CHAPTER 9: INTERIOR FINISHES
CHAPTER 9:
impacts in as many as possible of the following areas, most of which are
described in LEED Version 2.0:
Recycled content materials, following EPA's Comprehensive Procure-
ment Guidelines (CPG) where possible.
Locally manufactured materials, where possible, including locally mined
or harvested raw materials and/or locally manufactured end products,
This chapter provides a consolidated discussion of the types
to reduce transportation impacts.
of finishes required in child care centers, establishes the
FSC-certified sustainably harvested wood for minimum 50% of all wood
baseline finishes, and discusses acceptable options.
materials, including temporary formwork as well as permanent building
components.
9.1 General Requirements
Rapidly renewable, bio-based materials (such as fiberboards made from
non-wood agricultural materials).
Flame spread ratings and smoke development requirements shall meet
Low-embodied energy materials.
the requirements of GSA's Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings
Materials whose components have zero ozone-depleting potential and
Service.
zero global warming potential.
Zero- or low-VOC adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings, CRI Green
Formaldehyde: Products should contain less than 0.05 parts per million
Label carpeting and formaldehyde-free composite wood or agrifiber prod-
(PPM) of formaldehyde, or have tested emission levels of formaldehyde
ucts, where applicable.
lower than 0.05 ppm. Any product purchased with formaldehyde levels
Low-maintenance materials, requiring minimal use of cleaning products
above 0.05 PPM must bear a label in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1048.
or equipment.
Provide chamber tests of materials to substantiate formaldehyde con-
Materials that are likely to have a long life expectancy in their application
in a child care facility.
tent. Give preference to products made with zero added formaldehyde.
Materials that can be recycled or are biodegradable after their useful
(See also Section 8.1.3.)
Sequence the installation of finishes in a manner consistent with EPA's
life.
protocol for Environmental Requirements, Baseline IAQ and Materials,
for the Research Triangle Park Campus, Section 01445. This will allow
Finishes should feel "home-like." For instance, small scale finish materials
adequate time in the construction schedule to ventilate gas-containing
such as bricks are typically preferable to large precast panels because the
materials prior to the installation of absorptive materials (carpet, acous-
brick's dimension is more congruent with the size of a child and his or her
tical tiles, upholstered furniture). In new centers, allow up to a month
home experience. Finishes should emphasize natural materials, which
between the installation of materials which need to off-gas and the oc-
harmonize a variety of textures, colors, and shapes.
cupancy of the center. Renovations should allow the maximum feasible
time to off gas, up to one month, but in no case less than one week.
All construction should be designed for safe use by children and should
Use mechanical means, if necessary, to ventilate the space once reno-
comply with the following criteria:
vation is complete. See Section 8.1.3 for additional restrictions on haz-
Rounded (bullnosed) outside corners (minimum radius 13 mm).
ardous chemicals. See Section 9.3.1 for restrictions on harmful ingredi-
Non-toxic finishes.
ents in paints. See Section 9.3.2 for indoor air quality requirements for
Finished hardwood is to have eased edges to reduce splinters.
carpet systems.
Slip-resistant floor coverings.
Sealed seams and joints for sanitary cleaning and reduction of tripping
Durability, maintenance requirements, life cycle costs, appropriateness,
hazards.
and aesthetics of materials must be considered when choosing finishes. In
No projecting connections.
addition, the selection must be environmentally sensitive, having reduced
Impervious finishes at wet areas.
PBS-140 - July 2003
9-1
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