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Let's break down this bundle of requirements

LEED v4 has bundled what had previously been several separate low-emitting materials credit into one exceedingly complicated credit. On an individual materials basis, most of the updates to thresholds and standards are fairly minor, but taken as a whole, and combined with the complexity of some of the referenced standards, it's a lot to wrap you head around.

We'll break things down category by category, and then answer some FAQs. If your question isn't answered here, please review the forum below and then post any additional questions there.

Requirement for: Inherently nonemitting sources

What this covers: Stone, ceramic, powder-coated metals, plated or anodized metal, glass, concrete, clay brick, unfinished or untreated solid wood

Testing methods used: No VOC emissions testing necessary if products do not include integral organic-based surface coatings, binders, or sealants

Requirements for: General Emissions Evaluation

What this covers: Interior paints and coatings applied on site; interior adhesives and sealants applied on site (including flooring  adhesive); flooring; and ceilings, walls, thermal, and acoustic insulation

Testing methods used: CDPH Standard Method V1.1-2010, applicable exposure scenario. The default scenario is the private office scenario. 

Special notes: Manufacturer's or third-party certification must state the exposure scenario used to determine compliance, and must also state the range of total VOCs after 14 days (336 hours), measured as specified in the CDPH Standard Method V1.1. Claims of compliance for wet-applied products must state the amount applied in mass per surface area.

Requirements for: Interior paints and coatings applied on site

Testing methods used: Applicable VOC limits of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2007, Suggested Control Measure (SCM) for Architectural Coatings, or the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, effective June 3, 2011

Special notes: If the applicable regulation requires subtraction of exempt compounds, any content of intentionally added exempt compounds larger than 1% weight by mass (total exempt compounds) must be disclosed. If a product cannot be reasonable tested as specifed, testing of VOC content must comply with ASTM D2369-10; ISO 11890, part 1; ASTM D6886-03; or ISO 11890-2. For projects in North America, methylene chloride and perchloroethylene may not be intentionally added in paints or coatings.

Requirements for: Interior adhesives and sealants applied on site (including flooring  adhesive)

Testing methods used: Applicable chemical content requirements of SCAQMD Rule 1168, July 1, 2005, Adhesive and Sealant Applications, as analyzed by the methods specified in Rule 1168.

Special notes: If the applicable regulation requires subtraction of exempt compounds, any content of intentionally added exempt compounds larger than 1% weight by mass (total exempt compounds) must be disclosed. If a product cannot be reasonable tested as specifed, testing of VOC content must comply with ASTM D2369-10; ISO 11890, part 1; ASTM D6886-03; or ISO 11890-2. For projects in North America, methylene chloride and perchloroethylene may not be intentionally added in adhesives or sealants.

Requirements for: Composite wood

Testing methods used: Must be documented to have low formaldehyde emissions that meet the California Air Resources Board ATCM for formaldehyde requirements for ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) resins or no added formaldehyde resins.

Special notes: Salvaged and reused architectural millwork more than one year old at the time of occupancy is considered compliant, provided it meets the requirements for any site-applied paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants.

Requirements for: Furniture

Testing methods used: Must be tested in accordance with ANSI/BIFMA Standard Method M7.1-2011; comply with ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard, Sections 7.6.1 and 7.6.2, using either the concentration modeling approach or the emissions factor approach; and model the test results using the open plan, private office, or seating scenario in ANSI/BIFMA M7.1, as appropriate.

Special notes: USGBC-approved equivalent testing methodologies and contaminant thresholds are also acceptable. For classroom furniture, use the standard school classroom model in CDPH Standard Method V1.1. Documentation submitted for furniture must indicate the modeling scenario used to determine compliance. Salvaged and reused furniture more than one year old at the time of occupancy is considered compliant, provided it meets the requirements for any site-applied paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants.

Requirements for: Exterior applied products for (Healthcare and School Projects only)

Testing methods used: Adhesives, sealants, coatings, roofing, and waterproofing materials applied on site must meet the VOC limits of California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2007 Suggested control Measure (SCM) for Architectural Coatings, and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1168, effective July 1, 2005.

Special notes: Small containers of adhesives and sealants subject to state or federal consumer product VOC regulations are exempt. Two materials are prohibited and do not count toward total percentage compliance: hot-mopped asphalt for roofing, and coal tar sealants for parking lots and other paved surfaces.

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