SCAQMD generally lists paints in terms of grams per liter VOC content. I have seen several paint manufacturers listing VOCs in other formats. For example I have a paint that is listed in the physical properties section of the MSDS as, say, 500 grams per liter total weight, and 20% VOC less exempt solvents. Is it valid to do the math and say that 20%VOC times 500 grams/liter total weight is 100 grams per liter VOCs? Or will a reviewer reject this argument?
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John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
October 13, 2016 - 8:35 am
I do not believe so, as per Rule 1113:
(d) Administrative Requirements
(3) Each container of any coating subject to this rule shall display the maximum VOC content of the coating, as supplied, and after any thinning as recommended by the manufacturer. The VOC content of low-solids coatings shall be displayed as grams of VOC per liter of material (excluding any colorant added to the tint bases) and the VOC content of any other coating shall be displayed as grams of VOC per liter of coating (less water and less exempt compounds, and excluding any colorant added to tint bases). VOC content displayed may be calculated using product formulation data, or may be determined using the test method in subdivision (e). VOC content calculated from formulation data shall be adjusted by the manufacturer to account for cure volatiles (if any) and maximum VOC content within production batches.
The sales rep or manufacturer should be able to provide, in writing, the VOC content in g/l.
Debra a. Lombard
Construction Administrator/ LEED APBywater Woodworks, Inc.
46 thumbs up
January 18, 2017 - 10:45 am
Hi John and All,
I greatly appreciate your reply above and have a question that is related. We are a GC on a LEED NC v2009 (non-school) project which registered on 1/15/16. The Specs call for a granite stone floor sealer that has VOC's which are expressed by the Mfgr as follows:
< 400 g/L (excluding water) for EPA purposes
< 10 g/L (including water) for LEED and US State Purposes (Low Solids
Coating)
The Mfgr. rep told me that SCAQMD issued a Rule #1113 change in April 2009 which allows Low Solids Coatings to have max VOC's of 120 g/L including water. Then he said for Low Solids Coatings the VOCs can be in g/L including water. (which seems to be what you say above.) However if our project is a NC v2009 project which references SCAQMD Rule# 1113 7/1/05 and I believe any LEED CIR's after 7/1/05 up until our registration date 1/15/16.
Does LEED allow to use any SCAQMD Rule changes that would be in effect on 1/15/16 - at time of LEED registration? Does this product meet LEED NC v2009?
It seems to be a grey area.
Thank you!
Debra
Debra a. Lombard
Construction Administrator/ LEED APBywater Woodworks, Inc.
46 thumbs up
January 18, 2017 - 11:18 am
I found a table where LEED does reference the low solids issue and thus it seems the product meets LEED.
muneeswara babu
March 20, 2020 - 4:51 am
Hai,
i am going to test VOC from my furniture product to meet the LEED v1 gold certificate.
while producing my product can i use the water based synthetic resin emulsion under low voc content of which range.
Sherif Sherif
March 30, 2021 - 5:05 am
I came across a good clarification by SCAQMD in this regard. Hope you find it useful.
https://www.aqmd.gov/home/rules-compliance/compliance/vocs/calculations