In means of reducing the quantity of odorous or potentially irritating indoor air contaminants in the building, a concrete floor finish has been specified and installed. The intent of this credit is to select low-emitting carpet systems to reduce the quantity of VOCs that are emitted into the building. A concrete floor finish was selected through a conscious effort to avoid the use of carpet, thus eliminating VOCs from the floor finish altogether. There is a consensus amongst the design team that the concrete floor finish better satisfies the intent of this credit. Is it necessary for a low-emitting carpet to be installed in order to achieve this credit?
Yes, it is necessary to install a low-emitting carpet in order to achieve this credit. The concrete floor can be less harmful than carpet floor if the VOC content of the concrete sealant is carefully selected. The VOC content for concrete sealant is addressed in IEQc4.1. Applicable internationally.