See all forum discussions about NC-2009 IEQc4.3
 Subscribe to new posts about NC-2009 IEQc4.3 Post a new question aboutNC-2009 IEQc4.3
See LEEDuser’s guidance on NC-2009 IEQc4.3»
FAQs about IEQc4.3 :

If I have no flooring products in the scope of my project, can I earn this credit?

How do I handle a polished concrete floor?

Should mineral-based finish flooring products (without any integral organic-based coatings and sealants) and unfinished/untreated solid wood flooring be documented on the IEQc4.3 LEED Online form, even though they are exempt from certification requirement

On a renovation, should flooring that is previously installed be subject to the credit requirements?

One flooring adhesive we are using falls under both IEQc4.1 and IEQc4.3, and is over the VOC limit. We are using the VOC budget method to meet IEQc4.1 requirements, but are we automatically disqualifed from IEQc4.3?

The credit requirements are allowed to exempt unfinished wood flooring from the credit requirements, but wood flooring is almost always finished. This is confusing!

I have an international project and my flooring products aren’t tested using any of the above standards. How can I tell if they still comply?

View answers »

Forum discussion

NC-2009 IEQc4.3:Low-Emitting Materials—Flooring Systems

CDH standards

Profile picture for user Bruce.Maine
Bruce Maine
Sustainable Design Consultant
LEEDuser Basic Member
51 thumbs up

As a specifier, applying the Cal DPH standards can be like shooting in the dark. Mapei, (IEQ 4.1 for example,) doesn't specifically tell you which products comply with the CAL DPH standards but sends you to the CHPS product database where the documentation is available. While I appreciate the DPH protocol it would be nice if more manufacturers would cite compliance in their product data sheets.

1
Post a reply

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.

Go premium for $15.95  »

Fri, 06/22/2012 - 18:17

Bruce, I agree that it can be a real maze of documentation. In the case of of a Mapei adhesive or sealant I believe the standard would not be Cal DPH but instead the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #1168. When reviewing for compliance, I usually go straight to the VOC limits contained within a product's MSDS. However, sometimes it can become tricky to discern what specific kind of adhesive or sealant the product is technically speaking; sometimes it depends on its specific application in your project. For instance, speciality applications have much higher VOC allowances than standard applications. I agree that better and more clear communication on the part of the manufacturer would be helpful in project teams understanding when their products comply. In terms of specifications, I have usually included a LEED EQc4 Summary Sheet in the Sustainable Design Requirements section of the specs that includes all of the limits and requirements per each EQc4 credit in a one page document. In this way, General Contrators and Subcontractors can double check their products against this summary list.
Profile picture for user Bruce.Maine
Bruce Maine
Sustainable Design Consultant
LEEDuser Basic Member
51 thumbs up

Fri, 06/22/2012 - 19:13

Hi, Lauren. The CAL DPH is referenced in each IEQ credit with the exception of 4.5 and sometimes for various rating systems, Schools e.g. Oddly enough, in LEED for Healthcare, the Cal DPH protocol only occurs for Wall and Ceiling Finishes and Flooring. I agree it would be helpful if manufacturers posted the data sheets from Berkeley Analytical,or whoever, (which you get off the CHPS database), to show compliance. By the way, the Liquid Floor Vinyl tile we spoke about earlier was for a 2.2 project and wasn't subject to the CAL DPH or FloorScore requirements.

Fri, 06/22/2012 - 19:38

Just for my clarification, where is the CAL DPH referenced within the LEED Reference Guide language under EQc4.1?
Profile picture for user Bruce.Maine
Bruce Maine
Sustainable Design Consultant
LEEDuser Basic Member
51 thumbs up

Fri, 06/22/2012 - 19:57

It is referenced for Schools in the 2009 Reference Guide, i.e. my coment regarding different Rating Systems. In LEED 2012, it shows up in Low Emitting Interiors: "Building products (excluding built-in cabinetry, architectural millwork and furniture) shall be tested and determined compliant in accordance with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method V1.1-2010 using the applicable exposure scenario. The default scenario shall be the private office scenario. Classroom furniture may use the school classroom scenario." Certificates of CDH testing are available from third parties like GreenGuard and CHPS but, as you've noted, it would be nice to have those furnished by the manufacturer.

Fri, 08/09/2013 - 19:55

Hi Bruce, I have LEED for Healthcare project and a thinset mortar product that that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and meets Option 2 of the IEQc4-Group 3 Flooring requiement. If wall / ceiling and flooring adhesives are testing and meet or exceed CA 01350 are they exempt from the requirements of Group 1: Adhesives and Sealants? If adhesives, sealants and primers meet CA 01350 do they get listed in two places on the form, once under Group 1: Adhesives and Sealants and under with Group 2- Wall and Ceiling Finishes or Group 3-Flooring? The Group 2 and Group 3 Tables allow the associated adhesives and sealants to be listed here. Do they also get listed in the applicable Group 1 tables as well?

Tue, 08/13/2013 - 23:45

In terms of exempt, do they still have to comply with Prop. 65?

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.