Strategies for boosting healthier indoor workspaces as a LEED Green Associate in the United States
In the pursuit of creating healthier and more sustainable workspaces, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification places a strong emphasis on indoor environmental quality (IEQ). This focus encourages the use of low-emitting materials in its certification process.
Companies like GMH Gruppe, a pioneer in Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) certified steel production, and NG Nordic, which produces a fully CO2-based biodegradable plastic called "Inga", align with LEED strategies. Sustainable wood materials and circular building materials, such as those offered by Bauer, also promote the use of modular construction with renewable resources like wood, aiming to reduce ecological footprints. Research projects even explore hybrid wood-basalt fiber composites, focusing on fire-resistant, low-emission building materials beneficial for interior applications.
However, it's essential to note that low-cost materials do not automatically guarantee improved indoor air quality or reduced emissions. Furthermore, high solar reflectance materials, typically used for exterior surfaces, do not have a direct impact on indoor air quality.
Specifying low-emitting materials is an effective approach for promoting a healthier indoor environment in an office using LEED strategies. These materials release minimal amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful substances into the air. VOCs can contribute to poor indoor air quality and may cause health issues such as headaches, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and even more severe problems after prolonged exposure.
By choosing materials with low VOC content or emissions, the concentration of VOC pollutants in the office environment can be significantly reduced. Projects can earn points under the "Low-Emitting Materials" credit by selecting products that meet stringent emissions criteria set by established standards such as CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 or AgBB-2010.
While salvaged materials, which help reduce waste and resource consumption, are beneficial for the environment, they do not necessarily have low-emitting properties. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the materials used in office retrofits to ensure a healthier and more sustainable workspace.
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