Hi All,
I am currently working on 1 certified LEED project.
the contractor/Supplier submitted Plastic and Rubber Insulation rolls with self-adhesive. (All these coating processes has been done at the suppliers' manufacturers).
These products have tested as per ASTM D5116 and get a TVOC emission rate limit < 500µg/m2/hr.
So could we consider these Foam Insulation materials comply with VOC content?
Thank you
Linh Dang
August 31, 2023 - 12:11 am
Dear Ha
Sorry, any update for this question, we have same situation like this.
Ralph Bicknese
PrincipalHellmuth & Bicknese Architects
21 thumbs up
August 31, 2023 - 1:33 pm
I cannot tell from the onformation provided whether tis product complies or not. Per Table 1 under Low e-Emitting Materials this insulation falls within the ceiling, walls, thermal, and acoustical insulation category. It has to meet the general emissions evaluation criteria. The LEED v4 reference manual states:
"To demonstrate compliance, a product or layer must meet all of the following requirements, as applicable.
Inherently nonemitting sources. Products that are inherently nonemitting sources of VOCs (stone, ceramic, powder-coated metals, plated or anodized metal, glass, concrete, clay brick, and unfinished or untreated solid wood) are considered fully compliant without any VOC emissions testing if they do not include integral organic-based surface coatings, binders, or sealants.
General emissions evaluation. 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 must also state the range of total VOCs after 14 days (336 hours), measured as specified in the CDPH Standard Method v1.1:
Projects outside the U.S. may use products tested and deemed compliant in accordance with either (1) the CDPH standard method (2010) or (2) the German AgBB Testing and Evaluation Scheme (2010). Test products either with (1) the CDPH Standard Method (2010), (2) the German AgBB Testing and Evaluation Scheme (2010), (3) ISO 16000-3: 2010, ISO 16000-6: 2011, ISO 16000-9: 2006, ISO 16000-11:2006 either in conjunction with AgBB, or with French legislation on VOC emission class labeling, or (4) the DIBt testing method (2010). If the applied testing method does not specify testing details for a product group for which the CDPH standard method does provide details, use the specifications in the CDPH standard method. U.S. projects must follow the CDPH standard method." This is not an inheretly non-emitting materials so the product would have to meet the other criteria.
Glen Boldt
ZC Sustainability1 thumbs up
August 31, 2023 - 10:53 pm
What I think is that in V4.1, this should be treated just as insulation, and if the whole product has been tested per the accepted testing criteria and complies, whether or not it has an integrated adhesive wouldn't make a difference. But I don't know those testing crteria off the top of my head, except for CDPH v1.2. I think Ralph was quoting v4 requirements.
Tommy Linstroth
CEOGreen Badger
LEEDuser Expert
126 thumbs up
September 1, 2023 - 10:01 am
This most likely can be excluded altogether. In v4.1, you can EXCLUDE HVAC and plumbing piping insulation, which this likely falls under. Credit language posted below and note the last sentence.
Insulation
At least 75% of all insulation, by cost or surface area, meets the VOC emissions evaluation.
The insulation product category includes all thermal and acoustic boards, batts, rolls, blankets, sound attention fire blankets, foamed-in place, loose-fill, blown, and sprayed insulation.
Exclude insulation for HVAC ducts and plumbing piping from the credit. Insulation for HVAC ducts may be included at the project team’s discretion.
Ralph Bicknese
PrincipalHellmuth & Bicknese Architects
21 thumbs up
September 1, 2023 - 11:04 am
Yes, correct. I was referencing LEEDv4 criteria. In LEED V4.1 insulation still has to meet the VOC Emissions Evaluation criteria. It is similar to ther criteria in V4 but slightly different. Agreed if this is HVAC or plumbing insulation it may be excluded as noted in Tommy Lindstroth's post.