See all forum discussions about NC-v4 EQc2
 Subscribe to new posts about NC-v4 EQc2 Post a new question aboutNC-v4 EQc2
See LEEDuser’s guidance on NC-v4 EQc2»
FAQs about EQc2 :

Is all solid wood considered inherently non-emitting? I’ve seen sources that say only solid wood flooring counts as inherently non-emitting.

Are throw rugs subject to the credit requirements?

If a ceramic tile receives a top coat after it is manufactured, is it exempt from the credit requirements?

What are the adhesives and sealants to be included in the documentation?

I'm looking for a certification that tells me if a given product will meet the LEED v4 requirements, but I don't see one in a given product area. Am I missing something?

When products claim that they meet California Section 01350, does the product also meet LEED v4 requirements for low-emitting materials?

How do I know if a product complies with LEED v4 or if it was tested under an older non-compliant standard?

In past versions of LEED, it was easy to specify VOC limits. Is the specification process the same for LEED v4?

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?

Our building is atypical, and the walls and ceilings are not clearly defined. How should we classify these components? 

View answers »

Forum discussion

NC-v4 EQc2:Low emitting materials

Solid Untreated Wood Window Sills

We have a project installing solid wood, (untreated) for the window sills & some baseboards. The reference guide indicates the sills & baseboards would fall under the "walls" category (I think), which then might even follow the "built in cabinetry" (I think). Regardless, how does one treat this for emissions criteria? I doubt that it had emissions criteria at all, but it seems like a grey area in a way. Some of the sills are at floor level, while some are about regular height. Since the ceilings/walls/thermal/acoustic insulation category needs to be met 100% of all products, this one would ding us that category. Does anybody have experience with how to categorize this product or are we doomed without it having emissions testing? Thanks!

0
Post a reply

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.

Go premium for $15.95  »

Mon, 07/10/2017 - 18:34

Hi Alara, Good question, there is an exclusion from the emissions testing if the product is an inherently nonemitting source. The rating system language currently lists "untreated solid wood flooring" as an option for this exclusion. We are working to clarify any untreated solid wood, not just flooring, is also acceptable under this exclusion. here is the current requirement: Inherently nonemitting sources. Products that are inherently nonemitting sources of VOCs (stone, ceramic, powder-coated metals, plated or anodized metal, glass, concrete, clay brick, and unfinished or untreated solid wood flooring) are considered fully compliant without any VOC emissions testing if they do not include integral organic-based surface coatings, binders, or sealants.

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 19:47

Hi Larissa, Thanks for the reply. Is there any chance that other untreated solid wood could be allowed in the next 4-6 months or the next addenda? It's a shame to lose out on the point for that category due to timing. I suppose we could also request a CIR, but we aren't in a huge rush to certify at this time either. Thanks, Alara

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 20:25

Alara, yes, we are targeting publishing the clarification in the October addenda. In the meantime you could submit the approach via the special circumstances section of the form.

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 20:36

Thanks Larissa!!!
Default Avatar
LEEDuser Expert
472 thumbs up

Thu, 10/05/2017 - 21:15

Hi Larissa and Alara - I don't see a Correction in the new items for the October quarterly release of addenda in the database - https://www.usgbc.org/leed-interpretations - for this solid wood issue. Maybe January 2018? But there is a new LEED Interpretation related to structural wood though - https://www.usgbc.org/leedaddenda/10466.

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 20:12

Hi Michelle, I did see the interpretation for structural wood..step in the right direction! but nothing for solid wood. Hoping for January 2018, otherwise this could delay our submission by several months if we want to achieve the credit category, though we might take Larissa's suggestion and submit the approach via the special circumstances section of the form in the mean time! Alara
Profile picture for user bywater.debra16
Debra a. Lombard
Construction Administrator/ LEED AP
Bywater Woodworks, Inc.
LEEDuser Basic Member
42 thumbs up

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 20:45

Will the October 2017 addenda include any changes to LEED NC v2009? Thanks!
Default Avatar
LEEDuser Expert
472 thumbs up

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 21:13

Debra - Please read about the limited October 2017 Quarterly Addenda release at https://leeduser.buildinggreen.com/tipsheet/essential-leed-interpretations-addenda-and-rating-system-updates. My understanding from March 2013 was LEED 2009/v3 addenda releases were moving to semi-annually (April and October) but LIs would still be published quarterly; however, there weren't any substantive Corrections for 2009/v3 in the October 2017 Quarterly Update.

Thu, 11/02/2017 - 20:26

Hi All, I just noticed that the online reference guide has been revised under the "Language" tab regarding inherently nonemitting sources (in BD+C)...but elsewhere still states flooring. Thought my problem was solved. The reference to flooring seems to have been removed, but I don't see a rating system correction in the addenda. "Inherently nonemitting sources. Products that are inherently nonemitting sources of VOCs (stone, ceramic, powder-coated metals, plated or anodized metal, glass, concrete, clay brick, and unfinished or untreated solid wood are considered fully compliant without any VOC emissions testing if they do not include integral organic-based surface coatings, binders, or sealants." Alara

Thu, 11/02/2017 - 20:52

Hi Alara, sorry for the confusion. The online guide was prematurely updated, we have fixed this mistake and it is now reflecting the original language. We are still considering this change, with new target Jan 2018 addenda release.  In meantime, If you plan to submit for review, I do recommend you submit this as a special circumstance. 
Default Avatar
LEEDuser Expert
472 thumbs up

Wed, 01/10/2018 - 00:01

This was fixed in the January 2018 Quarterly Addenda Release! See Rating System (and Reference Guide) Correction ID #100002195 in the Addenda Database - https://www.usgbc.org/leed-interpretations.  My summary of the overall release will be posted later this month at https://leeduser.buildinggreen.com/tipsheet/essential-leed-interpretations-addenda-and-rating-system-updates.

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.