X11: Long Term Emission Control

(3 points)

INTENT

Minimize the impact of slow-emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on indoor air quality.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires testing and adherence to emission thresholds for newly purchased furniture and furnishings, flooring and insulation.

ISSUE

VOCs and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) have a wide range of health effects, from nose, eye and throat irritation, headaches and nausea to liver, kidney and central nervous system damage. Some select VOCs and SVOCs are known or suspected carcinogens. While high levels of some VOCs are detectable by smell, others have no odor.

SOLUTIONS

Indoor sources of VOCs include materials and products such as interior furnishings, flooring, insulation, wallpaper and composite wood products, among others. Unlike paints, adhesives, sealants and coatings, VOCs in furniture, flooring and insulation emit over a longer period of time. The use of building materials and furnishings with low-VOC emissions can help substantially improve indoor air quality, particularly over an extended period of time.

IMPACT

Restriction of source VOCs in building materials and products can limit their presence in indoor air and dust and help to mitigate exposure risks and health hazards.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Manage Furniture and Furnishings Emissions (Max: 2 points)

Verified by Architect

For All Spaces

Newly installed furniture and furnishings meet VOC emission thresholds set by one of the following programs, earning points based on the table below:

Percent Compliance by Cost	Points
50%	1
90%	2

1. ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard sections 7.6.1 or 7.6.2, tested in accordance with ANSI/BIFMA Standard Method M7.1-2011 or any more recent version.

2. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v.1.1-2010 or any more recent version.

 

Note: Wherever procurement of a product or a material type is not possible, the project is permitted to submit documentation demonstrating an attempt has been made: for each listed product or material type applicable to the project, a petition or formal request is filed with at minimum three manufacturers who were unable to meet its needs.

ADDITIONAL POINT OPPORTUNITY
To earn an additional point for Commercial Core, projects must also comply with requirements in leased spaces.

Part 2

Manage Flooring and Insulation Emissions (1 point)

Verified by Architect

For All Spaces

All newly installed flooring and thermal and acoustic insulation (excluding duct and pipe insulation) inside the building meet the following VOC emission thresholds:

1. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v.1.1-2010 or any more recent version. 

Note: Wherever procurement of a product or a material type is not possible, the project is permitted to submit documentation demonstrating an attempt has been made: for each listed product or material type applicable to the project, a petition or formal request is filed with at minimum three manufacturers who were unable to meet its needs.

ADDITIONAL POINT OPPORTUNITY
To earn an additional point for Commercial Core, projects must also comply with requirements in leased spaces.

© International WELL Building Institute