We've been pursuing LEED certification for projects under every LEED Rating system version since LEEDv2.1, but none of us here can make heads or tails of the SCAQMD table in the v.2009 Ref Manual: What does it mean when it says, for example, that the VOC limit for nonflat coatings, with a "Ceiling Limit" of 250, was revised (down) to 50 in July 06, and lists a "Current Limit" of 150. A footnote says of the "ceiling Limit" - "The specified limits remain in efect until revised". Beside the fact that this particualr example is covered by GS-11 and not SCAMD, how is it that a value of 50 in July 06 has now become 150 without ever being revised? Any inspired thoughts out there? Thanks much.
You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?
LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.
Go premium for
Mara Baum
Partner, Architecture & SustainabilityDIALOG
674 thumbs up
April 3, 2012 - 12:09 pm
Could they have made it more confusing?
I first posted something on this on 2/8/10 - you can read the full discussion on the third page of this discussion board, "Perplexing Reference Guide language for Table 1, SCAQMD Rule 111". To summarize, USGBC posted an addenda discussing this, http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=6392. They publish a table on p.37-38 that cuts out the wonky language, listing these VOC limits:
Interior Flat Coating or Primer, 50 g/L
Interior Non-Flat Coating or Primer, 150 g/L
Anti-Corrosive/ Anti-Rust Paint, 250 g/L
Clear Wood Finish: Lacquer, 550 g/L
Clear Wood Finish: Sanding Sealer, 350 g/L
Clear Wood Finish: Varnish, 350 g/L
Clear Brushing Lacquer, 680 g/L
Floor Coatings, 100 g/L
Sealers and Undercoaters, 200 g/L
Shellac: Clear, 730 g/L
Shellac: Pigmented, 550 g/L
Stain, 250 g/L
Concrete Curing Compounds, 350 g/L
Japans/ Faux Finishing Coatings, 350 g/L
Magnesite Cement Coatings, 450 g/L
Pigmented Lacquer, 550 g/L
Waterproofing Sealers, 250 g/L
Waterproofing Concrete/ Masonry Sealers, 400 g/L
Wood Preservatives, 350 g/L
Low-Solids Coatings, 120 g/L
Andrew Gil
Architect, Associate, LEED AP BD+C. USGBC NY Upstate Board of DirectorsHOLT Architects. P.C.
63 thumbs up
April 3, 2012 - 12:17 pm
Mara,
Thanks so very much. I am suitably embarrassed, as my FIRST thought was to look for Errata and Addenda; I logged on to the USGBC's website (where I have never been able to find anything in a timely manner) and used their "search" engine for these terms. Silly me! How could I forget that I have never once used their search engine, finding anything remotely resembling the term searched for. Next, I logged onto LOV3 for an existing LEED 2009 project, went to that credit page and selected "Resources". What I got was a message that there are no resources for that credit....REALLY?. Sometimes I just don't know what to say anymore (but thank YOU).
Mara Baum
Partner, Architecture & SustainabilityDIALOG
674 thumbs up
April 3, 2012 - 12:20 pm
What? Trouble finding something on the website? *shocking* :)
I really like their new(ish) LEED Interpretations and Addenda page - https://www.usgbc.org/LeedInterpretations/LILanding.aspx
It can be a little slow at times, but the interface is much better than what we used to have. I recommend that all users of LEED bookmark this site!
Andrew Gil
Architect, Associate, LEED AP BD+C. USGBC NY Upstate Board of DirectorsHOLT Architects. P.C.
63 thumbs up
April 3, 2012 - 12:23 pm
Mara,
Once again: THANK YOU! The site looks great and I have bookmarked it.
Dwayne Fuhlhage
Sustainability and Environment DirectorPROSOCO, Inc.
169 thumbs up
June 8, 2012 - 1:54 pm
My response to your initial question comes late as my LEEDUser notifications appear broken. The problem for manufacturers is that the regulatory system, as complicated as it is, is the legal floor for market access. LEED is a layer on top of that reality. As a regulatory manager, I live inside that system for coatings, sealants and cleaning products. I feel your pain. The system is hard for specifiers as well.
The best way to view the Table of Standard VOC Limits is to read through the actual regulatory definitions in Rule 1113 - the old version - not the new one as definitions changed and are not as relevant to the credit referenced 2004 category names and limits. The Table of Standards is beyond cryptic without the definitions for context. It would be like specifying concrete without referenced ASTM standards.
Manufacturers should be doing a better job of telling specifiers what VOC category a product belongs in if they want to be rewarded by use in a LEED rated building. Be sure to ask for that information to help make a better package for GBCI.