ASTM Comparison

Michael, I'm sorry, I don't know the details of those ASTM standards. Anyone else?

First, Green Seal GS-11 2011 cites ASTM D6886-03, but LEEDv3 uses GS-11 1993. This older version uses US-EPA Reference Test Method 24, as do GC-03 & SCAQMD 1113. Method 24 is the standard used in US jurisdictions that regulate VOCs in paints. Therefore, any paint product sold in the US should report VOC content according to Method 24. Method 24 reports VOC content in grams per liter (g/L or lbs/gal), “LESS WATER AND EXEMPT COMPOUNDS.” If you find these words, the manufacturer has probably used the correct method. Sometimes, manufacturers also use terms such as “EPA,” “Regulatory,” “Theoretical,” or “Calculated” to describe this method. However, if VOC is reported as a percentage or using other units, the manufacturer has used a different standard. I am not a chemist, but I have taken a cursory look at ASTM D3960. It appears to describe three different methods of measuring VOC content. One method appears comparable to EPA Method 24, but I could not say for sure. ASTM D5201 appears more general, describing calculations to measure various compounds in paint besides VOCs. It appears to reference ASTM D3960 for VOC measurements. Recommendation: Contact the paint company’s technical services departments. Their chemist should be able to compare their methods to US-EPA Method 24.