X12: Short Term Emission Control – Above Green

(3 points)

INTENT

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

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires testing and adherence to emission thresholds for newly applied adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings.

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 paints, coatings, adhesives, wallpaper, flooring and composite wood products, among others. Paints, sealants, adhesives and coatings tend to emit rapidly. The use of low-VOC products, particularly those that emit rapidly and tend to be replaced frequently, can help substantially improve indoor air quality.

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 Product Emissions: Adhesives, Sealants, Paints and Coatings (Max: 3 points)

Verified by Architect

For All Spaces

Newly applied adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings applied inside the building meet all VOC emission thresholds set by the following program, earning points based on the table below:

Percent Compliance by Volume	Points
50%	1
70%	2
90%	3

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

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

Part 2

Manage Product Content: Adhesives, Sealants, Paints and Coatings (Max: 2 points)

Verified by Architect

For All Spaces

Newly applied adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings applied inside the building meet VOC content thresholds of one of the following (as applicable) earning points based on the table below:

Percent Compliance by Cost	Points
75%	1
90%	2

California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2007, Suggested Control Measure (SCM) for Architectural Coatings.
Conduct testing of VOC content in accordance with ASTM D2369-10; ISO 11890, part 1; ASTM D6886-03; or ISO 11890-2, and meet thresholds of CARB 2007 or SCAQMD Rule 1113 June 3, 2011 or Rule 1168 amended October 6, 2017.

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