Forum discussion
NC-v4 EQc2: Low emitting materials
Does plywood that meets CARB Phase II requirements for formaldehyde emissions automatically meet the requirements of this credit for Composite Wood?
I believe the allowable formaldehyde emissions limit for CARB Phase II is >0.05ppm but am having trouble finding any definitive language confirming (or denying) if this is an acceptable alternative/equivalent to CARB NAF/ULEF in LEEDv4.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Are throw rugs subject to the credit requirements?
What are the adhesives and sealants to be included in the documentation?
Is there a VOC budget method for this credit?
What are the limits on the VOC budget method?
Do products applied to the weather barrier need to comply with VOC thresholds?
If one part of my multicomponent wall system is not compliant, can I still get full credit?
Dawn Garcia
Marketing CommunicationsRoseburg Forest Products
10 thumbs up
August 2, 2018 - 1:55 pm
Hi Brad - I haven't seen any response to your question yet, so thought I'd provide some info.
First - identify what type of plywood it is (Hardwood Plywood and Softwood Plywood are treated differently in this credit).
If Hardwood Plywood, the product is considered Composite Wood and would need to meet the criteria of the Composite Wood Evaluation. The product must "be documented to have low formaldehyde emissions that meet the CARB ATCM for formaldehyde requirements for Ultra-Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF) or No added Formaldehyde (NAF) resins. This is a lower emission level than CARB Phase II. You can look for manufacturers that have ULEF or NAF exemptions through the State of California. You can find them on CARB's website - https://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/compwood/naf_ulef/listofnaf_ulef.htm
If the product is Softwood Plywood, you will qualify the product for this credit by referring to LEED Credit Interpretation #10466 - https://www.usgbc.org/leedaddenda/10466
Hopefully this helps!
Martha Norbeck
PresidentC-Wise Design and Consulting
70 thumbs up
February 10, 2019 - 9:03 pm
I've been studying Credit Interpretation #10466. The specific language seems to be a bit muddy.
In the ruling, they state structural wood products are exempt, then lists a series of product types. [which is a paraphrased version of the CARB standard, paragraph 93120.1 (8)] Then it goes on to state that if the product is structural, it must be made with ASTM D2559 compliant adhesives. Then it states something about PS-1 plywood. Since ASTM D 2559 is listed first, it implies that this standard would apply to subsequent paragraphs.
Turns out that in the ASTM world, PS-1 plywood falls into a category of “wood-based structural panels,” which is different from "structural wood products." I wrote a testing lab and the reply was, "We are a leading test lab for adhesive manufacturers and run a lot of D2559 qualifications but I would be surprised if you find any OSB resins or plywood adhesives that are qualified to D2559."
Then I went to the CARB FAQ page (https://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/compwood/implementation/faq.htm). Answer 24 is quite clear that PS-1 panels are addressed distinctly from other types of wood composites.
I would like to convey to the TAG that wrote this addenda that the wording of the ruling may be confusing. What is the best way to convey this information to the right people?