Understanding LEED EQ 4.2
In an on-going series of articles, Tim Woolery of Gemini Coatings is breaking down sone of the application principles and questions about LEED’s 4.2. qualification. Here is another in that series of articles.
LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations Version 2.2
Much is being written and discussed about LEED and how it is affecting the finish shop. This article will attempt to explain LEED EQ 4.2 and how the finish department is affected both on site and in the finish room.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) was developed by the U.S. Green Building council to promote a mission of “producing a new generation of buildings that deliver high performance inside and out.”
The applicant project must satisfactorily document achievement of all the prerequisites and achieve a minimum number of points to qualify for a LEED certification. A maximum of 69 points is achievable and under the EQ credit 4.2: Low-Emitting Materials: Paints & Coatings, 1 point is available.
EQ Credit 4.2: Low-Emitting materials; Paints & Coatings 1 point
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
Paints and coatings used on the interior of the building (defines as inside of the weatherproofing system and applied on-site) shall comply with e the following criteria.
Note: for the purpose of this article we will discuss the wood coatings only!
Clear wood finishes, floor coatings, stains and shellacs applied to interior elements: Do not exceed the VOC (volatile organic compound) limits established in South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCQAMD) Rule 1113 Architectural Coatings, rule in effect on January 1, 2004.
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Clear wood finishes: varnish 350 g/l (grams per liter); lacquer 550 g/l
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Floor coatings: 100g/l
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Sealers: waterproofing sealers, 250 g/l; sanding sealers 275 g/l; all ofther sealers 200 g/l
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Shellacs: Clear 730 g/l; pigmented 550 g/l
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Stains: 250 g/l
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Specify low-VOC paints and coatings in construction documents, Ensure that VOC limits are clearly stated in each section of the specifications where paints and coatings are addressed. Track the VOC content of all interior paints and coatings during construction.
The Meat of the Matter
Buildings receive LEED certification, not the coatings!
According to the rule, the point for EQ 4.2 is given when the coatings applied “on-site” meet the criteria. Shop applied coatings will not help the Building receive the 1 point for EQ 4.2.
Millwork and Cabinet Makers are still being asked to comply with the rulings of this criteria however in this particular LEED for New Constructions there in shop finishing will not help gain the point for EQ 4.2.
What Coatings will comply?
Water based coatings are not the only option; there are many solvent based coatings that will comply for this criteria. Meeting the criteria of the clear coatings will be an increase in cost of the materials as the solvents used to lower the VOC’s are typically more expensive. Note that you must use a 275 g/l sealer, so self sealing remains a good option if you are using Lacquers or Pre-catalyzed lacquers. Conversion varnishes are a good option however the even lower voc content for these coatings makes them more expensive and potentially trickier to use.
Stains are another matter! The options of 250 g/l stains are a little slim. Water based stains are an option and coating manufacturers are developing low voc stains however the working characteristics may not be what you are used to.
LEED EQ 4.2 is not as difficult to comply with as it seems, the entire 78 pages of the LEED for New Construction & Major Renovations can appear daunting however the coating portion should be the least of your worries!
Tim Woolery Vice President
Marketing and Product Development
Gemini Coatings
Tim’s direct line is 405-345-2032
Email: timw@gemini-coatings.com