My client is a university that asked if they could provide the testing required for products if it's not available from the manufacturers. They are an engineering school, and likely have the means if provided the criteria in the Reference Guide. I'm sure they'd be able to provide reports/results confirming the process and outcomes.
Any thoughts? I don't want the client to feel like they've wasted time if they take the credit criteria to the department for evaluation only to find that GBCI won't allow it.
Reinhard Oppl
Independent consultant on VOC issuesformerly with Eurofins Product Testing A/S
332 thumbs up
July 12, 2018 - 4:00 pm
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Reinhard Oppl
Independent consultant on VOC issuesformerly with Eurofins Product Testing A/S
332 thumbs up
July 12, 2018 - 4:00 pm
Please note this requirement in the credit:
"Laboratory requirements. Laboratories that conduct the tests specified in this credit must be accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 for the test methods they use."
Should the university lab carry this accreditation for the VOC test methods, then they could deliver such tests.
This wording is about avoiding false test results by not enough qualified labs. False test results have the potential to disturb equal starting points for fair competition between products. This required accreditation indicates a minimum qualification to run such tests. Non-accredited labs may do fine, but nobody can evaluate that without such accreditation.
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
452 thumbs up
July 12, 2018 - 5:07 pm
Ok, thanks Reinhard. I'll provide the client with the requirements and let them confirm their abilities.
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
452 thumbs up
July 19, 2018 - 5:27 pm
Just got a response from LEED Coach on this topic. Here is what they had to say:
"Yes, if the laboratory has the proper accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025), and can demonstrate that a particular product meets the requirements of the credit, it would be acceptable for the university's laboratory to complete the emissions testing required by the credit.
It should be noted that, for all products included in the Low-Emitting Materials Calculator, project teams must 'provide manufacturer or testing documentation demonstrating that the sustainable criteria are met'."