We have a v4 project that would like to use a small amount of a coating product that does not meet VOC content requirements. In the past we would have simply used the VOC budget compliance to demonstrate that other products in the coating category reduced allowable VOCs enough to use this one product in a limited way. The current v4 calculator still uses the VOC budget compliance columns automatically when you enter wet applied volumes. So clearly that calculation is still occurring.
However, the Step by Step guidance in the reference manual headed "Select One Option" seems to be saying that if minimum compliance cannot be attained in a category, project teams must use Option 2. Obviously using Option 2 compliance for all the low emitting product categories is a very different level of effort than using VOC budget compliance for one wet applied category.
The calculator appears to still allow a VOC budget for a wet applied product as a separate issue from Option 2 compliance on all the other categories but confusingly they are both called Option 2. So can we still invoke a VOC budget calculation in one wet applied category to comply with the VOC content limit requirements of that category and still use Option 1 compliance for all the other low emitting categories? Or do we actually need to use Option 2 Budget Calculation method for every low emitting category we pursue if we have one wet applied product that exceeds the VOC content limit?
Rebecca Aarons-Sydnor
Project DirectorSustainable Design Consulting, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
32 thumbs up
May 31, 2018 - 3:02 pm
Hi Michelle-
Because Option 2 has different categories than Option 1, you can't easily swap options across the board. If you're using a non-compliant coating, for instance, it could fall under either the flooring, ceilings or walls Option 2 categories, since those are based on the completed assembly (minus insulation). I think it's reasonable to swap options for furniture and exterior products (if a healthcare or school project), but not the other categories. I recommend submitting using an alternative compliance method with a narrative arguing your case if you go that route.