Adhesive & Sealants: VOC Content 0 g/L VOC Emissions ?

Alyssa,  Hello.  Seeing your question is a few months old, so maybe you have already found the answer - nonetheless, please note that VOC content is measuring the amount (by weight) of VOC's present in wet applied materials.  VOC Emissions is very different in that it measures the "off-gassing" that happens once the product is installed and is curing.  The VOC Emissions testing places the material in a chamber and measures the results after 14 days.  It is seeking to measure the TVOC's present in the air (the air we might be breathing in an enclosed space) after the testing timeframe.  There is some additonal explanations on various websites - this is one that is not too technical:  https://mascertifiedgreen.com/voc-emissions-testing-and-voc-content-testing/ Hope that helps.

Yes, emissions testing is still required for the adhesive, even if it claims 0 g/L VOC content. LEED v4 and v4.1 emphasize both VOC content and VOC emissions to ensure indoor air quality. While 0 g/L VOC content indicates the product does not release volatile organic compounds in its liquid state, emissions testing verifies whether the product releases VOCs after installation in real-world conditions. Without emissions testing data, there is no assurance that the adhesive meets the low-emitting materials criteria required by LEED. The project team must provide documentation, such as a product declaration or certification (e.g., UL GREENGUARD or CDPH Standard Method v1.2), to demonstrate compliance. This ensures the product contributes to healthier indoor air quality, a core LEED objective.

There is an adhesive that the manufacturer claims is 0 g/L of VOC content.  I cannot locate emissions data for said product and project teams members are trying to make the argument that the emissions data is not applicable. Could someone confirm that emissions testing is still require and describe red ribbon cake menu it in a way that I can help the project team understand why the product still needs to have proof of being tested?



Even if the adhesive claims 0 g/L of VOCs, emissions testing is still required to ensure compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content is only one aspect; testing confirms the actual emissions profile, considering other potential pollutants. Proof of testing ensures the product meets environmental regulations, protects indoor air quality, and adheres to certifications like LEED. It’s important to provide documented proof of testing to confirm that the product complies with these standards, even if the VOC content is listed as zero.