Composite Wood - CARB Phase II

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!

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? 

My understanding is that MDF that is CARB Phase 2 compliant will meet Composite Wood requirements. 

We have documentation that indicates that all MEDITE MDF products are CARB Phase 2 compliant, in accordance to 3rd party certification required within the Final Regulation Order of the Airbone Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) by CARB. 

Does anybody have had preivous experience with CARB Phase 2 compliance? Is my understading of CARB 2 meeting composite wood requirements for Low Emitting materials correct? 

Hello Catarina - to meet the LEED Low Emitting Materials credit, all composite wood (MDF included) must meet the Formaldehyde Emissions Evaluation which includes either 1) EPA TSCA Title VI or CARB requirements for ULEF resins or 2) EPA TSCA Title VI or CARB requirements for NAF resins. So, a product that is only CARB Phase 2 compliant would not necessarily qualify as Low Emitting (per LEED v4 or v4.1). I work for Roseburg who produces the Medite brands of MDF products. Some of these products qualify as Low Emitting (Medite II, Medite FR for example), but some do not (Medite). Please feel free to reach out to me if you need further information. 

Hello Dawn, thank you for the prompt reply. The materials in consideration are Medite FR and Medite Premier. Do you have any information or advise that could confirm or not compliance? 

Many thanks in advance

The project is using MEDITE PREMIER FR and MEDITE PREMIER, but the information we have received includes that all MEDITE MDF products are CARB phase 2 compliant. Nothing more regarding meeting concentration limit of formaldehyde (of 0.05 ppm).

Hello Catarina - Can you tell me where the project is located? If Europe, please reach out to Medite Smartply (manufactures Medite Premier and Premier FR in Europe) - https://mdfosb.com/fr/products/medite-premier. Roseburg manufactures Medite FR in the U.S. and distributes throughout North America, but they are different products and manufacturers.

Hi Dawn, The projec is in Ireland (Europe)

Thank you. Your best contact is the team at Medite Smartply in the UK - https://mdfosb.com/en/contact