Forum discussion
NC-v4 EQc2: Low emitting materials
Hi everybody.
I am working on a LEEDv4 NC project and have been asked to provide Product Data that shows VOC content and also Lab Test Reports showing low-emitting materials compliance. Can someone tell me if this is the same requirement? If the product falls under the indicated g/L requirements, would it contribute to LEED points? What is the difference between VOC compliance and CDPH v1.1-2010 compliance?
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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?
Paula Melton
Editorial DirectorBuildingGreen, Inc.
LEEDuser Moderator
180 thumbs up
October 7, 2019 - 9:18 am
Hi, Samantha! VOC content and VOC emissions are two different requirements. VOC content simply tells you how much of the substance is in the can. VOC emissions testing is much more elaborate, involving a multi-day test in a dedicated chamber and measuring how much of a number of specific VOCs the product emits.
Samantha Lee
Sustainability CoordinatorNovember 8, 2019 - 4:21 pm
Is a Berkeley Analytical test the testing we are discussing here?
Deborah Lucking
Director of SustainabilityFentress Architects
LEEDuser Expert
245 thumbs up
November 8, 2019 - 4:55 pm
From the reference manual - "Building products must be tested and determined compliant in accordance with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.1–2010, using the applicable exposure scenario. The default scenario is the private office scenario. The manufacturer’s or third-party certification must state the exposure scenario used to determine compliance. Claims of compliance for wet-applied products must state the amount applied in mass per surface area.
Manufacturers’ claims of compliance with the above requirements must also state the range of total VOCs after 14 days (336 hours), measured as specified in the CDPH Standard Method v1.1:
·· 0.5 mg/m3 or less;
·· between 0.5 and 5.0 mg/m3; or
·· 5.0 mg/m3 or more."
So if the Berkeley Analytical test was implemented following the CDPH standard Method v1.1–2010 (which I believe it does - but do verify), you should be good to go.
Bear in mind that wet applied products have additional VOC compliances.
Debra a. Lombard
Construction Administrator/ LEED APBywater Woodworks, Inc.
46 thumbs up
November 8, 2019 - 5:08 pm
A great EBN issue to read is here:
https://www.buildinggreen.com/sites/default/files/ebn/EBN_25-10_0.pdf
I highly recommend subscribing to EBN for more informative issues.
Reinhard Oppl
Independent consultant on VOC issuesformerly with Eurofins Product Testing A/S
332 thumbs up
November 10, 2019 - 1:05 pm
Please note: VOC emissions is about how much VOC is emitted (released) from the product into indoor air AFTER the product was installed in the building. VOC compliance is about VOC content in the unopened product BEFORE it is applied to a surface. These are completely different issues, they just and only have the name VOC in common.