Page 303 - The Engineering Guide to LEED-New Construction Sustainable Construction for Engineers

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There are four credits in this subcategory. The four credits (IEQc4.1, IEQc4.2,
IEQc4.3, and IEQc4.4) cover the following potential indoor sources in the base building
of volatile organic compounds:

• Adhesives and sealants
• Paints and coatings
• Flooring systems (was only carpet systems in LEED 2.2)
• Composite wood and agrifiber products

All four credits in the Low-Emitting Materials subcategory have the same intent as
given in the LEED-NC 2.2 and 2009 Reference Guides. IEQc4.1, IEQc4.2, IEQc4.3, and
IEQc4.4 are each worth one point in both LEED 2.2 and LEED 2009. They can be applied
for independent of each other.

IEQ Credit 4.1: Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants

USGBC Rating System
LEED-NC 2.2 lists the Intent, Requirements, and Potential Technologies and Strategies
for IEQc4.1 as follows, with the same requirements in LEED 2009:
Intent
Reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful
to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.
Requirements
All adhesives and sealants used on the interior of the building (defined as inside of the
weatherproofing system and applied on-site) shall comply with the requirements of the
following reference standards:
• Adhesives, Sealants and Sealant Primers: South Coast Air Quality Management
District (SCAQMD) Rule #1168. VOC limits are listed in Table 6.4.1 and correspond to
an effective date of July 1, 2005 and rule amendment date of January 7, 2005.
• Aerosol Adhesives: Green Seal Standard for Commercial Adhesives GS-36 requirements
in effect on October 19, 2000 (see Table 6.4.2).

Potential Technologies and Strategies
Specify low-VOC materials in construction documents. Ensure that VOC limits are clearly
stated in each section of the specifications where adhesives and sealants are addressed.
Common products to evaluate include: general construction adhesives, flooring adhesives,
fire-stopping sealants, caulking, duct sealants, plumbing adhesives, and cove base adhesives.

IEQ Credit 4.2: Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings

USGBC Rating System
LEED-NC 2.2 lists the Intent, Requirements, and Potential Technologies and Strategies
for IEQc4.2 as follows, with the same requirements in LEED 2009 except as noted:
Intent
Reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful
to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.