Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors, LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, LEED BD+C: Schools

Rating System Version

v3 - LEED 2009, v2 - Schools 2007, v2 - LEED 2.2, v2 - LEED 2.1, v2 - LEED 2.0

Inquiry

USGBC has previously stated that if a product is inside the exterior moisture protection, it is a controlled product (it must comply with the credit requirement). Our question concerns the adhesive used to adhere to the concrete the "stick pins" that hold up the insulation to the underside of the concrete slab that forms the garage ceiling. Technically, this area is inside the exterior moisture protection envelope, but garage is not a regularly occupied space, and the concrete slab provides an impenetrable barrier between the stick pins/adhesive and the occupied spaces above. The garage is below and adjacent to occupied space. At the adjacent condition, the garage is separated from the occupied space either by solid wall, intervening utility spaces or a vestibule. The garage has variable active ventilation by two exhaust shafts with fans that are controlled via CO2 detectors. These shafts are located in the southwest and northwest corners of the garage. Distribution fans are also located in opposite corners, etc to move air towards the exhaust fans. Fresh air is brought into the garage via numerous openings along the full length of the east wall and a centrally located fresh air shaft. The adhesive used for this purpose has a VOC content of 420 gm/L, and we have not been able to find an acceptable substitute with a VOC content within the maximum 250 g/L assigned to the "All Others" category of Table 1 of the LEED-NC version 2.1 Reference Guide. (No other category of Table 1 applies.) Given that the product will be used in a non-conditioned, non-regularly occupied space; that there is no acceptable alternative for this application; the presence of the impenetrable concrete stab, and the long duration between application and occupancy of this multi-story project, we request that this application/product be exempted from the requirements of EQ 4.1.