The supplier of epoxy flooring for our project has submitted a product data sheet that indicates a VOC value of 18 g/l (theoretical).
When I asked for evidence of the Method 24 test, the Manager of Environmental Health and Safety for the company sent me an e-mail that explained that..."if the PDS does not specify Method 24 then it is a theoretical value. This is an acceptable value for all air districts in the United States."
I have not heard of a "theoretical" value before. Will LEED accept it? I have sent an inquiry to LEED, but I would like to hear if anyone has had a similar experience.
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
November 3, 2013 - 8:35 pm
Jeffry, doesn't sound legit to me. Leaves too much to chance. LEED is looking for the actual VOC value for the applied product. I would at least look for specific assurance that this theoretical value applies to the product.
Dwayne Fuhlhage
Sustainability and Environment DirectorPROSOCO, Inc.
168 thumbs up
January 17, 2014 - 11:51 am
Any state or regional air quality management district uses regulations approved by USEPA as a means to reduce area source ozone precursors. Every regulation in existence allows for VOC determination by calculation using supplier data and the formulation or by testing through Method 24 and other regional methods approved by USEPA.
A calculated VOC content is legally acceptable to regulatory agencies and equally subject to civil or criminal enforcement. LEED incorporates the regulations by reference and does not require determinations beyond those required by regulation.
It is common practice for project teams to request verification letters from manufacturers. If you are not confident in their assertion, take this additional step for the sake of documentation.