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An easy, no-cost credit
Like the similar credit, EQc4.1: 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...
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72 Comments
Electrostatic Paint
I am looking for an electrostatic paint that meets the 250 g/L VOC requirements. Does anyone know of a product?
Sarah, I"m afraid not—I looked around and couldn't find one. You could always use the VOC budget method if necessary.
Reflective Coating - Ceiling of Ice Rink
We are using a reflective coating, E-barrier by Sherwin Williams, which is listed by the Manufacturer as being in the VOC EPA Category of "Metallic".
Green Seal GS-11 doesn't list anything like this that I can see. I don't think it would be considered anti-corrosive or anti-rust, although it is being applied to the underside of a metal roof deck (inside the rink) as well the steel roof trusses.
SCAQMD lists a category called Metallic - Pigmented, which I think is the closest thing that matches this product. Any other opinions out there?
VOC count is listed as 272 g/l so I think my only option is to do a VOC budget for the paints. We have all of low-VOC paints in the project, and this is the only one that seems to be outside the limits.
Thanks!
Your suggestion sounds right to me. That Metallic-Pigmented category is probably what you should use, and the budget method is therefore the way to go.
Yes, I was afraid someone would agree with me.... Thanks, Nadav - we'll see what the reviewers think!
Applicability to Cementitious Coatings and Concrete Patches
There does not seem to be a category in Rule 1113 to cover cementitious coatings and materials used to patch or cover concrete. Does this mean these types of materials do not have to be reported or is there a category they should fall under? So far for the 3 materials noted below that I have looked into, they are all zero (0) VOC, but it may be possible we would find a needed product contains VOCs1. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate). The compounds vaporize (become a gas) at normal room temperatures. 2. A molecule containing one or more carbon atoms that tends to evaporate (volatilize) into the air at typical ambient conditions. Some legal definitions of VOCs are restricted to those that react with sunlight to generate smog. Some VOCs are carcinogens, suspected carcinogens, or known irritants at typical levels.. In particular for the following types of material:
1. Cement wash used to coat concrete walls (filling in small holes and smoothing out the overall surface). It is cement based but polymer modified.
2. Concrete patching or topping materials (for repairing concrete wall or slab defects). They are cement based but may be polymer or latex modified or contain chemical additives.
3. Primer used as a bonding agent when applying fresh concrete or patching material to existing concrete.
Cementitious materials used for patching or topping are generally not covered under this credit, as they don't typically have big VOC problems. The third item might, however if it is to be completely encapsulated in between layers of old and new concrete, then it should not be an issue for this credit.
A sealer used to waterproof concrete or other non-cemetitious coatings would qualify.
Polyurethane paint - VOC limit
What do I use as VOC limit for a polyurethane paint that is used as finishing coating for a metal surface? Hope someone can share a similar experience or approach used for this type of paint.
Usually paints applied to metals are considered to be anti-corrosive or anti-rust paints, with a limit of 250 g/L.
Need a copy of SCAQMD rule 1113 2004 version
This document is no longer readily availabel on the internet, only very old vesions (1990s) and 2011. Does anyone have a copy or a valid link? I need it desperately for a v2.2 project that was started a few years back.
Thanks so much!
I have a copy July 9, 2004 rule revision you are looking for courtesy of the American Coatings Association. Yes, this document is hard to find.
I don't have way to upload the document on this site, but will contact the moderator as it would be useful for the LEEDUser community. Feel free to email me and I will send a copy.
In addition to changes in the Table of Standards, some of the category definitions were tweaked between then and now.
Contact:
dwayne.fuhlhage@prosoco.com
VOC (g/L): Not detectable
If the 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 sheet for a paint says "VOC (g/L): Not detectable" can we assume that the VOC content is 0 g/L?
Gavin, I would assume that to be fair, yes.
Graphic Arts Coating - has anyone heard this term?
We have a basketball court with stripes painted between clear finish coats, and the striping paint is higher VOC than we'd like, but it is the one the client wants to use (and we haven't found anything better). The manufacturer says he has called this a "graphic arts coatin" in the past and it has been acceptable to USGBC. Has anyone run into this? Have you seen anything in writing about this issue? Thanks!
Margaret, we have heard that term several times on this forum and I have even given people advice to use this designation in a situation like yours. I've never had anyone complain or disagree about it, although I don't recall anyone saying, "yes this designation passes muster and can be used for X, Y, and Z."
Can anyone offer that advice?
I have the same issue - using "graphic arts sport paint" on a gym floor. The flooring was then sealed with a clear polyurethane which is low-VOC, but the paint itself is listed as having 490 g/l. I don't know what the guideline is for this type of product. It's not a clear wood finish, but it isn't "pigmented shellac" either. Has anyone successfully submitted this type of product? Thanks!
FYI - I found Graphic Arts (Sign) Coating in SCAQMD 1113, Table 1 - VOC Limits, and it says 500 g/l is the current limit.
Floor polish/finsh over epoxy terrazzo floor
Some background on the 2-part question below: We have just installed an epoxy terrazzo floor on one of our projects and all component of the system are VOC compliant. We have one lingering concern, though, with what the installer is telling us about this the product that they want the Owner to maintain the floor with: they describe it as a "floor polish or wax"/ "removable floor finish". It is called "TERRA GLAZE".
They tell us that this product also fits the Owner's long term intent to follow Green Housekeeping standards and meets the LEED qualifications for Green Cleaning under Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance. They indicate that the California VOC regulations for Consumer Products regulates these products with the VOC content expressed as weight percent.
They reference regulations found at CCR 17 94507-16. http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/regs/2009/cpreg2010.pdf which states, in part:
“ (59) ”Floor Polish or Wax” means a product designed or labeled to polish, wax, condition, protect, temporarily seal, or otherwise enhance floor surfaces by leaving a protective finish that is designed or labeled to be periodically replenished. “Floor Polish or Wax” does not include “Floor Maintenance Products,” “Floor Wax Stripper”, or coatings subject to architectural coatings regulations.”
Our question is in 2 parts:
1. The manufacturer is claiming that since the product is intended to be stripped and reapplied over the life of the product, it should not be classified as an Architectural Coating or Sealer. Is this an accurate classification on their part?
2. If it is considered to be an architectural coating, can we use the amount of VOC’s they supplied us with despite the fact that the manufacturer measures them in % of weight (0%) and SQAMD requires g/L?
Any guidance/comments would be appreciated.
1. The product is considered a sealer. It seals the floor product whether it is for a day or 20 years.
2. My bet is that the reviewer would still require g/L. You can work with the manufacturer, perhaps the information is buried in their paperwork. Or you could find a converter online and do the math for the reviewer. However, if it is this hard to prove then the likelihood of the product meeting LEED requirements is low. You may be best served by switching floor sealer products. They are available and pricing should be competitive.
Video Projection Screen Paint
Any tips and/or experience classifying video production screen paint? The product that we are looking at is described as "very matte" with a gloss rating of 4.8 and a VOC content of 138 g/L.
I'd like to classify it as a non-flat paint given the 'very matte' description, but the gloss rating is below 5 which Lauren G suggested should be classified as flat in her 11/23/10 posting on the IEQc4.2 v3 page.
Do you think that it could be considered "other" or a "graphic arts coatings" as Tristan suggested in his 10/29/10 post on v3?
hmmm... Thoughts?
Erik, Wini's earlier post on blackboard and whiteboard paint might be helpful here.
Specialty Paint, Blackboard Paint
Hi there,
Would anyone know what section blackboard paint falls under? Is it considered as a typical interior paint, flat finish?
If so, the VOC limit of 50g/L only and the paint that I found, unfortunately, carries 75g/L. Anyone know of a blackboard paint product that is lower in VOC level?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Does anyone have experience documenting a product under EQc4.2 using the "Other" category? I'm looking for an applicable limit for a markerboard paint, which I assume would be categorized the same way as blackboard paint. I heard from a markerboard paint manufacturer that the SCAQMD folks recommended the product be categorized as an "Other" via Section c1 of Rule 1113 (which is a blanket VOC limit of 250 for any products outside the categories listed in the standard's table - as shown in the Reference Guide). However, Section c1 of the standard isn't mentioned in the Reference Guide, so I'm a little hesitant to move forward with this logic. (The product we're using also happens to meet the LEED-Schools CAL 01350 regulation, but as Tristan indicated in another conversation below, it's unwise to use Schools compliance documentation for an NC project, so I'm a bit unsure how to proceed). Thanks...
Found an answer to my mystery.
Blackboard Paint: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_br=1&_pageL...
Whiteboard Paint: (VOC content to be confirmed, but they are Greenguard certified)
http://www.ideapaint.com/
SCAQMD Rule #1113
The SCAQMD Rule #1113 has a table of standards for VOC limits for a more extensive list of products than what is listed in the LEED manual. The credit requires that limits adhere to rules in effect on January 1, 2004. The #1113 table of VOC limits includes effective dates of VOC limits that change (e.g. the VOC limit in 2004 for non-flat coatingsCoatings that register a gloss of less than 15 on an 85-degree meter or less than 5 on a 60-degree meter. is 150 g/l, but in 2006 it changes to 50 g/l.)
http://www.aqmd.gov/rules/reg/reg11/r1113.pdf
My question is - do we use the effective 2004 VOC limits - or the effective VOC limits for the year that the product is purchased? We have a project that started over 5 years ago and in our spec are the 2004 VOC limits - I would like to know if I need to update the spec to include newer VOC limits.
You use the VOC limits stated in the LEED Reference Guide. The Guide references the 2004 version. I also checked LEED v3 standards which also continue to reference the 2004 version.
Susan, my question has to do with the table within the 2004 SCAQMD Rule #1113 document (you can view this table by clicking on the link in my original question.) On page 1113-10, there is a table of VOC limits with different effective dates.
I was able to contact the USGBC to ask my question and they said that the project should use the effective VOC limits of the year that the project was registered.
Melissa,
Phone conversations held with USGBC representatives are usually non-binding. I would play it safe and use the effective date that is in force at the time of registration. In regards to IEQc4.2 this is straight from the Reference Guide with addenda:
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 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 for those coating types in South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, Architectural Coatings, rules in effect on January 1, 2004.
Hope this helps
Check the 2009 forum for the same topic. The limits are the ones stated in the Refernce Guide, not the updates published subsequently.
PT Strand Coatings and Dry-Pack Grout
We have a PT Deck on our project going for LEED V2.2. The concrete subcontractor is using Rustoleum to coat the PT strands that run through the concrete deck, and dry-pack grout to grout in the PT ends at the edges of the deck.
Do we need to collect VOC data for these products? They are being used inside the concrete (or at the very edge inside a PT strand penetration with the dry-pack grout) and I am not sure what VOC limit should apply to these if so.
Thank you,
This is a gray area. We generally don't include rebar coatings or other things that are encapsulated inside concrete, as they have virtually no impact on indoor air quality. It seems to me that this would fall under the same criteria, but I haven't heard of any examples to this end -- maybe others have suggestions.
Concrete Admix and Penetrating Corrosion Inhibitors
What about concrete additives? there is no standard referenced anywhere that addresses admixes. We are going for IEQ 4.2 but would like to use admixes and some penetrating corrosion inhibitor which is applied to surface concrete designed to penetrate deep into the concrete and treats the rebar to form a corrosion resistant coating. This would not classify as a paint or coating or even a sealer because it's primary purpose is to treat rebar in existing concrete. It is not a coating because it does not "coat" anything. My dealer swears up and down that it is exempt but I need to be sure. The product is called Protectosil 300 by Evonik Industries. So I suppose this comment thread is two fold,
1. are admixes exempt?
2. is penetrating corrosion inhibitor exempt?
An admixture should be exempt. It's not an adhesive, sealant, paint, or coating. The corrosion inhibitor is trickier. Technically it's not on the list, so should be exempt, but it could be interpreted as a concrete sealer. Even though it penetrates the concrete, it is applied to the surface and has the potential to expose installers and maybe occupants to VOCs1. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate). The compounds vaporize (become a gas) at normal room temperatures. 2. A molecule containing one or more carbon atoms that tends to evaporate (volatilize) into the air at typical ambient conditions. Some legal definitions of VOCs are restricted to those that react with sunlight to generate smog. Some VOCs are carcinogens, suspected carcinogens, or known irritants at typical levels.. This is an interior application, right? In determining whether it is exempt I would want to know: 1)how quickly does it penetrate the concrete 2)does it have an odor and if so for how long and how far away from the application point? 3)does it even have solvents in it?
As to knowing for sure, this is my opinion.
LEED NCv2.2 primers
what is the VOC limit for a concrete primer (flat) under LEED NCv2.2?
the Reference Guide states all architectural paints, coating, and primers meet GS-11 5/20/1993 and list flats at 50g/l and non-flats at 150g/L.
However the GS-11 chart noted in the LEED NC 2009 RG lists 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 undercoater at 200 g/L VOC as of 1/1/93 and no limit for specialty primers.
the Sherwin Williams cutsheet says that the primer at 96 g/L VOC meets LEED NCv2.2. Is the limit 50g/L or 200 g/L under LEED NC v2.2?
there is a v2.2 addendum that states primers must meet the VOC limits for non-flat paints. So I recommend 150 g/l.
Michelle
what addendum are you referring to?
a Nov. 3 2010 Addenda for NC 2009 state the primers are the same as the coating - flats are 50 g/l and non-flats are 150 g/l
primers are almost never flat
also, errata sheet from 2007 for LEED NCv2.2 clarifies for EQc4.2 “Primers must meet the VOC limit for non-flat paint.”
so I want to error on the side of caution
I'm referring to the 2007 errata that you mentioned. If it's a 2.2 project that's how it should be reviewed.
VOC Budget Method and Invoices
If I am using the VOC Budget Method, am I required to collect invoices as back up data to show the amount of a material used on the project or will a letter/email from the contractor be enough.
Providing the receipts or an email from the contractor is not initially required. However, a reviewer may ask for this as supplemental information. Unless they ask for it, I would advice just giving the necessary information: Name of the products, application use, VOC limit for the use, VOC limit of the actual products, amount used, and a cut sheet showing the VOC content of the products, and your calculations for the VOC budget method.
GS-11 vs. California 01350
Is it correct that a product not necessarily pass GS-11 for EQ 4.2 as long as it pases 01350? LEED for Schools has a requirement for paints and coatings to pass 01350 instead of GS-11. In that case can you actually use the LEED for schools submittals for NC?
I ran this question by Mara Baum, who sent the following from Guatemala City!
GS-11 measures the amount of VOCs1. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate). The compounds vaporize (become a gas) at normal room temperatures. 2. A molecule containing one or more carbon atoms that tends to evaporate (volatilize) into the air at typical ambient conditions. Some legal definitions of VOCs are restricted to those that react with sunlight to generate smog. Some VOCs are carcinogens, suspected carcinogens, or known irritants at typical levels. in a liquid form, where as 01350 measures the amount of specific toxins that are released into the air. There are usually strong correlations between the two criteria, but not always. GS-11 is far easier to measure for manufacturers, which is one of the reasons that this is the prevalent standard, though 01350 is a much better measurement for building IAQIndoor air quality: The quality and attributes of indoor air affecting the health and comfort building occupants. IAQ encompasses available fresh air, contaminant levels, acoustics and noise levels, lighting quality, and other factors.. Also, 01350 also measures or includes more toxins than GS-11 does, as GS-11 was origingally only developed for VOCs that cause smog.
I would say that in theory it would be possible for a product to pass one but not other, but that it´s more likely for one to pass 01350 and not GS-11 than the other way around. However, I would not try to use the LEED for Schools submittals for LEED NC unless the product data also includes a label or standard that measures for GS-11. My sense is that most products that prove that they can meet 01350 also will prove that they meet GS-11.
Tristan,
Thanks to Mara from Guatemala City! We're actually working with a product which complies with 01350 and is Greenguard Certified but does not pas GS-11. It would pass as an 'other' except that there's some conflicting language regarding the definition of an 'other'. Here, Greenguard has recommended submitting the LEED for schools form with the understanding that it is regarded as the tougher testing standard.
I was wondering if anyone has tried this compliancy path successfully.
That approach sounds good, although I can't say I've done it.
You could always go with the VOC budget method if you run into troubles on specific products like this.
"N/A" VOCs
I am puzzling over what to do about 2 products from our mechanical sub - Rust-Oleum High Performance Industrial Enamel Aerosol Primer V2169838 and Black Swan Seal, a pipe joint compound. The 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 sheets for both of these products give their VOCs1. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate). The compounds vaporize (become a gas) at normal room temperatures. 2. A molecule containing one or more carbon atoms that tends to evaporate (volatilize) into the air at typical ambient conditions. Some legal definitions of VOCs are restricted to those that react with sunlight to generate smog. Some VOCs are carcinogens, suspected carcinogens, or known irritants at typical levels. as "N/A". I'm not sure why the manufacturers are saying VOCs are not applicable to their products, but I'm not sure how to proceed next. Is this acceptable for LEED purposes? Thank you!
I don't think that's acceptable. I would check with the manufacturers as to why they're showing the data that way.
I have a mechanical contractor looking to provide the same manufacturer, Rust-Oleum White Marking Paint, #25928, and as mentioned in the post above, the manufacturer does not provide VOC content. As such, we cannot use it if we can't be sure that it complies with the requirements. I'm looking to find something that does comply and can provide backup documentation. The mechanical contractor was planning on using this paint for spraying exposed deck, marking out duct, or fixture locations for example. Does anyone know any paints, manufacturer and model, that can be applied in this manner that meet the EQc4.2 requirements and provide back-up information? Thanks.
What air quality standard governs pipe joint compound? if there is no referenced standard to govern it how can it be inviolation. Pipe joint compound is not a paint or coating, it's not an adhesive, is it a sealer? Rounding up submittals is frustrating enough, it's no fun having to guess what your product classifies as just for the sake of applying limits. So what is the VOC limit on pipe dope?
I would use the SCAQMD #1168 limits for specialty applications under welding as the closest standard. If you disagree that this category or any other is similar enough then you may omit the joint compound from the credit documentation as not covered by the referenced standard.
I have a similar problem. As an electrical contractor we use spray paints as a colour coded marking system for our enclosed wiring (metal conduit and boxes) during construction. GS-11 does not include spray on products as per Green Seal. I do have VOC content numbers but they are not even close to satisfying EQc4.2. Can they be exempted from the credit?
Mark, there's 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 for NC v2.2 dated 2/10/09 that says that aerosol "spray" paint is excluded from this credit. (This is not to be confused with EQc4.1, which does include aerosol adhesives.) If you haven't checked out the new LEED Interpretations and Addenda Database, I highly recommend it.
I've never considered joint compound to be a paint or coating, and haven't had trouble from GBCI on this exclusion -- has anyone else gotten push back on this? I definitely agree that it's frustrating to try to pick which category products fall into.
SCAQMD - Concrete Curing within weatherproofing system.
Kaufman Cure & Seal 309 Emulsion is a coating for the curing of concrete, which according to the manufacturer, falls under the EQ4.2 umbrella - Paints and Coatings. Upon referencing SCAQMD Rule 1113, it says "Concrete Curing Compounds" shall have a VOC limit of 350 g/L. The product above has 319 g/L, so technically would comply.
However, looking at the reference guide and templates, it seems unclear. The template asks specifically for the GS-11 limit, while the reference guide notes SCAQMD. None of the options listed in the reference guide are relevant to Curing Compounds, so I can only assume that delving further into 1113 would provide accurate information.
Does anyone know if it is acceptable to use SCAQMD data in lieu of Green Seal when referring to products other than paints? Logic would say referencing the standards beyond what is listed in the reference guide is okay to do, but can anyone confirm this?
Thanks in advance!
LC
Hello Lynne, It is most likely that the 2.2 template simply omitted the other option. We would advise going with the SCAQMD VOC limits in the Reference Guide as the Reference Guide will trump anything omitted in the template. You are able to write in category for the VOC limits and the actual limits your self. Perhaps you can write in "Concrete Curing Compound- SCAQMD" just to be on the safe side.
I cannot seem to find the SCAQMD r1113 2004 version on line: only older (last century) ones and 2011. Anyone have a link?
Paint VOC's?
What is the VOC limit of eggshell, is it considered flat?
I believe that eggshell is non-flat because it lies somewhere between a satin and semi-gloss finish.
I thought eggshell was between flat and satin
in terms of shine...
sheen levels vary by manufacturer because there really isn't a standard. rodda's eggshell is between satin and semi, but other manufacturers differ. this article talks about it a bit: http://www.paintpro.net/Articles/PP802/PP802-Eggshell_Finishes.cfm
in regard to LEED, i believe eggshell still would be considered a non-flat because it does have a small amount resins added to create sheen.
I would also assume this is the case—eggshell is definitely "non-flat" if you take the word literally.
For what it's worth, in my experience eggshell is between flat and satin.
I always count eggshell as non-flat.
Paint Colorants?
Reading over the product data submitted for paint on a project I am working on I noticed all the VOC contents are based on a "pure" white base. If the specs call for dark colors and the paints colorant system contains VOC there is a danger of exceeding the minimum VOC requirements. Does LEED concern itself with this in EQ4.2? or is the VOC content of the base all that needs to be reported?
If the colorants do cause the paint to exceed VOC limits there is the concern that it could cause problems with IAQIndoor air quality: The quality and attributes of indoor air affecting the health and comfort building occupants. IAQ encompasses available fresh air, contaminant levels, acoustics and noise levels, lighting quality, and other factors. testing later in the project. If there is evidence enough for concern would you consider this to be basis rejection of the submittable?
One of our very first tips in the Checklists section above is about this very issue—because it's so common.
Indeed, VOCs1. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and ammonium carbonate). The compounds vaporize (become a gas) at normal room temperatures. 2. A molecule containing one or more carbon atoms that tends to evaporate (volatilize) into the air at typical ambient conditions. Some legal definitions of VOCs are restricted to those that react with sunlight to generate smog. Some VOCs are carcinogens, suspected carcinogens, or known irritants at typical levels. are often particularly high in the pigment or colorant. No, you cannot ignore this in your credit submission. You must get a VOC number for the whole paint.
Using lighter colors helps keep this number down.
Some manufacturers are now providing VOC numbers that include the pigment, and they certainly should be able to provide the number to you on request.
VOC Budget
Has anyone done a VOC budget for EQc4.2? Do you have a spreadsheet template I could use?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Norma, I have an excel spreadsheet for a VOC budget that I submitted last year for EQc4.2 on an NC2.2 project. It was accepted by GBCI & we got the point. I would be glad to e-mail it to you if you feel comfortable posting your e-mail address here. Don't see any way to attach it to this comment.
Hi Mary, if you're willing to share it with all LEED users, I can post it to the Doc Toolkit above, with due credit to your team. You can contact me via our contact form.
That would be great! Thanks so much. If you're willing to email it to Tristan, I'll see if I can get it from him. Otherwise, I'll post my email address. I'm hesitant to place my email address on the public forum, but will do it if needed!
I e-mailed it to Tristan a few minutes ago. Hope the spreadsheet works for you - good luck!
Norma, I'm glad you asked about this and Mary, thanks for sharing! The sample VOC budget calculation is now posted above under the Documentation Toolkit for this credit. (This is members-only content.)
If anyone has documents they want to see on LEEDuser, or that they want to volunteer as being particularly useful, please let me know via our contact form.
Kaleem, the spreadsheet is posted above in the Doc Toolkit. Here is a direct link to it.
Weather barrier not up yet
Does the concrete curing compound have to meet limits if the weather proofing system is not enclosed yet?
Yes, if its installed location will be inside the weather barrier then it is subject to the credit limits.
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