See all forum discussions about NC-v4.1 EQc2
 Subscribe to new posts about NC-v4.1 EQc2 Post a new question aboutNC-v4.1 EQc2
See LEEDuser’s guidance on NC-v4.1 EQc2»
FAQs about EQc2 :

For the insulation product category, should we demonstrate compliance based on cost or surface area?

View answers »

Forum discussion

NC-v4.1 EQc2:Low-Emitting Materials

Joint Compound and Joint Tape - GREENGUARD Gold requirements

Profile picture for user jbiondi
Jason Biondi
Managing Director
Energy Cost Solutions Group
LEEDuser Premium Member
13 thumbs up

Here is the technical advice we receive for one of the project:

"Provide general emissions evaluation results for ProForm All Purpose Joint Compound and Joint Tape. The documentation for these products indicates that they are UL Greenguard certified, but UL Greenguard Gold is required."

Now, I don't think there is a "Joint Compound" available in market that's Greenguard GOLD, meaning there is no way project can achieve Low Emitting Materials - Wall Panels category; 

This is beyond frustrating, please advice.  

0
Post a reply

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.

Go premium for $15.95  »

Profile picture for user davidp
David Posada
Integrated Design & LEED Specialist
SERA Architects
LEEDuser Expert
1361 thumbs up

Mon, 07/29/2019 - 22:59

Jason,  1. With the credit threshold for 75% of wall panels needing to meet the VOC emissions criteria, can you achieve the 75% by cost or surface area without the joint compound?  2. You might also contact the manufacturer to see if they have emissions testing for the CDPH standard other than GreenGuard.  3. This may be not help your current frustration, but it looks like there are some joint compounds that may be GreenGuard Gold:   Some of the other ProForm products (FasTrack, Lite Ready Mix, Quick Set, Quick Set Lite , Ultra Lite All Purpose,  XP Joint Compound);   Some of the USG Sheetrock & Synko joint compounds;  CertainTeed LITE Sand and M2Tech; Westpac/ Hamilton Eco-Finish All purpose joint compound;  Ruco Lightweight Ready Mixed Joint Compound; There are probably others -  Spot UL is one website with a database search tool that can help identify products by GreenGuard, EPD, HPD,  CSI division, etc.  You can also try the healthymaterialslab dot org website for a list of databases for certified products on their Materials Collections page. 

Tue, 07/30/2019 - 00:29

Just commenting...Low Emitting Materials in both v4 and v4.1 is a fiasco, to say the least. Ask for a LEED coach and have a conference call. They will at least provide guidance on how to simplify things for the reviewer. The reviewers hate this credit format as much as we do.
Profile picture for user jbiondi
Jason Biondi
Managing Director
Energy Cost Solutions Group
LEEDuser Premium Member
13 thumbs up

Thu, 08/01/2019 - 05:59

Thank you David, your response with detailed resources is indeed helpful. Any idea where one can find GREENGUARD Gold certified Joint Tape ? I tired UL Spot library to no avail.
Profile picture for user MaryLea
Mary Lea Tucker
President
Green Sage Consulting LLC
LEEDuser Premium Member
8 thumbs up

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 21:40

National Gypsum ProForm Paper joint tape and ADFORS Fibafuse MAX fiberglass joint tape are both Greenguard Gold certified

Thu, 03/25/2021 - 20:49

USG Plus 3 Joint compound is GreenGuard Gold Certified.
Profile picture for user danielle_3
Danielle Waters
Project Consultant
Sustainable Design Consulting, LLC
LEEDuser Premium Member
6 thumbs up

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 15:51

Is joint compounds under Adhesives & Sealants? Walls? Ceilings? If it has VOC 0 seems it should be Adhesives & Sealants (under Dry Wall Adhesive), but if is dry (until water is added) could it fall under Walls and/or Ceilings? Does that include Joint Tape as well? 

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 20:44

Joint compounds are reported under Adhesives and Sealants. Even if it has O g/L VOC, it should meet both VOC emisions and VOC content (if its zero it should meet) requirements. Even it is dry, its still wet applied on-site. All interior adhesives and sealants wet-applied on site should meet LEM requirements. As far I know, tapes are exempt from Low-Emitiing Materials requirement. 
Profile picture for user earevalo
Edgar Arevalo
Energy Engineer
ads ENGINEERS, DPC
LEEDuser Basic Member
21 thumbs up

Wed, 07/17/2024 - 17:50

I thought joint compound was considered a coating

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.