855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 438

Extracted Content

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 most of the 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 a 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.

INSULATION

Insulation products with compliant testing typically include both natural and synthetic products. Products include:

  • Expanded cork

  • Blown-in wood fiber

  • Cellulose

  • Fiberglass or mineral wool

  • Hemp or wood fiber batts and boards

  • Unfaced fiberglass batts

  • Formaldehyde free mineral wool batts and boards

Plastics and foam insulation products can also meet the emission criteria. Even if products meet the emissions evaluation criteria, they may still include problematic ingredients like formaldehyde and fire retardants. Consider these when selecting products and seek synergies for product optimization with the MRc4: Building Product Selection and Procurement .

FURNITURE

The furniture category includes both systems furniture as well as ancillary furniture. Typically, the ability to find compliant furniture will be more available from systems furniture manufacturers, as opposed to free standing or custom furniture. A convenient way to find products with a furniture emissions evaluation is to search product databases that list qualified

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 428