6.2: Source Control and Measurement of Indoor Pollutants

(35 maximum points possible)

6.2.1 Volatile Organic Compounds (17 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.1 - ANSI #11.2.1.1 Do adhesives and sealants (not including carpet adhesives) that are applied on site within, or part of, the building envelope’s continuous plane of air tightness comply with the following?

Assessment Guidance

Provide documentation indicating compliance with the VOC content requirements. Such documentation includes manufacturer declarations or a certification by a third party testing organization including, but not limited to, one of the following: 

• UL EcoLogo – UL Environment
  • UL 2762 Sustainability for Adhesives, 2011 
  • Green Seal GS-36 Adhesives for Commercial Use (July 12, 2013)

VOC emissions results are determined by either the California Department of Public Health’s Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers, Version 1.1, February 2010; or UL 2821 UL GREENGUARD Certification Program Method for Measuring and Evaluating Chemical Emissions from Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings, 2013.

Provide documentation indicating compliance with the VOC emission requirements as stated in the Standard Private Office Scenario in CDPH Standard Method V1.1 Tables 4.4 and 4.5 and Method V1.1, Table 4.1 does not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations or a certification by a certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17065:2012 and with relevant certification program in the scope of its accreditation. Certification programs include but are limited to, one of the following:

• UL GREENGUARD Gold– UL Environment
  • UL 2818 GREENGUARD Certification Program for Chemical Emissions for Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings, 2013
• FloorScore® Standard for flooring adhesives, 2015 
• Indoor Advantage Gold TM –SCS Global Services 
  • SCS - EC10.2 -2007, Environmental Certification Program—Indoor Air Quality Performance, May, 2007

References 

• UL 2762 Sustainability for Adhesives, 2011 
• UL 2821 GREENGUARD Certification Program Method for Measuring and Evaluating Chemical Emissions from Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings, 2013 
• South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)- Rule 1168

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.1.1 - ANSI #11.2.1.1 70% of products by volume comply with VOC emissions criteria

• Yes (2 points)
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.1.2 - ANSI #11.2.1.1 90% of products by volume comply with VOC content limit

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.2 - ANSI #11.2.1.2 Do paints and coatings applied on site within, or are a part of, the building’s continuous plane of air tightness comply with the following prescribed limits of VOC content limits?

Assessment Guidance

Provide documentation indicating compliance with the VOC content requirements. Such documentation includes manufacturer declarations or a certification by a third party testing organization including, but not limited to, one of the following: 

• UL EcoLogo 
  • UL 2760 Sustainability for Surface Coatings: Recycled Water-borne, 2011 
  • UL 2768 Standard for Sustainability for Architectural Surface Coatings, 2011 Green Seal 
    • Environmental Standard for Paints and Coatings, GS-11 (July 12, 2013)

VOC emissions results are determined by the California Department of Public Health’s Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers, Version 1.1, February 2010 ; or

UL 2821 GREENGUARD Certification Program Method for Measuring and Evaluating Chemical Emissions from Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings, 2013.

Provide documentation indicating compliance with the VOC emission requirements as stated in the Standard Private Office Scenario in CDPH Standard Method V1.1 Tables 4.4 and 4.5 and are compared to the maximum allowable concentrations in CDPH Standard Method V1.1, Table 4.1 does not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations or a certification by a certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17065:2012 and with relevant certification program in the scope of its accreditation. Certification programs include but not limited to, one of the following: 

• UL GREENGUARD Gold– UL Environment 
  • UL 2818 GREENGUARD Certification Program for Chemical Emissions for Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings, 2013 
• Indoor Advantage Gold TM –SCS Global Services

References 

• UL 2821 GREENGUARD Certification Program Method for Measuring and Evaluating Chemical Emissions from Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings, 2013 
• UL 2768 Standard for Sustainability for Architectural Surface Coatings, 2011
• UL 2760 Sustainability for Surface Coatings: Recycled Water-borne, 2011 
• California Air Resources Board Suggested Control Measure for Architectural Coatings (February 1, 2008)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.2.1 - ANSI #11.2.1.2 70% of products by volume comply with VOC emissions criteria

• Yes (2 points)
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.2.2 - ANSI #11.2.1.2 90% of products by volume comply with VOC content limits

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.3 - ANSI #11.2.1.3 Do 90% by area of the below interior products comply with prescribed limits of product VOC emissions AND/OR are certified?

Assessment Guidance

Provide documentation indicating compliance with the VOC emission requirements or a certification by a third party testing organization including, but not limited to, one of the following: 

• FloorScore (Resilient Flooring) – Resilient Floor Covering Institute 
  • SCS - EC10.2 -2007, Environmental Certification Program—Indoor Air Quality Performance. May, 2007 
• GREENGUARD Gold – UL Environment ◦ UL 2818, “GREENGUARD Certification Program for Chemical Emissions for Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings,” March 2013. 
• Indoor Advantage Gold TM –SCS Global Services
  • SCS - EC10.2 -2007, “Environmental Certification Program—Indoor Air Quality Performance”, May, 2007. 
  • CRI Green Label Plus – Carpet and Rug Institute: CRI Green Label Plus Carpet Program Test Criteria: http://www.carpet-rug.org/carpet-cushion-andadhesive.html (last accessed 7/14/17)

For products containing composite wood, provide copies of product labels, chain of custody records, or documentation demonstrating compliance with the CARB/ATCM formaldehyde regulation.

Note: Points are earned when 90% by area of products in the categories comply with VOC emissions criteria.

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.3.1 - ANSI #11.2.1.3 : Floors/floor coverings

• Yes (3 points)
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.3.2 - ANSI #11.2.1.3 : Ceiling systems

• Yes (3 points)
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.3.3 - ANSI #11.2.1.3 : Acoustical and thermal insulation

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.3.4 - ANSI #11.2.1.3 : Wall systems

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.4 - ANSI #11.2.1.4 Do furniture, casework, cabinets, workstations, and seating all comply with prescribed limits of VOC emissions AND/OR are certified?

Assessment Guidance

Note: certified means compliance with any of the certifications listed per Table 11.2.1.4: Furniture and Furnishings VOC Emissions.

Provide documentation indicating compliance with the VOC emission requirements or a certification by a third party testing organization including, but not limited to, one of the following: 

• GREENGUARD Gold – UL Environment – 7.6.1, 7.6.2, and 7.6.3 
  • UL 2818, GREENGUARD Certification Program for Chemical Emissions for Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings, 2013. 
• MAS Certified Green Furniture per ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011(R2016) 
• SCS Indoor Advantage per ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011(R2016)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.4.1 - ANSI #11.2.1.4 100% by cost of installed furniture products comply with ANSI/BIFMA e3 Section 7.6.1

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.4.2 - ANSI #11.2.1.4 90% by cost of installed furniture products comply with ANSI/BIFMA e3 Section 7.6.2

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.1.4.3 - ANSI #11.2.1.4 70% by cost of installed furniture products comply with ANSI/BIFMA e3 Section 7.6.3

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)

6.2.2 Pre-Occupancy Indoor Air Quality Testing (6 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.2 - ANSI #11.2.2 Two paths are available for assessing preoccupancy indoor air quality testing: 

• (#6.2.2.1) Path A: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Pre-Occupancy Testing: 6 points

OR 

• (#6.2.2.2) Path B: Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC): 3 points

Points cannot be combined between paths. Select one of the paths.

PATH A

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.2.1.1 - ANSI #11.2.2.1.1 Has the buildings indoor environments been tested and determined acceptable using the below methods? 

• U.S. EPA’s Compendium of Methods for the Determination of Toxic Organic Pollutants in Ambient Air 
• TO-1, TO-11, TO-17 
• ASTM D 5197-09e1 Standard Test Method for Determination of Formaldehyde and Other Carbonyl Compounds in Air (Active Sampler Methodology)
  • Yes (6 points)
  • No (0 points)

Assessment Guidance

The testing takes place after construction ends and prior to occupancy. The test protocols are in accordance with the following: 

• The VOC and Particulate Matter sampling and averaging times and measurement methods achieve the detection limits of the contaminant levels listed in Table 11.2.2.1.1 below; 
• HVAC systems are operated at the minimum design outdoor air ventilation rate during testing; 
• Air sampling and monitoring are at a height of 3-6 ft. (91-183 cm) from the floor and at least 3 ft. (0.9 m) away from walls and ventilation supply; 
• The test protocols are documented to show that appropriate sampling methods and times were used; and 
• The number of sampling locations are as follows for each portion of the building served by a separate ventilation system: 
  • At Least one per contiguous floor; and 
  • At Least one per 10,000 ft.2 (929 m2) of floor area.

The sampling points include areas presumed to have the greatest source strength with the least ventilation.

For any area that fails to meet the requirements, the individual chemical(s) in the highest concentrations that are leading to failure are to be reviewed and the problem remedied.

PATH B

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.2.2.1 - ANSI #11.2.2.2.1 Upon Substantial Completion, but prior to occupancy, has a TVOC indoor air sampling and laboratory analysis of collected samples been conducted?

• Yes (3 points)
• No (0 points)

Assessment Guidance

The TVOC indoor air sampling and laboratory analysis of collected samples is conducted as follows:

Sampling for TVOCs is conducted over a minimum four-hour period. All measurements are completed prior to occupancy, but during normal occupied hours, with the building ventilation starting at the normal daily start time and operated at the minimum outside air flow rate for the occupied mode throughout the duration of the testing.

Samples are taken using one of the following collection media: 

• Thermal desorption tubes.
• Canisters.

Laboratory analysis is conducted in accordance with the following:

• VOC Range (Carbon): C6 – C16. 
• Reference Compound: Toluene.

All interior finishes are in place at the time of testing. Non-fixed furnishings, such as workstations and partitions are encouraged, but not required to be installed at the time of testing;

Samples are collected for each portion of the building served by a separate air handling system. In each area served by a single air handler, samples are collected for each 25,000 ft. 2 (2,323 m2) of floor space, or each contiguous floor space, whichever is larger. Samples include areas presumed to have the least ventilation, and the strongest presumed source strength.

Samples are collected at 3-6 ft. (91-183 cm) above the finished floor.

There is no pass/fail criteria for conducting this test.

6.2.3 Carbon Monoxide Monitoring (1 point)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.3.1 - ANSI #11.2.3.1 Are carbon monoxide monitoring devices and alarms installed in enclosed areas where there are sources of combustion?

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)
• N/A

Assessment Guidance

Sources of combustion could include stoves, ovens, grills, clothes dryers, furnaces, boilers, water heaters, heaters and fireplaces.

Not applicable where there are no areas with combustion sources.

References 

• NFPA 720 2015, CSA 6.19, UL 2034 or similar standard for detector

6.2.4 Legionellosis Mitigation in the Building Water Systems (3 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.4.1 - ANSI #11.2.4.1 Does the building water systems conform with ASHRAE 188-2015, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems?

• Yes (3 points)
• No (0 points)

References 

• ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2015, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems

6.2.5 Pest and Contamination Control (2 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.5.1 - ANSI #11.2.5.1 Are the following integrated pest management strategies used? 

• Outdoor air inlets have insect screens of 18x14 mesh for plenum systems feeding multiple air handlers 
• Structural and mechanical openings are fitted with permanent protection (e.g. screens, sealants, etc.) 
• Advertising signs and other assemblies affixed to the building façade are designed and constructed in a way that reduces bird habitation, and penetrations in the façade are sealed to prevent entry 
• Mullions and ledges are less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) deep to discourage bird roosting
  • Yes (1 point)
  • No (0 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.5.2 - ANSI #11.2.5.2 Does the building have a sealed storage area for food/kitchen solid waste and recycling?

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)

6.2.6 Other Indoor Pollutants (Tobacco, Radon) (6 points)

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.6.1 - ANSI #11.2.6.1 Is there an occupancy policy prohibiting smoking and signage posted at every building entrance prohibiting smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes within 25 ft. (7.6 m) of the building?

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)

Assessment Guidance

Smoking is defined as the inhalation of smoke of burning tobacco, use of electronic cigarettes or other substances encased in items such as (but not limited to) cigarettes, pipes, and cigars for recreational or medical use.

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.6.2.1 - ANSI #11.2.6.2.1 Has a site-specified assessment of radon potential been conducted?

• Yes (2 points)
• No (0 points)

References 

• U.S. EPA document Radon Prevention in the Design and Construction of Schools and Other Large Buildings (EPA 625-R-92-016, June 1994).

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.6.2.2 - ANSI #11.2.6.2.2 If radon has been detected, has radon prevention and mitigation measures been implemented as indicated by the assessment?

• Yes (1 point)
• No (0 points)
• N/A

Assessment Guidance

Not applicable if no measures are indicated.

References 

• U.S. EPA document Radon Prevention in the Design and Construction of Schools and Other Large Buildings (EPA 625-R-92-016, June 1994).

GREEN GLOBES #6.2.6.3 - ANSI #11.2.6.3 Are spaces housing specialized activities that generate hazardous pollutants: 

• provided with separate ventilation AND/ OR exhaust systems? 
• physically isolated by doors and deck-to-deck partitions or hard lid ceilings?
  • Yes (2 points)
  • No (0 points)
  • N/A

Assessment Guidance

Exhaust systems must be capable of maintaining the space at a negative pressure of at least 5.0 Pascals (0.02 in. water gauge) on average relative to adjacent spaces (with doors closed) to prevent the spread of air-borne contaminants to other spaces.

Not applicable where there are no spaces housing specialized activities.

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