Hi!
I've just started studying this credit and me and my colleagues were arguing about what materials exactly we should consider to achieve this credit.
"Requirements" says that we should use architectural paints and coatings (for walls and ceilings), anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints and clear woods finishes, floor coatings stains, primers and shellacs applied to interior elements.
In Table 1 - Standard VOC Limits there are more and different materials. Concrete curing compounds and waterproofing sealers, for example, are inside the walls/ceiling/floor, not exactly on surface or in contact with interior air, they are protected by others coatings as painting or ceramics . Its really necessary to consider this compounds? Or could we just consider the most superficial materials?
Thanks!
John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
June 5, 2012 - 8:50 am
Technically speaking, if it is covered in SCAQMD 1168 (MRc4.1 Adhesives and Sealants) or SCAQMD 1113 (MRc4.2 Paints and Coatings, Green Seal GS-11 (MRc4.2-coatings/primer) or GreenSeal GC-03 Anti-Corrosive Paint (MRc4.2-coating) and it is applied on the interior or the building ( inside the air/vapour barrier) it falls under the requirements of this credit. This includes things the the line paint for the gymnasium, concrete sealers and wood finishes.
Angela Saggin
16 thumbs up
June 5, 2012 - 2:24 pm
John,
I didn't quite understand what you've said. Maybe you haven't understood my question in first place.
We are working to certificate a residential building. I'm aware that we have to consider the garage areas, the common areas, inside the apartments and other areas that are 'circundated by 4 walls'. If I got it right, the SCAQMD 1113 has more products/materials than the credit requirements had listed.
For example, the waterproofing membrane used on bathrooms under the ceramics. Should we consider the emission of VOCs by the membrane or only the emission of VOCs by the ceramics or the painting over the walls? Following this thought, it seems necessary to analyse each component of a wall, like the bricks, the mortars, the ceramics, the grout, the concrete additives used to retard or accelerate the cure, etc.
My question is: should we consider the materials under de surface that don't have direct contact to interior air?
Thanks!
Lorne Mlotek
BASc., LEED AP BD+C, O+MLeadingGREEN Training and Consulting Inc, Viridis EC LLC
25 thumbs up
June 5, 2012 - 2:45 pm
The ruling is that all materials located inside the vapour barrier of the building must adhere to the credit.
Does this make sense?
Feel free to ask anything else.
John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
June 5, 2012 - 2:50 pm
...... the mortars, the ceramics, the grout, the concrete additives used to retard or accelerate the cure, etc. - yes to all. if it is applied inside the building, it all applies.
The element in the intent and requirement is that these credits are considering the health and well-being of the workers installing and applying these products, not just the people who will occupy the building upon completion. The majority of the VOC's harmful impacts are to the construction workers.
Angela Saggin
16 thumbs up
June 5, 2012 - 3:07 pm
Thank you both for such quick answers!
Yes, Lorne, it does! Thanks!
John, now I got it! I was thinking only at the quality of air for the tenants, I've totally forgot about the construction period. I'm really sorry for my misunderstanding. Now everything makes much sense! Thanks a lot!