Equivalents in Europe

Hello, The credit requirements provide some guidance for projects outside of the US. FloorScore isn't required; you can use the testing requirement instead of FloorScore. "Projects outside the U.S. may use the German AgBB/DIBt testing method and all testing methods based on AgBB/DIBt method (GUT, EMICODE, Blue Angel)" "All hard surface flooring installed in the building interior must meet one of the following requirements: Meet the requirements of the FloorScore2 standard (current as of the date of this rating system, or more stringent version) as shown with testing by an independent third-party. Demonstrate maximum VOC concentrations less than or equal to those specified in the California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004 Addenda, using the office scenario as defined in Table 7.5 within the practice. Maximum VOC concentrations meet the California requirements specified above based on the following: California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method V1.1-2010 using test results obtained at the 14 day time point Projects outside the U.S. may use the German AgBB/DIBt testing method and all testing methods based on AgBB/DIBt method (GUT, EMICODE, Blue Angel) using test results obtained at the 3 day or 7 day or 14 day time point. For caprolactam, if test results obtained at the 3 day or 7 day time point is used, the emission concentration must be less than ½ of the concentration limit specified above because the emission may not have peaked at the measured time points. If a European testing method (AgBB/DIBt GUT, EMICODE, Blue Angel) had used parameters for calculating test results different from those specified in the referenced California method, then the European test results for carpets or floorings need to be converted into California air concentrations by multiplication with 0.7.

Since projects outside of the US are eligible for using the German AgBB/DIBt testing methods, I'm wondering if this is acceptable for US projects sourcing flooring from outside the US. If my US project purchases wood flooring from Europe that has been tested compliant under Blue Angel, would that be OK? It would seem odd if a project over the border in Mexico would be fine using European standards because it is "outside the US" but a project a few miles away in CA would not be able to use the same standards. Any thoughts or success stories on using European testing standards for EQc4.3 at a US project? Thanks

It is not acceptable to use the German AgBB/DiBt testing methods for projects located within the U.S. Unfortunately the test methods and requirements between the U.S. and Europe are not harmonized and in fact are quite different in many ways. In fact, the emissions methods across Europe are not fully harmonized with each other. Between the U.S. and German methods, each has advantages and disadvantages; neither is always more protective to users than the other. The EQ TAG ultimately approved the compromise position of allowing the accepted European methods in countries outside of the U.S. in an effort to support LEED internationalization. However, this compromise introduced the potential that products compliant with the referenced European methods, but not with the US methods, could be used. Therefore, to promote standardization and consistent levels of protection for users in LEED projects within the U.S., the European methods are not accepted for U.S. projects. Any time that more than one method for measuring something is allowed, it can create a situation where users are unsure which method to use (and so they often specify more than one method). Manufacturers are then forced to measure the factor of interest (emissions in this case) using more than one method in order to satisfy the entire market. This can cause redundant, duplicative, and inefficient costs for everyone involved that would be better spent measuring other issues of concern. One of the primary reasons we have standards is to promote consistent, best practice ways of measuring the things that are important. Ideally we would have one, harmonized emissions method for the entire globe, but today this does not exist. While not perfect, the LEED compromise in this case reflects the current state of the art in emissions testing.

Not what I was hoping for, but I better understand the reasoning now. Thanks for the great follow-up.

Dear Lauren, It is my understanding that DIBt can only be used outside of Europe if you IN ADDITION also meet the formaldehyde requirements, and test after 14 days (as the CDPH testing methods). Is three days enough? I was under the impression that DIBt always tests after 3 and 28 days, but LEED also wants results after 14 days.