Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Specific types of interior finishes such as paints and adhesives have been used in the building to reduce the levels of volatile organic compounds in the building. This ensures a higher level of indoor environmental quality, reducing harmful substances emitted by the interior finishes in the building.

Low VOCs refers to volatile organic compounds that are not harmful to the environment and humans.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gasses from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

In addition to adequate ventilation provided in the building, the paints, adhesives, sealants, carpets and other floor coverings which have been specified and used as part of the surface finishes adhere to maximum levels of VOC content, as recommended by international standards.

GREEN STAR CREDITS

IEQ-13 – Volatile Organic Compounds

The aim of this credit is to encourage and recognise specification of interior finishes that minimise the contribution and levels of volatile organic compounds in buildings.