GS-11 on page 13 says that for non-flat topcoat the v.o.c. limit is 100. Is is 100 or 150 (please take a look at the bird's eye view)?
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Mara Baum
Partner, Architecture & SustainabilityDIALOG
674 thumbs up
March 1, 2012 - 3:29 pm
There has been a more recent update to GS-11 requiring 100 g/L, but LEED doesn't follow this one; it continues to use 150 g/L. Good question.
Gabriela Hernández Castillo
Architect, LEED AP BD+CSYASA - México
201 thumbs up
March 2, 2012 - 4:02 pm
Thank you Mara. When a project is registered and and addenda is created making one requirement even more stringet (for example this V.O.C. content) AFTER THE PROJECT HAS BEEN REGISTERED, Does the project need to comply with the addenda?
Mara Baum
Partner, Architecture & SustainabilityDIALOG
674 thumbs up
March 2, 2012 - 4:07 pm
This change was an addenda to GS-11, not to LEED, so a project wouldn't need to comply with it regardless of the timing.
Gabriela Hernández Castillo
Architect, LEED AP BD+CSYASA - México
201 thumbs up
March 6, 2012 - 10:55 am
Thank you mara. One last question, is there any specific method that the paints needs to go throught to demonstrate VOC compliace? Like an ASTM or something?
Mara Baum
Partner, Architecture & SustainabilityDIALOG
674 thumbs up
March 6, 2012 - 11:51 am
ASTM does have standards for other aspects of paint (e.g. determining if a paint is considered flat or glossy) but the VOC test method comes from the EPA. More specifically, EPA Reference Test Method 24 (Determination of Volatile Matter Content, Water Content, Density Volume Solids, and Weight Solids of Surface Coatings), Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Part 60, Appendix A.
Unfortunately, manufacturers in other countries don't always use test methods that are the same as the EPA, leading to occasional challenges when trying to get the two VOC points for projects abroad.