LEED CI version 2.0 credit EQ4.1 requires all adhesives and sealant used on the interior of buildings not to exceed limits listed in tables 1 and 2 of the reference guide. All adhesives, sealants on our project were specified, submitted and approved by the project team to comply with these guidelines. However, during the construction process a previously approved low VOC compliant wood flooring adhesive (VOC limit 100 g/l) was accidentally substituted for a non compliant adhesive (388g/l). The non compliant adhesive was used in a very limited area of the 15 floor build out. It occurred at the installation of (20) stair treads from floor 10 to floor 11. The building has since been occupied but the project team wants to make every effort to rectify the situation and ensure the air quality of the space is not negatively impacted by this adhesive. As a solution, all treads will be removed and new treads will be re-installed using mechanical fasteners in lieu of adhesive. During the removal of the treads and the adhesive we will use a visqueen dust curtain to isolate the work area to prevent dust and adhesive entering the occupied space. In addition we will provide a negative air machine and will refrain from using any solvents to remove the adhesive. To further ensure that the air quality has not been negatively impacted we will perform an IAQ test for TVOC once the new stair tread installation has been completed. For this test we propose two test locations, one at the top of the stair on floor 11 and one at the bottom of stair on floor 10 where contaminate levels should be expected to be highest. Testing procedures will comply with EPA testing methods to demonstrate that contaminate concentration levels are not exceeded as listed in table 1 of credit EQ3.2. The IAQ test report will be provided as part of our submittal for credit EQ4.1. In addition we will submit a VOC budget calculation as outlined in Credit EQ4.1 to show that our design VOC is well below the budget VOC. In summary, we will show that the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, potentially irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well being of the occupants have been successfully reduced and that any VOCs that would have emanated from the adhesive in question are no longer present. We feel that the outlined measures satisfy the intent of credit EQ4.1 If the above procedures and documentation are satisfied, will USGBC approve credit EQ4.1?
The USGBC acknowledges that a mistake can be made even on a diligent LEED project. Therefore, the LEED-CI reference guide allows projects which use an adhesive or sealant that exceeds the VOC limit, to demonstrate credit compliance through a VOC budget, rather than the traditional compliance path. In addition to the VOC budget, the project should also provide documentation about the non-compliant product. Please see the LEED-CI Reference Guide for further guidance on calculating the VOC budget. The project has also proposed removing the stair tread which was adhered with the non-compliant adhesive, and reinstalled with mechanical fasteners. Since the building is already occupied, building occupants have already been exposed to the VOCs given off from the adhesive. Removing and replacing the stair treads would cause an unnecessary use of additional materials and further expose building occupants to VOCs during the removal. Projects should keep in mind the intent of the credit as well as the requirements. Applicable Internationally.