The intent of this credit is to reduce the use of high Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) producing materials enhances indoor air quality and to provide an environment free of odorous, irritating, and/or harmful indoor air contaminants.

Requirements for Certification:

CREDIT 4.1 - Use low-VOC adhesives and sealants that comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #1168.

CREDIT 4.2 - Use low-VOC paints, finishes, sealers, stains, and coatings on the interior of the building that comply with the Green Seal Standard GS-11 & SCAQMD VOC limits.

CREDIT 4.3 - Use carpets and carpet cushions that comply with the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Plus program. All carpet adhesives must have no more than 50 g/L of VOCs.

CREDIT 4.4 - Use composite wood and agrifiber products on the interior of the building that contain no added urea-formaldehyde resins.

Successful Strategies:

• Include credit compliance language in each applicable specification section.
• The general contractor should review all relevant product submittals to confirm VOC level & added urea-formaldehyde free compliance before approving any submittals.
• Track, document, and maintain all product submittals throughout construction.

Helpful Hints:

1. In general, these credits require 100 percent compliance, this requires diligent monitoring during construction. However, an alternative compliance path is available, if necessary. A project can complete a "VOC Budget", if use of a minimal amount of a high-VOC product is unavoidable. This calculation procedure demonstrates the project's actual overall VOC level for paints and/or adhesives is less than the permissible total threshold for low-VOC products on the project. This may be necessary if the USGBC rules a paint or adhesive non-compliant during their preliminary review.
2. All scopes within the building must comply with low-VOC requirements.
3. Reference the Chronic Reference Exposure Levels as adopted by OEHHA for organic compounds.
4. Consider potential Innovation & Design (I&D) credits relating to low-emitting materials such as low-VOC interior furnishings (Green Guard Furniture) and exterior low-VOC paints and stains .

Historical Data (updated June 2006):

• 82% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved IEQc4.1 for LEED v2.1.
• 79% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved IEQc4.2 for LEED v2.1.
• 94% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved IEQc4.3 for LEED v2.1.
• 52% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved IEQc4.4 for LEED v2.1.

Additional EDR Resources

Case Studies: Teaming Up with Nature

Design Briefs: Indoor Air Quality

Design Guidelines: Commissioning Guidelines - Part II