directly and through atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate) to produce secondary air pollutants, principally ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate. was offset by very low use of VOCs elsewhere. You have to meet the budget for paints and coatings separately from adhesives and sealants (for IEQc4.1), though—you’re not allowed to create a combined VOC budget covering multiple IEQc4 credits.
Multiple benefits
Earning this credit is a key part of a construction indoor-air-quality management plan, and will help you earn another LEED point via IEQc3.1: Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—During Construction.
Earning this credit can also help teams pass air quality tests needed to earn IEQc3.2: Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—Before Occupancy.
Using low-VOC paints and coatings is not only beneficial to occupants, but can improve air quality and the health of construction workers who are constantly exposed to construction pollution.
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Verify Your Information
Don’t allow the use of products that merely claim to be “low VOC.” Everyone specifying and purchasing products must actually find the products’ VOC content in grams per liter (g/L), which is usually found on the product’s technical data sheet or material safety data sheet, and compare that number with VOC limits listed for different uses determined by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #1113 and Green Seal GS-11 and GS-03.
Only 20% of product cut sheets selected at random need to be uploaded to LEED Online to document this credit although it is best to keep all product cut sheets on file in case the credit is audited.
FAQs for IEQc4.2
Is there a shortcut to the VOC budget method if you have just one product that is used minimally on a project?
Yes. If you have just one non-compliant product, then you can balance it out with just one really good, low-VOC product, as long as all your other products meet the requirement. For example, if you have two gallons of non-compliant paint that is 100 g/L over its required threshold, then you can balance it out with another product you’re using. You would have to be using two gallons that are 100g/L under the required threshold, or four gallons that are 50 g/L under, or 20 gallons that are 10 g/L under, etc.
Do products applied to the weather barrier need to comply with VOC thresholds?
GBCI has issued a clarification that the actual barrier does not need to comply with this credit. Any applied products that are 'touched by the indoor air' would need to be considered for IEQc4.2, but if they fall outside of this they can be excluded.
How do I determine what application my product falls under?
Check out the Resources tab for the Green Seal Standard and SCAQMD Rules for more information. These documents can be helpful in determining where and how your product should be categorized to determine corresponding VOC thresholds.
How should graphic arts paint or coatings be categorized?
Graphic Arts (Sign) Coating is found in SCAQMD 1113, Table 1 - VOC Limits, with 500 g/l as the current limit.
The standards referenced for this credit have been updated since those listed in the LEED Reference Guide – does our project need to follow the latest SCAQMD Rules and Green Seal editions, or the ones listed in the reference guide?
Projects should comply with the editions in the reference guide or applicable LEED addenda issued before the project's registration date.
How should handheld aerosol spray paints be handled?
Handheld aerosol spray paints are not covered by Green Seal GS-11 or SCAQMD Rule 1113, the relevant standards under this credit. A CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide under LEED-NC v2.2 was issued that excluded spray paints from this credit, and there have been no rulings reversing this for LEED 2009 projects, although there is not officially a ruling one way or another that applies to LEED 2009. See LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. #2486 2/10/2009.
What are the VOC limits for primers? They seem to be listed in both GS-11 and SCAQMD Rule 1113.
As stated in the credit language, architectural paints and coatings applied to interior walls and ceilings are subject to GS-11.
If a project registered after the 4/14/10 addendum, then primers must use the 50 g/L and 150 g/L VOC limits for flat and non-flat paints, respectively. The only exception would be when it can be demonstrated, based on the purpose of the primer and supporting manufacturer data, that the product meets the definition of specialty primers per SCAQMD Rule 1113.
Legend
- Best Practices
- Gotcha
- Action Steps
- Cost Tip
Design Development
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Many "zero-VOC" paints contain colorants with as much as 150 g/L of VOCs. Natura from Benjamin Moore uses zero-VOC colorants. Photo – Benjamin MooreIt’s easier to find low-VOC paints if you choose lighter paint colors. Darker colors tend to use more pigment and binders, where VOCs are concentrated. When compiling VOC numbers for paints, make sure that the numbers you get include pigment, not just the base paint.
Construction
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If noncompliant materials are used onsite accidentally, or due to a warranty or other issue, you can use the VOC budget method. This method compares the total amount of VOCs (in grams per liter) used in the design case to the total amount of VOCs that would have been used if every product exactly met LEED VOC allowances. The calculation must be determined for adhesives and sealants separately from paints and coatings. For example, it won’t necessarily help your case to use low-VOC paints but also some high-VOC sealants. (See the compliance example below for paints and coatings.)
USGBC
Excerpted from LEED 2009 for Core and Shell Development
IEQ Credit 4.2: Low-emitting materials - paints and coatings
1 Point
Intent
To reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.
Requirements
Paints and coatings used on the interior of the building (i.e., inside of the weatherproofing system and applied onsite) must comply with the following criteria as applicable to the project scope1:
- Architectural paints and coatings applied to interior walls and ceilings must not exceed the volatile organic compound (VOC) content limits established in Green Seal Standard GS-11, Paints, 1st Edition, May 20, 1993.
- Anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints applied to interior ferrous metal substrates must not exceed the VOC content limit of 250 g/L (2 lb/gal) established in Green Seal Standard GC-03, Anti-Corrosive Paints, 2nd Edition, January 7, 1997.
- Clear wood finishes, floor coatings, stains, primers, sealersSealers are coatings applied to either block materials from penetrating into or leaching out of a substrate, to prevent subsequent coatings from being absorbed by the substrate, or to prevent harm to subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate., and shellacs applied to interior elements must not exceed the VOC content limits established in South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, Architectural Coatings, rules in effect on January 1, 2004.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Specify low-VOC paints and coatings in construction documents. Ensure that VOC limits are clearly stated in each section of the specifications where paints and coatings are addressed. Track the VOC content of all interior paints and coatings during construction.
FOOTNOTES
1. The use of a VOC budget is permissible for compliance with this credit.
Organizations
Green Seal Standard 11 (GS–11)
Green Seal is an independent, nonprofit organization that strives to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by identifying and promoting products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion. GS–36 sets VOC limits for commercial adhesives.
South Coast Air Quality Management District
SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the smoggiest region of the U.S. The organization is committed to protecting the health of residents, while remaining sensitive to businesses.
Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) — Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers
Support on incorporating LEED requirements into specifications.
Green Seal Environmental Criteria for Anti-Corrosive Paints (GC-03)
Green Seal is an independent, nonprofit organization that strives to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by identifying and promoting products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion. This document outlines criteria for anti-corrosive paints and can be helpful in defining application type for products.
SCAQMD Rule 1113
SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the smoggiest region of the U.S. The organization is committed to protecting the health of residents, while remaining sensitive to businesses. This document outlines criteria for clear wood finishes, floor coatings, stains, primers, sealersSealers are coatings applied to either block materials from penetrating into or leaching out of a substrate, to prevent subsequent coatings from being absorbed by the substrate, or to prevent harm to subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate. and shellacs, and can be helpful in defining application type for products.
Publications
Specifying LEED Requirements from ARCOM MasterSpec
Guidance and sample language on incorporating VOC limits into Specifications.
Materials Calculator
Teams can use this tool to track all materials across various MR and IEQ credits. It helps teams develop a roadmap of what information needs to be tracked for different products. It can also be used early on to create the baseline budget and ensure the products that are being used will apply to the various credit thresholds.
Environmental Materials Reporting Form
This is a materials tracking form that helps subcontractors record the environmental values of products they purchase. This can be distributed to each trade subcontractor and submitted to the GC for filing.
Letter to Contractor for MR and IEQ Credits
Use a letter like this sample to orient the contractor to their responsibilities for all MR and IEQ credits. This letter is an introduction that can be customized for the credits your project is pursuing.
Templates
Low-Emitting Materials Reporting Form
This is a VOC tracking sheet that helps subcontractors record the low-emitting qualities of the products they purchase and can be distributed to each trade subcontractor and submitted to the GC for filing. Use it specifically for earning low-emitting materials credits, but in conjunction with documentation for MR credits.
Jobsite Signs
Products with VOC content not meeting credit requirements for VOC levels can inadvertently get used on the jobsite. A sign like this sample helps remind subcontractors and construction workers of their responsibilities.
Samples
Product Cut Sheets
Look to product cut sheets for information on the VOC content of paints and coatings. The example here clearly displays information needed for documentation, as well as an instance where more information is needed from the manufacturer.
Samples
VOC Budget Method
You can use the VOC budget method to earn this credit by offsetting materials that go over the VOC limit with materials that are under it. The spreadsheet shown here, along with tips in the Getting It Done tab, demonstrates how to perform the budget method. This spreadsheet was completed by Mary Kay, LEED AP BD+C, a LEEDuser reader, and was approved by GBCI on a LEED-NC v2.2 project.
LEED Online Forms: CS-2009 IEQ
The following links take you to the public, informational versions of the dynamic LEED Online forms for each CS-2009 IEQ credit. You'll need to fill out the live versions of these forms on LEED Online for each credit you hope to earn.
Version 4 forms (newest):
- IEQp1: Minimum IAQ Performance
- IEQp2: ETS Control
- IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
- IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
- IEQc6: Control. of Systems—Thermal Comfort
- IEQc7: Thermal Comfort—Design
- IEQc8.1: Daylight & Views—Daylight
- IEQc8.2: Daylight & Views—Views
Version 3 forms:
- IEQp1: Minimum IAQ Performance
- IEQp2: ETS Control
- IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
- IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
- IEQc3: Const. IAQ Mngt.—During Const.
- IEQc4.1: Low-Emitting Mats.—Paints & Coatings
- IEQc4.2: Low-Emitting Mats.—Adhesives & Sealants
- IEQc4.3: Low-Emitting Mats.—Flooring
- IEQc4.4: Low-Emitting Mats.—Composite Wood
- IEQc5: Indoor Chem. & Pollutant Source Control
- IEQc6: Control. of Systems—Thermal Comfort
- IEQc7: Thermal Comfort—Design
- IEQc8.1: Daylight & Views—Daylight
- IEQc8.2: Daylight & Views—Views
These links are posted by LEEDuser with USGBC's permission. USGBC has certain usage restrictions for these forms; for more information, visit LEED Online and click "Sample Forms Download."
Construction Submittal
Documentation for this credit is part of the Construction Phase submittal.
LEEDuser is produced by BuildingGreen, Inc., with YR&G authoring most of the original content. LEEDuser enjoys ongoing collaboration with USGBC.
61 Comments
Inconsistencies between LEEDuser table and 4/14/10 addenda table
Why is the table different from the USGBC addendum (https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=8608, which was noted at the bottom of the oldest discussion thread here)? i.e., why doesn't it include everything in addendum's table?
Additionally, note a correction is needed in the LEEDuser table: The sanding sealer limit is incorrectly noted as 275; the effective 2004 limit is 350.
Tom, good point—we were behind the times there. Fixed now.
100% solids paint
A paint manufacturer just told us that a paint 100% solids has alway 0 VOC.
I would like to know if someone has any experience about this.
Hard to evaluate this on face value, without more context or information. In saying this, what are they trying to prove relative to LEED credit requirements and documentation?
If they are telling you that the paint is 100% solids and that you should therefore feel comfortable calling it 0 VOC for LEED, I wouldn't bite. Get them to give a VOC figure.
I agree with Tristan. Ultimately, you need enough documentation to get through your credit review.
"Zero" VOC is not impossible to achieve, but it is difficult. The Federal Trade Commission has gotten more specific on the subject. The expectation is that there are no intentionally added VOC ingredients in the product. FTC has also clarified that companies have a path to zero if they "have competent and reliable scientific evidence that the paint contains no more than trace levels of VOCsA volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a carbon compound that vaporizes (becomes a gas) at normal room temperatures. VOCs contribute to air pollution directly and through atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate) to produce secondary air pollutants, principally ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate.." This is partly in recognition that there are VOCs in municipal water. "Trace" is defined in the new Green Guides at http://ftc.gov/os/2012/10/greenguides.pdf
I totally agree. A technical chemical expert talked to us and he explained that, when a paint is 100% solids it means nothing will "gasify", like if 2 milimiters of paints is apply 2 milimiters will remain for the rest of the lifespan of the building.
According to him, when you have something that is for example 90% solids it means the remaining 10% will become gas at some point,
According to this statement then all 100% solids pains will comply with the credits requirements.
I will keep on researching about this, but in case someone knows something else anything will be really appreciated.
Anti-Rust Paint or Rust Preventative Coating
Hello,
We are having doubts to classify an anti-rust product, because we don´t know if it should be considered Paint or Coating (mainly because the VOC limits are very different) and with which Rule/Reference the limit should comply with. Can anyone please provide us a clear definition between anti-rust/anti-corrosive paint and rust preventative coating? Following the rules GC-03 and SCAQMD #1113 we have the following definitions:
From GC-03 - Second Edition - January 7, 1997: "Anti-corrosive paint: coatings formulated and recommended for use in preventing the corrosion of ferrous metal substrates."
From SCAQMD #1113 - January 1, 2004: "Rust Preventative Coatings are coatings formulated for use in preventing the corrosion of metal surfaces in residential and commercial situations."
Thank you.
Anderson, I could be over-simplifying this, but I don't think the SCAQMD definition is relevant here, because the LEED requirements refer to GC-3 for anti-rust and anti-corrosive coatings.
Dear Tristan,
According to that, I believe that I should only consider the 250 g/L from GC-03.
Thank you for you reply.
Materials Considered
Hi!
I've just started studying this credit and me and my colleagues were arguing about what materials exactly we should consider to achieve this credit.
"Requirements" says that we should use architectural paints and coatings (for walls and ceilings), anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints and clear woods finishes, floor coatings stains, primers and shellacs applied to interior elements.
In Table 1 - Standard VOC Limits there are more and different materials. Concrete curing compounds and waterproofing sealersSealers are coatings applied to either block materials from penetrating into or leaching out of a substrate, to prevent subsequent coatings from being absorbed by the substrate, or to prevent harm to subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate., for example, are inside the walls/ceiling/floor, not exactly on surface or in contact with interior air, they are protected by others coatings as painting or ceramics . Its really necessary to consider this compounds? Or could we just consider the most superficial materials?
Thanks!
Angela,
From the credit language above: you must include every paint and coating "inside of the weatherproofing system and applied onsite."
What would be a VOC allowance for a waterproofing? For example, the one you use on restrooms.
Thank you.
David,
I'm not sure what you mean by "waterproofing", a waterproofing what exactly? Coating?
The product you use in order to avoid water penetration, the coating you must have on all wet areas (suchs as restrooms)
I would say that's a "waterproofing sealer" which has a limit of 250 g/l as you can see in the table above.
Hope that helps!
PAINTS LOCATION
Hello:
Our project is a Core&Shell office building registered under LEED C&S v2.0 rating system, pursuing credit IEQc4.2 Low-Emitting Materials: Paints and Coatings, there’s something we are not sure about the credit’s scope. Our question is: ¿Do the credit’s requirements include Non occupies spaces like Parking areas? For this project all Parking areas are inside the building both underground parking (basements) and above grade parking.
Gabriel, the credit applies to spaces within the weatherproofing barrier. So a parking area that is essentially outside would not count, but one that is basically within the building would count.
Tristan, I'm confused. During the answer question session with LEED reviewers organized at the Greenbuild 2012, the reviewers confirmed that we do not have to count the paint in underground parking areas. They explained that the parking areas are exposed to several different substances due to movement of vehicles that checking the COV for paint in the parking would not be useful. What should we do?
Devani, if that is what GBCI said, then you should take their advice! My earlier comment here is based on all the published information that I am aware of on this credit, not any direct communication from GBCI, or project-specific CIRs.
Interior flat on celing
Per addenda number 100000419, interior flat coatingsCoatings that register a gloss of less than 15 on an 85-degree meter or less than 5 on a 60-degree meter. voc allowance has drop down to 50 gr/lt, but what about interior aplications on ceiling?
Is it still allowable to have 250 gr/l on flat paints or ceiling or is it also 50?
Thank you
If you're talking about flat paint on the ceiling (e.g. on gyp board), then the limit is 50 g/L. If it's a different type of coating then it would follow whichever category is appropriate.
Thank you Mara.
Before the addenda the VOC allowance was split in wall and ceiling application. By now, should I assume this split was eliminated and either wall of ceiling application the VOC allowance is the same.
Is this correct?
How much is the allowance for non-flat?
GS-11 on page 13 says that for non-flat topcoat the v.o.c. limit is 100. Is is 100 or 150 (please take a look at the bird's eye view)?
There has been a more recent update to GS-11 requiring 100 g/L, but LEED doesn't follow this one; it continues to use 150 g/L. Good question.
Thank you Mara. When a project is registered and and addenda is created making one requirement even more stringet (for example this V.O.C. content) AFTER THE PROJECT HAS BEEN REGISTERED, Does the project need to comply with the addenda?
This change was an addenda to GS-11, not to LEED, so a project wouldn't need to comply with it regardless of the timing.
Thank you mara. One last question, is there any specific method that the paints needs to go throught to demonstrate VOC compliace? Like an ASTMVoluntary standards development organization which creates source technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services or something?
ASTMVoluntary standards development organization which creates source technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services does have standards for other aspects of paint (e.g. determining if a paint is considered flat or glossy) but the VOC test method comes from the EPA. More specifically, EPA Reference Test Method 24 (Determination of Volatile Matter Content, Water Content, Density Volume Solids, and Weight Solids of Surface Coatings), Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Part 60, Appendix A.
Unfortunately, manufacturers in other countries don't always use test methods that are the same as the EPA, leading to occasional challenges when trying to get the two VOC points for projects abroad.
Paints in parking lot.
Mara, I hope you are well, a doubt: the credit applied to the paintings of parking specifically in the paint that goes on the floor to indicate the separation of parking spaces?
Parking is underground and has mechanical injection and extraction, and is not a living space for users.
I appreciate your support, thank you.
Mara, I hope you are well, a doubt: the credit applied to the paintings of parking specifically in the paint that goes on the floor to indicate the separation of parking spaces?
Parking is underground and has mechanical injection and extraction, and is not a living space for users.
I appreciate your support, thank you.
Hi Gabriel, the paint you describe here would need to comply with LEED requirements, given that it's inside of a weatherproofing barrier. Parking structures on their own are not eligible for LEED certification, but those associated with LEED building projects are, and need to follow the credit requirements.
Ok Mara, what is the amount of VOCsA volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a carbon compound that vaporizes (becomes a gas) at normal room temperatures. VOCs contribute to air pollution directly and through atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate) to produce secondary air pollutants, principally ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate., which we must fulfill? Is it considered as a floor covering?
Regards.
My best guess is traffic coatings, 100 g/L. I haven't had a project with this condition, so others may be able to verify.
Thank you Mara,
converting VOC content
Hi
I receive several MSDS1. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are detailed, written instructions documenting a method to achieve uniformity of performance. 2. A report that manufacturers of most products are required to make available to installers and purchasers, informing them of product information on chemicals, chemical compounds, and chemical mixtures, the existence of potentially hazardous ingredients, and providing instructions for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of products for the coatings that will be used in our project and inside them, the VOC content is measured in Europe (EU) which are usually expressed in percentage % (w/w). It happened that the VOC content (EU) are 0% (w/w), which I'm pretty sure it's the same as 0 g/L , is it correct?
And some MSDS also stated VOC content in lbs/gal, which we can easily convert it to g/L by multipy them by 120. Do I still have to ask the supplier to declare the VOC content of materials in g / L or not?
Satya, I think everything you are saying makes sense, inclding he simple conversion to g/L.
Flats & Non-flats
Dear all,
What's the difference between "Flats" and "Non-flats"? What do these terms mean?
Thanks!
According to SCAQMD Rule 1113 it is difference in gloss:
FLAT COATINGSCoatings that register a gloss of less than 15 on an 85-degree meter or less than 5 on a 60-degree meter. are coatings that register a gloss of less than 15 on an 85-degree meter or less than 5 on a 60-degree meter.
NONFLAT COATINGS are coatings that are not defined under any other definition in this rule and that register a gloss of 5 or greater on a 60 degree meter and a gloss of 15 or greater on an 85 degree meter according to ASTMVoluntary standards development organization which creates source technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services Test Method D 523 as specified in paragraph (e)(6).
So essentially, we need to inquire from the manufacturer whether a paint / coating is Flat or Non-flat.
Thanks Petr!
Paints and coating applied off site
According to credit language, does it mean, that paints and coatings not applied on site (steel structure painted somewhere elese - in a workshop) do not need to be evaluated?
Petr,
You are correct - only site-applied paints and coatings need to be low-emitting to gain the credit. It would be good for the indoor air quality though if even the off-site applied paints and coatings were low-emitting.
Spackle
Hi
I'm wondering where in IEQc4 spackle should be included in, IEQc4.1 or IEQc4.2? I've heard that sometimes you don't need to include spackle in the VOC-calculations, when do you need to include and when don't you? Thanks!
I don't think I've ever included it. It's usually mostly gypsum and therefore has a pretty low VOC.
I would say to include it. Even if its a minimal VOC content it still contributes to an overall VOC content in the indoor environment.
If I would start excluding things due to low VOC. Then I start wondering what is ''minimal/low'' VOC content.
Therefore I would classify spackle as IEQc4.2, Interior Flat Paints or Primer with allowable 50g/L.
or would others include in as another product type?
Spaces exemption for IEQ c4.1 - 4.4
I heard from someone that IEQ c4.1 - 4.4 only apply to indoor regularly occupied spacesRegularly occupied spaces are areas where one or more individuals normally spend time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside a building.. Is that true?
Is there any spaces exemption for these credits? As for example, paints/coatings used in E&M and ICT rooms unlikely to cause harm to building occupants as no one would stay long in such spaces.
William, I have not heard that before. This credit applies to all spaces within the weather barrier—any interior space.
Tristan, thank you for your reply.
But for project of data centre setting, paint suppliers told us that paints with low VOC would peel off easily which make it difficult to maintain a dust free data centre environment. Considering that there will be no people working inside the data centre and it has practical implementation problem, do you think we could exempt spaces in the datacentre ICT rooms for compliance with the credit? or do you know any low VOC paint that has no peel off problem?
I have never heard of an exemption based on space type like this. You could always decide that the credit doesn't work for your project, or use the VOC budget method.
What kind of paint product are you looking for? My understanding is that performance of low/no-VOC paints has largely caught up with solvent-based paints.
Can you explain more on VOC budget method?
William, there is detailed explanation of the VOC budget method above, under Bird's Eye View, and Checklists. Please post back any specific questions you have after reviewing that.
Regarding the same subject, we have a 39 stories building with 4 underground parking levels.
There will be some mechanical rooms, storage and a small office within the underground parking level which will observe credit's requierements compliance.
What about the paint you use for delimiting the parking spaces? Does this one need to be also low voc?
As far as I am aware, you would need to use compliant paint in the parking garage, as it is part of the building and mechanically ventilated.
VOC Methodologies
Which methodology for analyzing VOC content is acceptable as per referenced standards of LEED? Are the following methodologies acceptable? BS EN ISO 11890-2 2006, UK-PG6/23(97) Appendix 3
Also how about JIS K 5601-5-1, testing methods for paint componemts to determine VOC content in paints using gas chromatography analysis?
As far as I know, LEED does not reference a specific standard for testing VOC emissions of paints. LEED simply sets a VOC limit using Green Seal standards.
Not really. Reference is made to limit values in GS-11 (version May 1993) - but these limit values are linked to the corresponding testing method. ISO 11890-2 measures in a different manner (in my eyes in a better manner), leading to different results, mostly higher, than with old GS-11 method. This issue will hopefully be overcome in LEED 2012.
I don't think we need to
I don't think we need to follow the most current numbers listed under "effective date" in Table 1. The credit requirements for SCAQMD Rule 1113 say "rules in effect on January 1, 2004". I would interpret this to mean we should be using the VOC limits listed under the 1/1/04 Effective Date column in Table 1.
Related question: credit requirements list only several specific coating types which much comply with SCAQMD Rule 1113: "Clear wood finishes, floor coatings, stains, primers, and shellacs". If you read this literally it appears that all other remaining coating categories listed in Table 1 are NOT covered under LEED. Does anyone agree? Why else would they list only those specific coating categories? Why can't they be clear for once!?!
I agree on both counts - that we probably can ignore the "effective date" column, and that it's unclear how we address the many products not explicitly named.
Given the intent of the credit, I don't think that it would be acceptable to ignore all paints and coatings not directly mentioned. Anything not clearly defined in the credit language would fall under "other", which is 350 g/L as per SCAQMD 1113.
VOC Limit Table - LEEDuser and Reference Guide
I'm wondering whether the VOC limits table posted is accurate to the LEED D&C 2009 requirements. It does reflect the CS 2.0 requirements, but the 2009 table in the Reference Guide indicates lowering the VOC limits over time. This does not seem to be reflected in the LEEDuser Table.
For example, the nonflats number of 150g/l seems to have been dropped to 50 g/l on 7/1/06, and the nonflat high gloss limit seems to have been dropped to 50 on 7/1/07.
Am I reading this correctly? If so, the Table 1 in the Reference Guide is confusing and a summary table on LEEDuser would be very useful.
This question is about Table 1 in the Reference Guide (p. 483 of the 2009 edition). The language on Table 1 is truly perplexing. I have a few comments, although mostly they are mostly creative interpretation. I think the big problem is that the USGBC just blindly copy/pasted the SCAQMD chart without thinking through what it means for LEED 2009.
1. LEED references GS-11 for paints applied to interior walls and ceilings. It references SCAQMD for other coatings, not paints;. However, SCAQMD as a whole also addresses paints -- and since the USGBC just blindly copied the SCAQMD table, it includes paint standards that theoretically shouldn't be relevant at all. Oops.
2. Similarly, this chart includes exterior paints and coatings that are not covered under LEED, such as "roof coatings". We can ignore these for LEED, but from an environmental perspective it is of course always better to do what we can.
3. The "effective date" section of the chart clearly makes no sense for LEED 2009, because all of the dates listed had passed when the ref guide was published. Again, the USGBC just copied the table straight from the SCAQMD document without any analysis or discussion. Interestingly, the '*' note for "ceiling limit" in the original SCAQMD document (link posted at the top of p.483) is longer: "The specified limits remain in effect unless revised limits are listed in subsequent columns in the Table of Standards." This is much more clear about the fact that we should be following anything listed under the "effective date" columns.
4. The "current limit" column is specific to a certain time when this version of the SCAQMD was posted, so can presumably be ignored for LEED 2009.
Given this, I think we should 1) ignore Table 1 for paints and exterior items, and 2) follow the most current numbers listed under "effective date", where applicable.
FYI, there are several errata for this credit, but as of 2/8/10 none address this issue.
If anyone has additional guidance on this topic, please let us know!
Mara -
The entire Table 1 was replaced by an Addenda and can be found at this site: https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=8608 The addenda simplifies the number of products and eliminates all of the effective dates.
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