Forum discussion
NC-v4 EQc2: Low emitting materials
Dear All,
We are having solid timber elements (shelving /wall paneling) made locally for our building. They are solid wood and need to be varnished before coming to site. Can these products be considered compliant under the Low Emitting Materials credit if they are manufactured off site with compliant sealants and glues?
Regards
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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?
Nadav Malin
CEOBuildingGreen, Inc.
LEEDuser Moderator
839 thumbs up
June 13, 2018 - 6:55 am
Hi,
My understanding is that these materials are exempt from any wet-applied product requirements, since those are being applied offsite, but at least the wall paneling would still be subject to the General Emissions Requirement.
It seems pretty onerous to expect you to have custom products like this tested, however, so you may be able to make the case that with the (inherently non-emitting) wood and the wet-applied product compliant sealants you should be ok--basically treating it as if those finishes were applied on site.
You're subjecting yourself to a higher standard in that case, so it would be a shame if they didn't accept it. But I would still be sure to ask GBCI before proceeding. Anyone else have experience with this?
Alara Brinton
9 thumbs up
June 13, 2018 - 4:42 pm
There is a recent addenda that says any untreated or unfinished solid wood can be exempt from the emissions testing requirements (previously it was solid untreated wood flooring only). https://www.usgbc.org/leedaddenda/100002195
Aine Doyle
Sustainability CoordinatorPage
June 14, 2018 - 1:21 pm
Thank you Nadav and Alara for your comments. I did receive the following response from the GBCI regarding an internal glazing unit. I believe this response would cover timber elements constructed and treated offsite with compliant products.
"The glass in the unit is inherently non-emitting and if the sealant and laminating layer used have been tested, there is no need to test the unit."