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

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?

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

View answers »

Forum discussion

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

Cork Plank Flooring

Is cork plank flooring a hard surface flooring requiring FloorScore certification? I do not see it specifically listed as a "hard surface" nor do I see it excluded. The reference manual reflects a separate requirement for "concrete, wood, bamboo and cork flooring" sealers to meet the SCAQMD requirements, much as grout and mortar are listed separate. However, mineral-based flooring is explicitly excluded while cork is not unless it is considered a solid wood?

0
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  »

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 23:26

Hi Michelle, It does look like there is one FloorScore cork product available from these guys: http://www.capricork.com/ If you go here: http://www.scscertified.com/products/index.php you can search for cork FloorScore products and then get this product. Mediterra Capri Cork LLC Product Category: Flooring; Cork Certification: FloorScore® Certification Period: May 1, 2011 - April 30, 2012 Registration Number: SCS-FS-02476 Contact: Margaret Buchholz Office: 630.832.5792 buchholz@capricork.com WebSite

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 23:28

Also, to answer your question more direclty, I do believe that if you have cork in your project and you're hoping to achieve this credit then your cork needs to be Floor Score certified. Additionally, its coatings needed to comply with SCAQMD requirements.

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 15:17

Morning Lauren, Thanks, that was my impression. I appreciate the confirmation and the pointer toward a compliant product.
Profile picture for user jjacobs_1
Josh Jacobs
Technical Information & Public Affairs Manager
UL Environment
LEEDuser Basic Member
356 thumbs up

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 15:25

Also remember that FloorScore is not the only compliance pathway - showing that a product is low emitting by passing the CDPH VOC Emission Standard (CA 01350) is an option as well. A number of programs show compliance to this - including GREENGUARD Children & Schools which has 48 cork products that would qualify for this credit (http://greenguard.org/en/SearchResults.aspx?CategoryID=1&SubCategoryID=175&CertificationID=2) - and a number of test labs are qualified to do the emission testing for flooring.

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 15:26

Hi Josh, Thanks for the reminder. I just wanted to be sure before I began the dance that the cork flooring actually needed to meet the testing protocol requirements. Appreciate it.

Tue, 05/15/2012 - 20:37

Josh, A question for you on the alternate CA 01350 compliance path. I have seen this reference before (it seems like just a testing protocol) and also on the EQ4.3 credit form it refers to the California Department of Health standard. I have also had suppliers tell me their product is "on the list" for this type of compliance. Other than a Greenguard Children & Schools cert, what is the documentation requirement? Product data with some specific reference? Or is there actually a list somewhere like FloorScore or Greenguard that I could check for the product?
Profile picture for user jjacobs_1
Josh Jacobs
Technical Information & Public Affairs Manager
UL Environment
LEEDuser Basic Member
356 thumbs up

Wed, 05/16/2012 - 13:28

Michelle, Unfortunately there is no central list of products compliant with CA 01350 (CDPH standard method). As you referenced, the easy most utilized way is through 3rd party certifications (GREENGUARD, Green Label Plus, Indoor Advantage, FloorScore, etc.). There is another way though - a product manufacturer could provide you with a test lab report (from a lab that has the CA 01350 test method in their scope of ISO 17025 accreditation - there are a number of them in the US and around the world) that shows a product is compliant. This should be accepted by USGBC as proof of compliance to the CA 01350 criteria.

Wed, 05/16/2012 - 15:18

Thanks, Josh.

Add new comment

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