855773520-LEED-v5-ID-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 274
Extracted Content
Adhesives and sealants Common adhesives and sealants used in construction are defined in SCAQMD Rule 1168 [83] . An adhesive is any substance used to bond one surface to another surface by attachment. A sealant is any material with adhesive properties that is designed to fill, seal, waterproof, or weatherproof gaps or joints between two surfaces. Note that sealers are different types of products and are to be categorized as coatings. Aerosol products are also included in this product category for LEED calculation purposes. [84]
Flooring In most buildings, the flooring category represents a significant source of indoor emissions due to the large amount of surface area covered in relation to the project. Consider reusing existing floors, where possible. When reuse is not an available option, solid wood floors, ceramic tiles, cork floors (especially pre-finished without a PVC/vinyl layer), linoleum sheet, and tile are likely to have compliant VOC emissions evaluations, as are many carpet and vinyl flooring products. Make efforts to evaluate products holistically, including, for instance, the presence of contaminants or additives like lead in recycled content products, additives included in sealants, and those used for the cleaning of flooring materials. Other concerns can relate to the project team’s environmental priorities, such as the lack of recovery and circularity options for vinyl products at end of life, or potential toxic emissions released during a product’s production. These additional multi-attribute considerations may not be addressed by product emissions criteria but are considered in the aligned MRc4: Building Product Selection and Procurement.
Walls In many buildings, the walls category represents a significant source of indoor emissions from products due to the large surface area. For instance, gypsum wallboard and doors often comprise the majority of surface area in this category. Look for compliant gypsum wallboards especially those made with natural gypsum or post-consumer recycled content. As it relates to the MRc5: Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion, consider how your project can separate unpainted gypsum wallboard cut-offs for manufacturer take-back and recycling.
Ceilings Like the walls category, the ceilings category is likely to be strongly influenced by surface area. See the walls category for notes on gypsum wallboard. Acoustical ceiling systems are also a popular material option and are likely to have compliant VOC emissions evaluation. Be sure to also include ceiling suspension grids/components, noting that powder-coated metal components are most likely to be compliant.
83 “Rule 1168 – Adhesive and Sealant Applications”, South Coast AQMD, accessed March 31, 2025, https://www.aqmd.gov/home/rules-compliance/compliance/vocs/adhesive-and-sealants. 84 “Controlling Pollutants and Sources: Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools”, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, accessed March 31, 2025,, https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/controlling-pollutants-and-sources-indoor-air-quality-design-tools- schools#WallsandCeilingMaterials.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 263