Forum discussion
NC-v4 EQc2: Low emitting materials
If a FloorScore certified product, specifically a pre-finished engineered wood floor, is applied to a wall or ceiling application does the product contribute to the EQc2 credit in LEED v.4?
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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?
Reinhard Oppl
Independent consultant on VOC issuesformerly with Eurofins Product Testing A/S
332 thumbs up
February 1, 2017 - 3:44 am
For ceilings: It is compatible and can work. For walls: Not so easy. The difference is: The emission rate (per hour and surface area) will lead to higher emission concentration because the surface area of walls relative to room air volume is higher than for floors. You will need to request evidence of compliance from the supplier, or from the certification organism and its testing lab. They should have that information and are the only sources whom you can ask.
Rick Farrell
Architect & Design ConsultantWoodwright Hardwood Floors
9 thumbs up
February 1, 2017 - 9:06 am
Thanks Reinhard, Actually we are the manufacturer/supplier and just received our renewed FloorScore Certificate. I have the testing lab data and everything is LEED v.4 compliant on our custom made engineered flooring.
We have several large projects with our product specified on walls (not all the walls, just accent walls) and want to be sure we can offer the FloorScore attribute as a benefit to the project in that application. I think many designers feel its meant for floors only.
Reinhard Oppl
Independent consultant on VOC issuesformerly with Eurofins Product Testing A/S
332 thumbs up
February 1, 2017 - 10:06 am
Sounds good. In that case, please look at the test report data. Emissions data for flooring has to be multiplied with a factor of 2.5 to get the data for walls - if it is all the walls. For accent walls, if the typical surface area in a typical room is below or equal 0.4 m2/m3 (or in US units), then the FloorScore data are valid as such because these use that so-called loading factor of 0.4. If this loading factor is higher, then multiply the emissions data with the corresponding ratio. If it still complies with all limits of California CDPH v.1.1 protocol, then you are fine.
You just might want to issue an explanatory statement for designers. Or, if you prefer a third-party statement, then just ask the lab for such a document.
Michelle Halle Stern
Senior Sustainability ConsultantGreenwood Consulting Group
120 thumbs up
February 1, 2017 - 1:41 pm
Thanks Reinhard. I agree. Good advice as usual