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Green Star FAQs


FAQ F-00175
Can I use theoretical calculations to demonstrate compliance with the Ultra-Low VOCs innovation?

Yes. Projects targeting the Exceeding Green Star Benchmarks for Indoor Pollutant innovation UItra-Low VOC Paints may use theoretical calculations to determine the grams of VOC per litre (g/L) in addition to the current methods of demonstrating that a paint, adhesive or sealant complies with this criterion. Total VOC (TVOC) values must reflect the final ready to use product, inclusive of tints (in the case of paints) and made in grams of VOC per litre (g/L) of ready to use product. All theoretical calculations should be provided by the supplier on company letterhead or on the official product datasheet.

Documentation Requirements:

Please provide the following in your submission;

  • Evidence that at least 95% of all internally applied paints, adhesives, sealants and carpets meet stipulated ‘Total VOC Limits’ and that one (1) point has been awarded for credit criterion 13.1 Paints, Adhesives, Sealants and Carpets.
  • Evidence that over 50% of paints (by volume) specified in the building have a maximum TVOC content of 5g/L.
  • All theoretical calculations on supplier letterhead or material safety data sheets, product safety data sheets, manufacturer's product specification sheets etc.
  • A copy of this FAQ.

For Note: Theoretical calculations are only applicable when calculating ultra-low VOCs. Projects must demonstrate compliance for criteria 13.1 Paints, Adhesives, Sealants and Carpets and 13.2 Engineered Wood Products as per the Submission Guidelines.





Rating Tools

This FAQ is related to the following Rating Tools, Categories or Credits:

  • Green Star - Design & As Built v1 / Indoor Environment Quality / 13.1 Indoor Pollutants - Paints, Adhesives, Sealants and Carpets
  • Green Star - Design & As Built v1 / Innovation
  • Green Star - Design & As Built v1.1 / Indoor Environment Quality / 13.1 Indoor Pollutants - Paints, Adhesives, Sealants and Carpets
  • Green Star - Design & As Built v1.1 / Innovation
  • Green Star - Design & As Built v1.2 / Indoor Environment Quality / 13.1 Indoor Pollutants - Paints, Adhesives, Sealants and Carpets
  • Green Star - Design & As Built v1.2 / Innovation
  • Green Star - Design & As Built v1.3 / Indoor Environment Quality / 13 Indoor Pollutants
  • Green Star - Design & As Built v1.3 / Innovation / 30.C.C Indoor Pollutants - Ultra Low VOC Paints
  • Green Star - Interiors v1 / Indoor Environment Quality / 12.1 Indoor Pollutants - Paints, adhesives, sealants and carpets
  • Green Star - Interiors v1 / Innovation
  • Green Star - Interiors v1.1 / Indoor Environment Quality / 12.1 Indoor Pollutants - Paints, adhesives, sealants and carpets
  • Green Star - Interiors v1.1 / Innovation
  • Green Star - Interiors v1.2 / Indoor Environment Quality / 12.1 Indoor Pollutants - Paints, adhesives, sealants and carpets
  • Green Star - Interiors v1.2 / Innovation
  • Green Star - Interiors v1.3 / Indoor Environment Quality / 12 Indoor Pollutants
  • Green Star - Interiors v1.3 / Innovation / 27.C.A Indoor Pollutants - Ultra Low VOC Paints
  • Green Star - Railway Stations v1 / Indoor Environment Quality / 13.1 Indoor Pollutants - Paints, Adhesives, Sealants and Carpets
  • Green Star - Railway Stations v1 / Innovation
  • Green Star - Railway Stations v1.1 / Indoor Environment Quality / 17 Indoor Pollutants
  • Green Star - Railway Stations v1.1 / Innovation


Disclaimer

These FAQs are:

  • provided as additional technical assistance for Green Star users.
  • optional and free to use on Green Star projects.

When used on Green Star projects, make sure to:
  • state the FAQ number on the Submission Template.
  • click on "Download" to save the FAQ.
  • include the PDF in the submission.

The GBCA reserves the right to add or remove FAQ at our discretion.





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