I am seeking the two points for the IAQ Assessment by doing the Air Testings.
Am I seeking impossible points if the project does not include the point for Low-Emitting Materials? The list is extensive and if low VOC materials are required, I am fearing the results to the Air Test will not go in our favor.
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
November 21, 2016 - 2:52 pm
Joanna, if I understand your question correctly: no, earning the Low-emitting materials credit is not a prerequisite to earn this credit.
Is there another way of answering your question?
Joanna Ruiz
Project Manager, LEED APWallin/Gomez Architects
November 21, 2016 - 4:54 pm
Thank you Tristan. I reworded the question.
I am seeking the two points for the IAQ Assessment by doing the Air Testings.
Am I seeking impossible points if the project does not include the point for Low-Emitting Materials? The list is extensive and if low VOC materials are required, I am fearing the results to the Air Test will not go in our favor.
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
November 22, 2016 - 9:51 am
Joanna, a lot depends on your project specifics, and the contractors you work with and the products they choose.
I would do everything possible to give yourself a good shot at earning this credit, which would include pursuing the Low-Emitting Materials credit as thoroughly as possible. I'm not sure you would be set up for success if you did not. Certainly your chance of sucess would be less assured. But also know that pursuing the credit is not enough. You have to be vigilant!
Nathan Gauthier
Director of FM Integration and SustainabilityShawmut Design and Construction
22 thumbs up
January 24, 2017 - 4:01 pm
Do some flush-out before the testing (overnight at least) and make sure nobody is doing work during the test that would impact it negatively. Cutting drywall will make you fail the PM test. Curing epoxy will make you fail TVOC. Etc. Make sure to include in your contract with the tester a provision to come back and re-test if something fails. If you're failing the VOC because of bad carpet, you probably won't be able to pass on a re-test either, but if it is because of some active construction activity you can potentially pass a day or two later with re-test.