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NC-2009 IEQc4.1:Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants

A material with zero VOC content

Hello, We are submitting data about certain materials that has "zero" VOC content according to manufacturer's datasheet. However, the datasheet is referencing 0 g./L (without mentioning "Less Water"). Do we still need to provide a statement from manufacturer to prove that the "zero" content is measured "Less Water"?

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Tue, 08/23/2016 - 18:30

Datasheets often miss the fine print to add the term "less water", so I would not be overly concerned. As well, according to SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT RULE 1168 - ADHESIVE AND SEALANT APPLICATIONS (31) GRAMS OF VOC PER LITER OF ADHESIVE OR SEALANT, LESS WATER AND LESS EXEMPT COMPOUNDS is the weight of VOC per combined volume of VOC and adhesive or sealant solids, and can be calculated by the following equation: Grams of VOC per Liter of Adhesive or Sealant, Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds = W s - W w - W es V m - V w - V es Where: Ws Ww = Wes = Vm = Vw = Ves = = weight of volatile compounds, in grams weight of water, in grams weight of exempt compounds, in grams volume of material, in liters volume of water, in liters volume of exempt compounds, in liters For adhesives or sealants that contain reactive diluents, the VOC content of the adhesive or sealant is determined after curing. The grams of VOC per liter of any adhesive or sealant, except a low solids adhesive or sealant shall be calculated by the following equation: Grams of VOC per Liter of Adhesive or Sealant, Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds = Wrs - Wrw - Wres Vrm - Vrw - Vres Where: Wrs Wrw = Wres = Vm = Vrw = Vres = weight of water not consumed during curing, in grams weight of exempt compounds not consumed during curing, in grams volume of material prior to reaction, in liters volume of water not consumed during curing, in liters volume of exempt compounds not consumed during curing, in liters OR (32) GRAMS OF VOC PER LITER OF MATERIAL is the weight of VOC per volume of material, to be used for a low-solids adhesive or sealant, and can be calculated by the following equation: Grams of VOC per Liter of Material = Ws - Ww - Wes Vm Where: Ws = Ww = Wes = Vm = weight of volatile compounds, in grams weight of water, in grams weight of exempt compounds, in grams volume of material, in liters

Thu, 08/25/2016 - 10:13

Dear Mr. John-David, Thanks for the reply. However, my question was about the "zero" content of VOC. Do I still need to prove the calculations were based on "less water"? At the end, "There is NO VOC"!! It's a ZERO equation. Whether it is calculated with water or less water, does it make any difference?

Wed, 09/07/2016 - 21:18

I contacted GBI to inquire about this issue, and I received the following reply: Thank you for contacting GBCI regarding IEQc4.1 and 4.2 for LEED-NC v2.2 Project 10520286 - Qatar National Museum.   For products that contain zero VOCs, it is not necessary that the manufacturer documentation specify the VOC content "less water."  For products that contain VOCs in any amount greater than zero, the manufacturer documentation must specify the VOC content in grams per liter less water, per the credit requirements.  I hope that helps, but if you have any further questions or concerns about this inquiry, please feel free to respond directly to this email. For any new inquiries, please contact us at http://www.gbci.org/contact.  Best Regards, Megan Snyder  Green Building Specialist, LEED AP ID+C  Green Business Certification Inc. 2101 L Street NW, Suite 500  Washington, DC 20037 

Wed, 09/07/2016 - 21:19

I contacted GBI to inquire about this issue, and I received the following reply: Thank you for contacting GBCI regarding IEQc4.1 and 4.2 for LEED-NC v2.2   For products that contain zero VOCs, it is not necessary that the manufacturer documentation specify the VOC content "less water."  For products that contain VOCs in any amount greater than zero, the manufacturer documentation must specify the VOC content in grams per liter less water, per the credit requirements.  I hope that helps, but if you have any further questions or concerns about this inquiry, please feel free to respond directly to this email. For any new inquiries, please contact us at http://www.gbci.org/contact.  Best Regards, Megan Snyder  Green Building Specialist, LEED AP ID+C  Green Business Certification Inc. 2101 L Street NW, Suite 500  Washington, DC 20037 

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