Using no-added-urea-formaldehyde products may involve a slight cost premium, because replacement binders are more expensive.
Using no-added-urea-formaldehyde products may involve a slight cost premium, because replacement binders are more expensive.
Some credit-compliant products may need additional lead time, and components treated for fire-resistance can be hard to find for specific applications. UF is an inexpensive binder that is widely used in interior-grade particleboard, MDF, and plywood. It i
Some credit-compliant products may need additional lead time, and components treated for fire-resistance can be hard to find for specific applications. UF is an inexpensive binder that is widely used in interior-grade particleboard, MDF, and plywood. It is not moisture-resistant, so it is not found in exterior-grade plywood, making this a good way to find credit-compliant products. UF also doesn’t bond well with silica-rich fibers like straw, so it isn’t used in many agrifiber panels.
Non-urea formaldehyde binders—such as phenol and melamine—offgas fewer VOCs, because the formaldehyde is more tightly bound, and are not covered under this credit.
Non-urea formaldehyde binders—such as phenol and melamine—offgas fewer VOCs, because the formaldehyde is more tightly bound, and are not covered under this credit.
Many woods have low levels of naturally occurring formaldehyde, which is one reason the credit stresses that no urea-formaldehyde should be added in the binders and glues. Many products are marketed as “urea formaldehyde free,” but you still need to confi
Many woods have low levels of naturally occurring formaldehyde, which is one reason the credit stresses that no urea-formaldehyde should be added in the binders and glues. Many products are marketed as “urea formaldehyde free,” but you still need to confirm on the MSDS or cut sheet that UF-free binders were used. If the MSDS shows trace amounts of UF, double check with the manufacturer on whether it is UF added to the binder, or is naturally occurring in the wood.
Freestanding furniture is exempt from the requirements of this credit. Fixed cabinetry and millwork is not considered ‘freestanding’ and needs to have credit-compliant composite materials and laminating adhesives.
Freestanding furniture is exempt from the requirements of this credit. Fixed cabinetry and millwork is not considered ‘freestanding’ and needs to have credit-compliant composite materials and laminating adhesives.
Remember to double-check the laminating adhesives used in manufacturered products such as countertops, doors, flooring and millwork that have adhered edging, laminates, and veneers.
Remember to double-check the laminating adhesives used in manufactured products such as countertops, doors, flooring and millwork that have adhered edging, laminates, and veneers.
Avoid added urea formaldehyde in laminating adhesives and any of the following products, defined as composite wood and agrifiber by the LEED Reference Guide:particleboardmedium-density fiberboard (MDF)plywoodwheatboardstrawboardpanel substratesdoor coreso
Avoid added urea formaldehyde in laminating adhesives and any of the following products, defined as composite wood and agrifiber by the LEED Reference Guide:
particleboard
medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
plywood
wheatboard
strawboard
panel substrates
door cores
other composite wood products
Products that meet the California DHS protocol are listed on the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) website. Products certified under the Greenguard Children and Schools program are also compliant. (See Resources.)
Products that meet the California DHS protocol are listed on the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) website. Products certified under the Greenguard Children and Schools program are also compliant. (See Resources.)
Identify all areas of your project where composite wood and agrifiber products may be used. Look for opportunities to use low-emitting materials conforming with the California Department of Health Services protocol.
Identify all areas of your project where composite wood and agrifiber products may be used. Look for opportunities to use low-emitting materials conforming with the California Department of Health Services protocol.
Identify all areas of your project where composite materials including agrifibers, and laminating adhesives may be used. Look for opportunities to use urea formaldehyde free composite products and laminating adhesives.
Identify all areas of your project where composite materials including agrifibers, and laminating adhesives may be used. Look for opportunities to use urea formaldehyde free composite products and laminating adhesives.