This pilot credit is based upon the new IEQc4 Low-Emitting Interiors credit proposed for the new draft of revision of LEED. The purpose is to strengthen LEED IEQ requirements, and to encourage project teams to develop a systems approach to interior materials, rather than addressing materials component by component.
This new approach updates the previous low-emitting materials credits (IEQc4.1–4.6) into a consolidated and flexible systems approach. Previously, six product categories (adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, flooring, composite wood, systems furniture and seating, and ceiling and wall systems) were addressed independently.
New, tougher requirements
Notably, this pilot credit adds VOC emissions requirements from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants, where only VOC content was previously addressed. It expands the scope to address more VOC sources within a building (thermal and acoustic insulation, all individual furniture items, all layers of ceilings, floors, and walls, and built-in cabinetry). Previously ceilings were not addressed throughout all rating systems and emissions from insulation, individual furniture items, and built-in cabinetry were not addressed. The revised credit also adds CDPH Chronic Reference Exposure Level (CREL) based requirements for furniture. CDPH requirements include one of the toughest formaldehyde emissions levels in the world.
New options and flexibility
This credit adds new international compliance options for projects outside of North America. Project teams also gain incentive to pursue low-emitting materials in all areas, as partial credit from one system (e.g. flooring) can be combined with partial credit in another (e.g. furniture) to achieve points. Previously the credits for product categories were all-or-nothing; therefore, teams could be discouraged from pursuing the credit at all.
New information required
Project teams will have to identify the total surface area for flooring/ceilings, walls, and insulation, and the surface area with compliant materials for each category. The compliance of each layer must be demonstrated to achieve compliance. Project teams must identify the cost of compliant furniture and the total cost for furniture. Previously, teams only had to identify that all relevant materials were compliant.
Credit Submittals
General
- Register for Pilot Credit(s) LEEDuser.com, and participate in online forum
- Submit the feedback survey using the link on the USGBC.org credit page; supply PDF of your survey/confirmation of completion with credit documentation
Credit Specific
- Maintain a list of all interior materials used that fall under the scope of this credit. Include the manufacturer’s name, product name, and specific VOC data for each product, as well as the corresponding allowable VOC from the referenced standard. Track the amount of product used, using a consistent metric per system. Confirm that each material is within the requirements prescribed for the credit.
- Maintain a list of each composite wood and agrifiber product installed in the building interior. Confirm that each product within this system category is within the requirements prescribed for the credit.
- Maintain a list of all furniture products installed in the building interior. Con-firm that each product within this system category is within the requirements prescribed for the credit.
- If you used the budget calculation method, explain why.
Additional Questions
- The goal of this revision is to provide for a systems approach to addressing ma-terials emissions. How does the presentation of the requirements in the Pilot Credit Library compare to the credits as proposed in EQc4.1-4.6 within LEED 2009?
- How did the systems approach to interior materials aid the project? Please ex-plain any barriers to addressing interior materials from a systems perspective.
- Please reflect on the usefulness and clarity of the table providing calculations for the system category.
- What supplemental guidance would be helpful for project teams pursuing this credit?