This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.
   
  1. Air
  2. VOC reduction

VOC reduction

Features/Air/Feature 04

VOC reduction

Intent: 

To minimize the effect of VOCs in building materials on indoor air quality.

All equivalencies for this feature can be downloaded from this link: https://resources.wellcertified.com/tools/strategies-table
Post Date: 29 May, 2018
Status: Approved

NEN-EN-ISO 17895 has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04 Parts 1 and 2. Note that while NEN-EN-ISO 17895 is acceptable for determining VOC content, the products must adhere to the VOC limits set forth in CARB 2007, Suggested Control Measures (SCM) for Architectural Coatings, or South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113 and Rule 1168.
Post Date: 29 May, 2018
Status: Not Approved

Headspace GC/MS has not been accepted as an equivalent for the requirements of Feature 04 Part 4. The Headspace method does not test for all VOCs that are limited by CDPH v1.1 2010. Note that the Headspace GC/MS method does test for individual VOCs but does not test for as many VOCs as required by CDPH v1.1 2010, including formaldehyde.
Post Date: 18 May, 2018
Status: Not Approved

The IS:13745-1993 testing method has not been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 (or later) of Feature 04 Part 5 for projects in India. E1 class (EN 13986:2004) is an accepted alternative for the requirements of Feature 04 Part 5 for furniture substrates, although only for products aligned with protocols accepted under EN 13986:2004 for Europe.
Post Date: 26 Apr, 2018
Status: Approved

The Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) Floor Coverings issued July 2017 has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04, Part 3.
Post Date: 12 Apr, 2018
Status: Approved

Formaldehyde E1 class has been accepted as an alternative to the requirements of Feature 04, Part 5 for furniture substrates.
This Equivalency may only be used for projects in Europe.
Post Date: 03 Apr, 2018
Status: Approved

TÜV Rheinland LGA testing standard 2011 has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04, Part 5. Note that this equivalency may only be used for workstation cabinetry for projects in Europe and Asia.
Post Date: 03 Apr, 2018
Status: Approved

CertiPUR has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04, Part 5. Note this only applies to polyurethane foam used in bedding and upholstered furniture. This Equivalency does not cover any other furniture or furnishing components except for the polyurethane foam.
This Equivalency may only be used for projects in Europe.
Post Date: 26 Mar, 2018
Status: Not Approved

RAL-GZ-430 has not been accepted as an equivalent for the ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard sections 7.6.1 and 7.6.2, of Feature 04, Part 5.
Note that RAL-GZ-430 does not identify a comparable requirement for TVOC and 4-Phenylcyclohexene emissions for workstations and seating. Additionally, for cupboard furniture and upholstered furniture, the formaldehyde emissions threshold indicated in RAL-GZ-430 is significantly higher than that mandated by CDPH.
Post Date: 20 Mar, 2018
Status: Approved

Blue Angel (Blauer Engel) is approved as an acceptable equivalent to the requirements of Feature 04, Part 5 for Europe.
Post Date: 15 Mar, 2018
Status: Approved

European Union Paints Directive 2004/42/EC has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04, Part 1 for Europe. Please note that the European Union Paints Directive 2004/42/EC is the compliant performance standard for paints and varnishes listed within BREEAM UK New Construction: Hea 02 Indoor Air Quality.