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855773520-LEED-v5-ID-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 277

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VOC Emissions Evaluation Criteria

CDPH Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers, v.1.2-2017 is also known as the emission testing method for California Specification 01350 [93], which is widely recognized as a leadership standard for its stringent scientific criteria and detailed specificity. It uses the chronic reference exposure levels established by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment [94], which include some of the most stringent criteria in use, although they do not account for health condition other than cancer.

Compliant products can come from qualified third-party product certifications or from a qualified independent laboratory. See USGBC resource for list of qualifying third-party certifications.

Qualifying independent laboratory reports may also demonstrate VOC emissions evaluation; however, because they are not third-party-verified, the project team must confirm all criteria are reported on the report, including:

  • A declaration that the product has been tested according to CDPH Standard Method v1.2-2017 and complies with the VOC limits in Table 4-1 of the method

  • The total VOC results at 14 days measured as specified in CDPH Standard Method v1.2-2017

  • The test date (less than three years from date of purchase)

  • The name of the laboratory that performed the evaluation and documentation (such as accreditation number or certificate with scope of accreditation) demonstrating the accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 for the test method

  • The modeling scenario used (must be a private office unless the product is installed in a classroom)

  • For wet-applied products, the amount of product applied in mass per surface area (during testing)

Inherently Nonemitting Criteria

Inherently nonemitting products are building materials that, owing to their composition or use in construction, do not emit VOCs and therefore do not require an emissions evaluation. Products that are inherently nonemitting include stone, ceramic, powder-coated metals, plated or anodized metal, and unfinished or untreated solid wood. For the purposes of this credit, untreated and unfinished solid wood (not engineered wood) can also be considered nonemitting

93 “CDPH Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers”, California Department of Public Health, accessed March 31, 2025, https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ccdphp/deodc/ehlb/iaq/cdph%20document%20library/cdphiaq_standardmethod_v1_2_2017_ada.pdf. 94 “Home page”, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, accessed March 31, 2025, https://oehha.ca.gov.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 266

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