855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 437

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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 ).

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.

ADHESIVES AND SEALANTS

Common adhesives and sealants used in construction are defined in SCAQMD Rule 1168 . 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. [134]

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 available, 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. Evaluate products holistically, like 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.

134 United States Environmental Protection Agency, (n.d.), Controlling Pollutants and Sources: Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools, 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 Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 427