855773520-LEED-v5-ID-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 273
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Additionally, aiming for 100% compliance within a category, when possible, may simplify the process by eliminating the need to track individual units.
This credit will be documented by product category using the LEED materials calculator. Note that this calculator is combined with the MRc4: Building Product Selection & Procurement calculator . Teams are encouraged to combine submittal reviews and product vetting with the criteria found in both credits to maximize credit achievement and harmonize product selection, specification, and documentation processes.
Except for the overall product exclusions stated in the requirements, all permanently installed, nonstructural products–within and inclusive of the project’s air barrier membrane—are to be included in the calculation for the attempted categories. These products are expected to impact indoor air quality and are able to be tested in alignment with the low-emitting criteria. Products installed in parking garages and basements are to be included, as these spaces are occupied by people, even if intermittently.
Product categories which have no applicable products installed (i.e., those outside the project scope of work) are not eligible to attempt the category.
Paints and coatings This category applies to products covered in CSI Masterformat 09 90 00 Painting and Coating. Exterior painting, staining, and finish can be excluded. Exterior paint cannot be excluded from the calculation if used indoors. Aerosol products are included. Coatings also includes sealers, which are products applied to either block materials from penetrating into or leaching out of a substrate; to prevent subsequent coatings from being absorbed by the substrate; or to prevent harm to subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate (SCAQMD Rule 1113 [82] ).
VOCs in paints and coatings may be ingredients that are included to enhance product performance and shelf life, added by the contractor, or byproducts of the paint drying process. Water-based acrylic latex paints generally have lower VOCs than solvent-based paints. Lime and mineral silicate paints are most likely to be compliant with VOC limits. Paints that are advertised as antimicrobial, recycled, specialty paints (chalk, dry-erase, magnetic), and paints containing alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE) or PFAS may have compliant emissions evaluations, but introduce additional human and/or environmental hazards not addressed by this credit that the project team may wish to consider.
82 “Rule 1113: Architechtural Coatings”, South Coast AQMD, accessed March 31, 2025, https://www.aqmd.gov/home/rulescompliance/compliance/vocs/architectural-coatings.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 262