LEED Low Emitting Materials
LEED 2009 Indoor Environmental Quality credit IEQ 4.4 - Low emitting materials (1 point)
Criteria:-
- Particleboard, OSB, MDF or any other wood based panel product can have no added urea formaldehyde resins.
- This is an all or nothing criteria.
Answer:-
- Before making a decision solely based on this criterion, the benefits of regionally sourced material, certified wood and recycled content should also be considered (see below).
- OSB and MDF produced by WPIF membership can meet this requirement.
- Seek manufacturer's declaration on adhesive type.
Note 1: In Europe the lowest formaldehyde emission class is E1. Compliance with E1 does not necessarily mean compliance with the LEED requirement, however E1 wood based panels are generally considered to contribute to indoor air quality at levels well below the WHO recommendations.
Note 2: no particleboards are available that will meet this requirement which are made by WPIF membership. However before deciding on an alternative product, this aspect should also be considered in tandem with the benefits of regionally sourced materials, certified wood and recycled content.
