We are attempting Pilot Credit 21, Low Emitting Interiors, and are discussing the term, 'systems approach.' I can't say that we named our approach for indoor air quality this way at the outset of the project, but I feel that our approach qualifies as such. We had the intent, from the beginning of the project, to have an excellent indoor air quality, and our testing has proved that we have achieved it.
Any feedback about the term 'systems approach' would be appreciated.
All indoor materials that were used on the project were specified. Contractor provided submittals for all products, and those had to be approved by architect. None of the specified materials exceeded the limits indicated in the four low-emitting credits. Therefore, there were no materials on site that exceeded any of the limits indicated in the credits.
We are attempting all four of the Low Emitting credits (BD+C system), and expect to achieve them without trouble. Also, we are going for EQc3.2 by the air-testing method. The air-testing was completed a few weeks before occupancy, and all tests passed without issue.
So, regarding the systems approach, I feel that we have implemented the specification - submittal - approval protocol (or system) to use products that would not be a detriment to indoor air quality.
Can anyone discuss more about what else might be considered a systems approach for this credit?
Thank you!
Randal Carter
Director, Global Product Safety and ComplianceSteelcase Inc.
91 thumbs up
October 14, 2012 - 12:52 pm
The term "systems approach" as used within this pilot credit refers to the expansion in scope of materials and products covered by these low-emitting criteria, from the original five (or six, if including LEED for Schools) things addressed previously in LEED (VOC content of paints/coatings, VOC content of adhesives/sealants, VOC emissions of flooring, VOC emissions of composite wood, and VOC emissions of a subset of building furniture) to a much broader group of interior materials and products. This expansion in scope is accomplished by breaking the building interior into "systems" or assemblies that include materials and products that were previously not addressed.
Importantly, VOC emissions requirements (not just VOC content) for paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants have been added. All layers of building interior wall and ceiling finish are addressed, along with building thermal and acoustic insulation. Essentially all building furniture is addressed (not just "systems furniture and associated seating"). The range of TVOC must be reported on products and materials and there are additional differences as well.
Thus compliance with the four related credits from BD+C is a good start but does not address the full pilot credit requirements in this case. I suggest that reviewing the associated pilot credit language accessible under the "credit language" button at the top of this web page will be helpful for you.