Both operable windows and vents can be used, but only the operable area within those elements can be counted towards the minimum percentage (4%) of net occupiable area.
Testing in naturally ventilated spaces is not required per 62.1-2007 Sections 4-7 if the outdoor air quality adequately meets 62.1-2007, Table 4-1.
If the building relies on the fans for daily ventilation, it is considered a mechanically ventilated building.
When it is unclear what is wall versus ceiling, project teams may classify elements either way, as they deem appropriate.
No. If the wall system is comprised of more than one component, all components identified in the spreadsheet matrix must be compliant for the system to qualify for full credit. Examples of multicomponent wall systems are drywall panel and acoustic panel applied with adhesive, drywall panel with primer and finish paint coats, and movable wall system with wood frame, wood door, and fabric-covered acoustic panels.
However, you may be able to do a VOC budget for partial credit.
Products applied to the building exterior need to comply with VOC thresholds (at least 90%, by volume) only if the building is a healthcare facility or school.
At least 50% of an assembly must be compliant to contribute to credit compliance: if less than 50% of the assembly is compliant, it counts as 0%; if 90% of the assembly meets the criteria, it counts as 100% compliant.
Yes. However, the VOC budget method can be laborious to document, so if you have just one non-compliant product, there is a shortcut: you can balance it out with just one really good, low-VOC product, as long as all your other products meet the requirement.
Rather than specifying specific VOC limits such as 50 g/L for flat paints, most project teams will specify either “LEED v4 compliant” or “tested against Standard Method v1.1-2010”, or another specific referenced standard. Specifying a product that is “CDHP 01350” is insufficient for reasons discussed earlier.
Where LEED requires CDPH Standard Method compliance, it is easiest to rely on third-party certifications. Check product literature to determine whether the current version of the testing method (Standard Method v1-2010) was used to test the product. Don’t rely on the year the product was tested—check for the method.
In the case of VOC emissions from wet-applied products, self-declared compliance to the relevant standard, such as South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, is widespread and considered sufficient.