Are shop-applied finishes and finishes applied to interior surfaces prior to being enclosed exempt from the LEED VOC requirements? In a recent credit ruling, it was determined that exterior applications of paints and adhesives were not required to meet the LEED VOC requirements because the credit was for indoor air quality. Finishes that have had at least several days of curing prior to installation in the building interior would almost certainly meet the VOC requirements for the credit. In addition, Green Seal includes a standard for Anti-Corrosive Paints (GC-03) which is not referenced in the latest version of the Reference Guide. Can the VOC limits noted in this standard be applied to anti-corrosive paints and coatings and still comply the LEED requirements?
LEED requires paints to meet Green Seal\'s Environmental Standard for Paints, which only address paints applied on site. Therefore there are no LEED VOC limits for factory or shop applied paints and coatings. A project that requires shop applied paints and coatings to also meet Green Seal requirements could apply for an Innovative Design credit for Exceptional Efforts regarding Environmental Quality. Anti-corrosive paints that meet the Green Seal requirement of 250 g/L will satisfy the LEED requirement. Applicable Internationally.