Schools-2009 IEQc4.1: Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants

  • No reason not to earn this credit

    It shouldn’t cost you anything to earn this credit—it will just take a little work (the same is true for the related credit, IEQc4.2: Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings). Your first priority should be to specify only adhesives and sealantsA sealant has adhesive properties and is formulated primarily to fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between 2 surfaces. Sealants include sealant primers and caulks. (SCAQMD Rule 1168. )Sealants are used on wood, fabric, paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic foam and other materials with tiny openings, often microscopic, that may absorb or discharge gas or fluid. that comply with the credit’s VOC limits, and enforce those specifications on the jobsite. Research low-VOC adhesives and sealants before construction begins and provide lists of acceptable materials to contractors to help ensure that the right products are used. 

    Proactive communication on the jobsite

    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 adhesive and sealants must comply.

    However, if a non-compliant adhesive or sealant 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 adhesives and sealants separately from paints and coatings (for IEQc4.2), 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 IEQc3.2: Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—Before Occupancy, by reducing the amount of VOCs in the air.

    Using low-VOC adhesives and sealants is not only beneficial to occupants, but can improve air quality and the health of construction workers who are constantly exposed to construction pollution.

    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 VOC grams per liter (g/L) information, usually 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 #1168 and Green Seal-36 for aerosol adhesives(see below for more information on the standards for Schools). Product sheets often provide the maximum g/L (like “<100 g/L”) rather than a specific amount. That’s okay as long as the maximum is under the allowable limit. 

    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.

    Schools have a tighter requirement

    According to the LEED credit language, schools have to meet the testing and product requirements of a California Department of Health Services Standard on emissions testing. The Standard defines a protocol for a chamber test that determines the rate of offgassing. This standard is much more stringent than the low-emitting standards referenced in other LEED rating systems. Not many products have gone through this testing method, so finding compliant products can be difficult and may include a cost premium. 

    However, USGBC put out an erratum for earlier versions of LEED for Schools allowing projects to pursue the LEED-NC IEQc4.1 and LEED-NC IEQc4.2 VOC limit compliance paths rather than the California standard. This erratum remains in effect for LEED for Schools 2009.    

  • Pursue four of six low-emitting materials credits

    Schools have six low-emitting materials credits, but can earn a maximum of four points from them, so choose four to pursue: 

    Choose the credits that are the easiest for your project to achieve. Typically IEQc4.1 and IEQc4.2 are the easiest.  IEQc4.3, IEQc4.4, and IEQc4.5 can be more difficult or expensive to achieve.

  • FAQ's for IEQc4.1

    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 adhesive that is 100 g/L over its required threshold, then you can balance it out with enough compliant product where you show you are at least 100g/l under the required threshold, thus balancing the VOC budget.

    How is VOC % less water determined for aerosol adhesives?

    This is usually found on a product cut sheet or 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. If you cannot find the information, contact the manufacturer or technical services for the product and they should be able to provide this number for you. The method for dermining this is explained in SCAQMD Method 305-9, Determination of (VOC) In Aerosol Applications.

    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 IEQc4.1, but if they fall outside of this they can be excluded.

    Do grout and caulking need to be included, and if so, what is the application category?

    Yes, grout and caulking need to be included. There is no specific category for them, however. Projects have successfully used ceramic tile adhesive—VOC limit 65g/l—and Architectural Sealant—VOC limit 250 g/l—successfully, the latter being especially appropriate if you are using a product other than ceramic tiles. Since most mortars, grouts, and thinsets are largely cementitious, with inherently low VOC content, they will comply under most categories, anyway. Choose a logical category and explain it in a narrative if necessary.

    How do I determine what application my product falls under?

    SCAQMD Rule 1168 includes definitions of categories that can be helpful in determining where and how your product should be categorized to determine corresponding VOC thresholds.


    What are the adhesives and sealants to be included in the documentation?

    All adhesives and sealants used onsite within the weather barrier need to be included. This should address general construction adhesives, flooring adhesives, fire-stopping sealants, caulking, duct sealants, plumbing adhesives and cove base adhesives.

    Our project didn't use some common adhesive types, and our LEED reviewer asked about this. Are we supposed to justify not using certain adhesives in our documentation?

    No, but it might not hurt. Items commonly included in the credit are general construction adhesives, flooring adhesives, fire-stopping sealants, caulking, duct sealants, plumbing adhesives, and cove base adhesives. If your project doesn't report using one or more of these, your LEED reviewer might ask you to verify your list of documented items, to check that something wasn't inadvertently omitted. In LEEDuser's opinion, a brief narrative noting what you used and verifying that you're conscious of the fact that some common items weren't used might anticipate and answer this type of review comment.

Legend

  • Best Practices
  • Gotcha
  • Action Steps
  • Cost Tip

Schematic Design

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  • There is no reason not to earn this credit, as long as you are willing to take a bit of extra time to specify compliant products, and make sure that only those products are used on the jobsite.

Design Development

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  • construction work applying adhesivesLow-VOC adhesives benefit both the project and construction workers. Photo – ITW TACC Start researching and selecting compliant low-VOC adhesives and sealants needed for the project.

  • First check the allowable VOC levels for each product type you are using – see the summary of VOC limits in the Low-Emitting Material Limits document (see Documentation Toolkit) and then make sure the products specified do not exceed those limits.  

  • Keep VOC requirements in mind when selecting all materials used indoors. Watch out for warranty restrictions that call for use of a manufacturer-specified adhesive or sealant (which may or may not comply). 

  • Finding adhesives and sealants that are compliant with the credit requirements may sometimes take a little extra time, but is rarely a problem.

Construction Documents

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  • Make sure low-emitting requirements have been integrated in construction specifications. Products must be at or below the recommended VOC limits. VOC levels can be found on a product’s MSDS or technical data sheet and are measured in grams per liter (g/L).

  • Guidance on incorporating LEED specifications into construction documents, along with samples, is available from MasterSpec and from the Whole Building Design Guide (see Resources).

  • Identifying VOC requirements directly on the drawings as well as in the specs is a good way to remind the contractor and subcontractors of the requirements, but be careful to make sure the information is consistent between the drawings and the specs. 

  • It is best to require subcontractors to supply all LEED-required VOC information on the products they purchase at the time they are submitting products for approval. This way contractors do not wait until the end of construction to supply information, and you have the opportunity to review products for LEED compliance before products are purchased.

  • Specify compliant products by brand name whenever possible. It is best to distribute a list of acceptable products and the VOC limit chart from the LEED rating system at the contractor and subcontractor orientation meetings. 

  • Low-emitting products can be part of a more comprehensive IAQ management plan, as required for IEQc3.1: Construction Indoor Air Quality Plan—During Construction. A comprehensive IAQ plan covers all adhesives, sealants, paint, coatings, composite materials, and overall construction best practices protecting air quality.  

  • Achieving this credit can also help achieve IEQc3.2: Construction IAQ Management Plan—Before Occupancy, if your project pursues the air-testing option for this credit. Using low-VOC products improves your odds of passing the air quality tests. 

  • Only products installed within the weather barrier need to comply with VOC limits, according to the credit requirements. For adhesives and sealants that are part of the weather barrier, the LEED requirements are ambiguous, so it is best to err on the side of caution and use low-VOC products. Remember that the intention of the credit is to make sure all adhesives and sealants that have the potential to interact with indoor air are compliant. 

  • Products assembled off-site or factory-finished are exempt from this credit, because it is assumed that VOCs have off gassed before arriving at the site.

  • Using low-emitting adhesives and sealants is a no-cost measure.  

  • Some water-based adhesives and sealants that are credit-compliant may not be as strong as non-water-based adhesives and sealants. However, this is usually not a problem, as adhesive and sealants are often stronger than they need to be. 

  • Some contractors might charge a premium for implementing and documenting this credit but, in general, costs should be minor or nonexistent as more firms start incorporating these as standard best practices. 

  • Hiring construction teams with LEED experience is helpful, as is reviewing LEED requirements and responsibilities with the contractor during the bidding process. Construction teams without LEED experience can be successful with this credit, but will require more training and a closer eye on quality control to make sure compliant materials are used and that items are documented correctly.  

  • Implementing an IAQ plan and use of low-emitting materials demands accountability. It is best if subcontractors are contractually required to implement their parts of the IAQ plan. 

Construction

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  • Preparation Before Construction Begins

  • The general contractor (GC) should be oriented to all LEED-related issues, including IAQ management, low-emitting materials, environmental material tracking tools, construction waste management, and so on. A list of acceptable products for each use type, and the list of VOC limits, should be provided to aid subcontractors in product selection. 

  • The GC should hold orientation meetings with the subcontractors to review the LEED responsibilities related specifically to their trades. This exercise helps to build trust and is crucial for obtaining buy-in from all participants in the process.

  • Coordination and communication among the GC, subcontractors and design team early in the process can minimize scheduling delays and pushback from subcontractors.

  • Give the GC and subcontractors the following tools to help them track materials data for all MR and IEQ credits. (See the Documentation Toolkit for access.)

    • Materials Calculator:  This is a master tracking spreadsheet that the GC can use internally to compile product information received from the subcontractors. The spreadsheet tracks LEED values across multiple LEED MR and IEQ credits.
    • Environmental Materials Reporting Form: This is a material tracking form that helps subcontractors record the environmental values for products they purchase. This can be distributed to each trade subcontractor and submitted to the GC for filing. 
    • 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.
    • Low-Emitting Material Limits: These tables, found with each credit here on LEEDuser, summarize the maximum VOC limits for different types of adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, composite wood, and flooring products. When subcontractors search for low-emitting products, they should consult these charts.

  • Research compliant, low-emitting products before construction begins. If product decisions are made after construction begins, with less time to carefully review data sheets, there is a much greater risk of using a non-compliant product. 

  • There is some room for interpretation in VOC limits, because the limits are determined by product usage and product type. For example, cove-base adhesives have a VOC limit of 50 g/L, and a multipurpose construction adhesive has a VOC limit of 70 g/L. If you use a multipurpose adhesive on a cove base, it is up to you whether to use either 50 g/L or 70 g/L as your VOC limit. Erring on the side of caution with a lower limit is generally a good idea.

  • When researching low-emitting products, double-check that the manufacturer’s information does not use misleading language. A common example is a product cut sheet that uses the term “low-emitting” without providing a specific VOC g/L value. Many cut sheets give a maximum value of, for example, VOC < 100g/L. That’s fine as long as 100 g/L meets the criteria for that product—just enter 100 g/L VOC amount for LEED documentation.

  • It is common for an MSDS to list the chemical contents of a product without giving an overall VOC g/L number. You’ll need to contact the manufacturer or check cut sheets to get the total VOC number. (See the Documentation Toolkit for a sample cut sheet.)

  • Obtain VOC levels, in writing, from the manufacturer, for the actual products used on the project—don’t rely on VOC quotes given over the phone.

  • The VOC value on an MSDS can be unreliable when several different products are listed on one sheet. Get clarification from the manufacturer on the actual VOC content of the product you are using.

  • The GC should be aware of any warranty issues that may exist if alternative adhesives or sealants are used. For example, a carpet company’s warranty may require a certain adhesive that does not meet the VOC requirements. To keep the warranty valid, use the adhesive or sealant specified in the warranty and use the VOC budget method to show a weighted average VOC compliance, or use carpet from a company that offers a low-VOC option.

  • 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 adhesives and sealants.)

  • Using the VOC budget method is usually successful, but can be time-consuming to document.

  • During Construction

  • Throughout construction, the GC should collect material safety data sheets (MSDS) from subcontractors and completed VOC tracking forms for all products used onsite associated with this credit.

  • Assign someone to be responsible for inputting the subcontractors’ tracking forms into the master spreadsheet. A LEED consultant or an administrative assistant in the GC’s office may be the best choice for this role. 

  • Review subcontractor product suggestions ahead of time to avoid the purchase of inappropriate materials and eliminate the need for costly change orders.

  • Streamline documentation and research by keeping a master spreadsheet of all the items being tracked for each material across MR and IEQ credits. For example, you may need to ask the millworker for regional information for MRc5, certified wood information for MRc7, and information about coatings installed on-site for IEQc4.1. If one spreadsheet collects all the data, it can streamline your documentation, associated research, and help with quality control. (See the Materials Calculator in the Documentation Toolkit.)

  • A master spreadsheet helps ease information collection for subcontractors, giving them a road map of exactly what types of information to collect for each product.  

  • The GC functions as the overall quality assurance provider for this credit. Responsibilities include conducting weekly reviews of subcontractor product safety data sheets and tracking forms, as well as spot checks in dumpsters to determine which products are actually being used.

  • Post signs at the construction site that reminds subcontractors to follow LEED requirements for low-VOC products. (See Documentation Toolkit for sample signs.) 

  • Schedule the application of adhesives and sealants so that offgassing does not contaminate other absorptive materials. This is required if projects are attempting IEQc3.1: Construction Indoor Air Quality Plan—During Construction. For example, do not store or install acoustic ceiling tile before flooring and wall adhesives are put down, because ceiling tiles will absorb the off-gassing of paint and floor adhesives and contaminate the air over a longer time period.

  • It is usually a good idea to do a “mini air flush” (if your project is not attempting IEQc3.2) before occupancy to help remove any lingering VOCs from the construction process. This can be as simple as putting industrial sized fans in the window and pumping in fresh air overnight or running the HVAC exhaust on high for a few days. (See IEQc3.2: Construction Indoor Air Quality Plan—Before Occupancy if the team wants to do a full flush-out for an additional LEED point.)

  • Transfer all the data collected in the master material tracking spreadsheet to the LEED Online form and upload the product cut sheets.

Operations & Maintenance

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  • Provide the owner with a list of compliant, low-emitting adhesives and sealants used on the project so that O&M staff can use these products for future renovations.

  • USGBC

    Excerpted from LEED 2009 for Schools New Construction and Major Renovations

    COPYRIGHT © 2009 BY THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

    IEQ Credit 4.1: Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants

    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

    All adhesives and sealantsA sealant has adhesive properties and is formulated primarily to fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between 2 surfaces. Sealants include sealant primers and caulks. (SCAQMD Rule 1168. )Sealants are used on wood, fabric, paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic foam and other materials with tiny openings, often microscopic, that may absorb or discharge gas or fluid. installed in the building interior (defined as inside the weatherproofing system and applied on-site) must meet the testing and product requirements of the California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004 Addenda.

    Schools projects may choose from IEQ Credits 4.1-4.6 for a maximum of 4 points.

    Potential Technologies & Strategies

    Clearly specify requirements for product testing and/or certification in the construction documents. Some programs that offer verification of the cited standard for Options 1-4 and 6 are Indoor Advantage Gold, GREENGUARD Children & Schools, the Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s FloorScore program, the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus program, and the Collaborative for High Performance Schools product list. Indoor Advantage Gold offers verification of the BIFMA standard cited in Option C of the Furniture Option.

Publications

Specifying LEED Requirements from ARCOM MasterSpec

Guidance and sample language on incorporating VOC limits into Specifications.

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1168 South Coast Air Quality Management District

Outline of Rule 1168 for adhesive and sealant applications.

Web Tools

USGBC’s LEED Resources page

Includes additional resources and technical information.

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. 

Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) — Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers

Support on incorporating LEED requirements into specifications. 

Technical Guides

Collaborative for High Performance Schools Best Practices Manual, 2006, Low-Emitting Materials Table

The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) Best Practices Manual contains guidelines and strategies for effective acoustical performance in school buildings.  According to CHPS, “this table lists products that have been certified by its manufacturer and an independent laboratory to meet the CHPS Low-Emitting Materials criteria Section 01350 for use in a typical classroom.” 

California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for The Testing Of Volatile Organic Emissions From Various Sources Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004 Addenda

The testing practice establishes the procedures for product sample collection, emissions testing, indoor concentration modeling, and documentation requirements associated with the analyzing the emissions 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. from various sources using small-scale environmental chambers. In addition, the testing practice lists target chemicals and their maximum allowable concentrations. 

 

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.

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.

Materials Calculator

Teams can use this tool to track all materials across applicable 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.

LEED Online Forms: Schools-2009 IEQ

The following links take you to the public, informational versions of the dynamic LEED Online forms for each Schools-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):

Version 3 forms:

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."

22 Comments

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J W
Apr 10 2013
LEEDuser Member
186 Thumbs Up

Low emitting materials for Schools 2009

We have documented 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.6 by alternative compliance using NC 2009 rules. At the bottom of the form it only shows that I have documented 1 point. Any ideas?

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cathi schar May 15 2013 LEEDuser Member 51 Thumbs Up

I don't know if this is correct, but in order to show the right credit totals we've been adjusting the checkmarked boxes in the credit details/points/threshold page. (This is not the form itself). See bottom box.

Would you mind telling me how you got the NC2009 active forms to work? I've downloaded the newest acrobat reader and still can't get the forms to work...

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J W May 15 2013 LEEDuser Member 186 Thumbs Up

I'm not positive that I am doing this correctly, but I went to the "sample forms download" at the top right of the screen. This brings up all of the options for versions of LEED, both static forms and active forms appear. I completed the forms necessary, saved and uploaded as alternative compliance documents in my LEED for Schools project. I am using adobe 10.1.4 and I haven't had any problems.

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Tim Crowley LEED AP / Founder www.BCdesignbuild.com
Oct 11 2012
LEEDuser Member
328 Thumbs Up

VOC Acceptable Levels Listing

Where can I find a listing of the acceptable VOC levels (in accordance with CA Section 01350) for the various IEQc4 credits for my LEED Schools 2009 project?

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Josh Jacobs Technical Information & Public Affairs Manager, UL Environment Oct 11 2012 LEEDuser Expert 3074 Thumbs Up

The old CA 01350 can be found here: http://www.cal-iaq.org/download-standard-method-publications/standard-me....

The chemical emission limits are detailed within it (page 45/61). While some chemical levels have changed in the most recent version of CA 01350 (2010), it is my understanding that LEED reviewers are accepting products shown to comply with the newer version of CA 01350 to show compliance to these requirements. You can do this by having a test lab report on the individual products used, using GREENGUARD Children & Schools, Indoor Advantage Gold, FloorScore, or CRIColor-rendering index, or CRI, is a scale of 0 to 100, used by manufacturers of fluorescent, metal halide, and other non-incandescent lighting equipment to describe the visual effect of the light on colored surfaces. Natural daylight is assigned a CRI of 100. Green Label Plus certified products, depending upon the credit.

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Tim Crowley LEED AP / Founder, www.BCdesignbuild.com Oct 11 2012 LEEDuser Member 328 Thumbs Up

Josh - Thanks for the answer. The CA 01350 info is very complicated. I guess I have overcomplicated the issue though. After taking another look at the LEEDuser info I see that we are told the following:
"However, USGBC put out an erratum for earlier versions of LEED for Schools allowing projects to pursue the LEED-NC IEQc4.1 and LEED-NC IEQc4.2 VOC limit compliance paths rather than the California standard. This erratum remains in effect for LEED for Schools 2009."
LEEDuser goes on to include under the heading,
FAQ's for IEQc4.1
under the question,
How do I determine what application my product falls under?
the following information:
"SCAQMD Rule 1168 includes definitions of categories that can be helpful in determining where and how your product should be categorized to determine corresponding VOC thresholds.
"
And here is the best part, the SCAQMD Rule 1168 portion of that answer is a link that takes you to a pdf that spells out the current VOC limits.
Thanks again LEEDuser!

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Nicholas Olechnowicz Project Manager GPD Group
May 23 2012
LEEDuser Member
78 Thumbs Up

CA 01350 Compliant

We have a current school project that is under construction. The CM and contractors cannot find a firestopping sealant that is CA 01350 compliant. Any suggestions?

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Aug 31 2012 LEEDuser Moderator

Yes, pursue the weaker NC 2009 requirements. See an explanation in the Bird's Eye View tab above.

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Gary Atkins
Jun 24 2011
Guest
40 Thumbs Up

Clarification of wording

In attempt to clarify the wording for IEQ4.1 and IEQ4.2 that states "...defined as inside the weatherproofing system and applied on-site..." does this mean that both conditions must be satisfied for this credit to apply. For example, if cabinets are manufactured/constructed off-site and then installed inside the building, do the stains and adhesives used on those cabinets have to comply with the requirements set forth by IEQ4.1 and IEQ4.2? This example and similar instances have been a point of contention for my current project and I would like to bring closure to this issue.

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David Posada Sustainability Manager, GBD Architects Jun 24 2011 LEEDuser Expert 11401 Thumbs Up

Only the adhesives, sealantsA sealant has adhesive properties and is formulated primarily to fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between 2 surfaces. Sealants include sealant primers and caulks. (SCAQMD Rule 1168. )Sealants are used on wood, fabric, paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic foam and other materials with tiny openings, often microscopic, that may absorb or discharge gas or fluid., paints and coating that are inside the weather barrier AND applied on-site have to comply. Thus you don't have to track the stains, paints, and adhesives used to assemble and finish items that are produced off site. As much as that would address many more instances of poor air quality, especially for workers who are part of the manufacturing process, it would also be administrative nightmare!

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Carmelito Tatlonghari LEED-AP BD+C Leighton Contractors Philippines, Inc.
Jul 27 2010
LEEDuser Member
319 Thumbs Up

Actual VOC Content

Do we need to know and submit the actual VOC content of adhesives and sealantsA sealant has adhesive properties and is formulated primarily to fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between 2 surfaces. Sealants include sealant primers and caulks. (SCAQMD Rule 1168. )Sealants are used on wood, fabric, paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic foam and other materials with tiny openings, often microscopic, that may absorb or discharge gas or fluid.? A manufacturer does not indicate the actual VOC content on its 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 and certification, only the statement that the products do not exceed the maximum VOC limits set by SCAQMD Rule 1168. Do we still need a laboratory certification indicating the actual results of the VOC analysis to comply with this requirement?

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Jul 27 2010 LEEDuser Moderator

An 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, cut sheet, or letter from the manufacturer is sufficient to verify the VOC content—a lab certificate is also sufficient but not needed.

The documentation requirements are discussed above under the Checklists tab, under Construction Documents. If you don't have an actual VOC number, but the manufacturer says the product is compliant, that's okay, but you have to assume that the VOC number is at the threshold, e.g. if the limit is 150 g/L, assume that the product is 150 g/L.

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Alison Y Rivenburgh
Apr 14 2010
LEEDuser Member
1420 Thumbs Up

Gypsum Board Joint Compound

How should a ready mixed drywall joint compound be treated for the purposed of EQc4.1 and/or EQc4.2? Is it classified as an Architectural Sealant by SCAQMD 1168 for EQc4.1? Or would it classified as some sort of coating under EQc4.2?

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Alison Y Rivenburgh Apr 14 2010 LEEDuser Member 1420 Thumbs Up

Would it be classified as a Dry Wall and Panel Adhesive? SCAQMD 1168 defines a Dry Wall Adhesive as "an adhesive used during the installation of gypsum dry wall to studs or solid surfaces." Dry wall joint compound does not seem to meet this defintion.

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Apr 14 2010 LEEDuser Moderator

Alison, I would be curious to hear what others have to say but I don't think this falls under either IEQc4.1 and IEQc4.2. It is clearly not a paint or coating, and I think it would be stretch to call it an adhesive or sealant. It is really functionally more similar to the drywall itself rather than an adhesive.

If anything, it would be covered under IEQc4.6: Low-Emitting Materials—Ceilings and Wall Systems, but as we discuss under IEQc4.6, it is not covered there either (although using a low-emitting product is a good idea, especially if you're doing IEQc3.2.

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Xavier Obando
Mar 10 2010
Guest
75 Thumbs Up

California Dep. of HAAP...."Not Found Page"

where can i get the California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004 Addenda.
the provided link is to a "Not found Page"

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Mar 10 2010 LEEDuser Moderator

Check the link that's on the "Product Certification and Testing" strategy page in the upper right of this page -- or follow this link.

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Eri Spaulding Ashley McGraw Architects Jul 19 2011 LEEDuser Member 525 Thumbs Up

Has anybody documented compliance with this "California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Souorces Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers"? it was a requirement under LEED for Schools 2007, but USGBC has retired this requirement in newer versions.
The problem is that almost no product list any reference to this standard in their product data, and the standard itself is very complex in its requirements; impossible to prove compliance with the information provided by manufacturers.
CHPS has started an online lsit of compliant products, as mentioned by Tristan above. But this list has been discontinued and the remaining list is very poor.

Does anybody believe USGBC would grant an alternative compliance path by using the requirements of newer versions of LEED?

Thank you

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Judy Landwehr Product Compliance & Training Manager, Masonite Architectural DoorSystems Jul 19 2011 Guest 393 Thumbs Up

Product listings that comply with the CA 01350 small chamber testing such as doors and furniture can be found on Scientific Certfication Systems website under Green Products. You can search by the CA 01350 standard and all products 3rd party certfied by SCS to that standard will be listed.

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Josh Jacobs Technical Information & Public Affairs Manager, UL Environment Jul 20 2011 LEEDuser Expert 3074 Thumbs Up

I am the technical information & public affairs manager for GREENGUARD Environmental Institute and GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification shows compliance to the CA 01350 standard. These can be found on www.greenguard.org and there are over 200 individual adhesives in the free product guide that would show compliance to the CA 01350 requirements.

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Rebecca Grant Dull Olson Weekes - IBI Group Architects, Inc. Oct 15 2012 LEEDuser Member 55 Thumbs Up

Josh,

According to LEEDUser the referenced standard for LEED for Schools 2009 (California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004 Addenda) supersedes the Special Environmental Requirements, Specifications Section 01350, developed by the State of California for screening building materials - please see the link below.

http://www.leeduser.com/strategy/product-certification-and-testing-leed-...

We were going to pursue the LEED NC 2009 requirements for EQc4.1-4.4 but we are finding that quite a few building products that have GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification do not have documentation to show compliance to the LEED NC 2009 standards.

The LEED Reference Guide does not state GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification meets the California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004 Addenda.

The GREENGUARD website states "The GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program's requirements comply with the State of California’s Department of Public Health Services Standard Practice for Specification Section 01350 (California Section 01350) for testing chemical emissions from building products used in schools and other environments. As such, GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certified products can be used to earn valuable credits in the CHPS Best Practices Manual for K-12 schools, the US Green Building Council's LEED ® Green Building Rating Systems, the Green Guide for Healthcare, the NAHB Green Building Guidelines, Green Globes, Regreen and many other building codes, standards and specifications."

How can we connect the dots between the LEED Schools 2009 referenced standard, CA 01350 and GREENGUARD Children & Schools? We need to know that if we specify products with GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification that they will be accepted by the GBCI review teams.

Thanks, Rebecca

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Josh Jacobs Technical Information & Public Affairs Manager, UL Environment Oct 15 2012 LEEDuser Expert 3074 Thumbs Up

Rebecca,

All of the programs listed on the GREENGUARD website have accepted GREENGUARD Children & Schools for their product emission requirements (specifically the ones that require CA 01350). The state of California's Dept of Public Health: Indoor Air Quality program lists GREENGUARD as a certification for their programs: http://www.cal-iaq.org/vocs/voc-links and many LEED projects have used many different types of products that have received IEQ Credit 4 points. As for the products 'not having documentation', if a product is not listed on the GREENGUARD website as being compliant with GREENGUARD Children & Schools (whose standard is listed here: http://greenguard.org/Libraries/GG_Documents/GGPS002GREENGUARDChildrenan...) then it should not be assumed as compliant.

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